A Race Day Favorite for Kids at Montpelier
The second event on race day morning at the Montpelier Races is the Stick Horse Races. No need for a fancy thoroughbred or even a scruffy pony—just a trusty stick horse will do! Post time is 11:15 AM, and kids up to age 12 can compete in their respective age groups.
The Stick Horse Races are run by the Great Equestrian 4-H Club as both a fundraiser and a fun-raiser. Club members craft stick horses which are offered for sale to help raise funds for their mission. In the morning, they take entries and orchestrate the races right under the Race Tower near the finish line! With thrills, a few spills, and plenty of speed, the competitors put on an exciting show. Parents eagerly jostle for the perfect camera angle, and a great time is had by all!
The Miller School of Albemarle is a long-time sponsor of the Stick Horse Races. As a co-educational school nestled in the heart of horse country, the sponsorship is a natural fit. The school offers equestrian sports as part of its athletic program, and its 1,600-acre campus provides ample space for riding and even welcomes local fox hunts.
Participating in the Stick Horse Races could be the start of an alternative equestrian career… Hobby Horse riding, a fast-growing sport among pre-teens and adolescents, features competitions on-foot that mimic mounted events. These competitions are springing up all over the world. Horses are expensive and not accessible to everyone, but Hobby Horses offer a fun and affordable way for children to learn about horse management and competition. To learn more about Hobby Horse riding, visit US Hobby Horse Association.
As Cameron, the organizer of the Stick Horse Races, explains: "Race day is a fun fall classic where families and friends come together at the Montpelier Hunt Races. The Stick Horse Race is a beloved activity for the kids, and it's a great fundraiser for our 4-H Club. We usually have 90 to 100 kids participating each year in three age groups: 5 and under, 6-8, and 9-12 years old. It's exciting to see kids reusing stick horses we've made in the past, year after year."
4-H stands for Head, Heart, Health, and Hands, and for the members of the Great Equestrian 4-H Club, it’s about supporting the community and working together. Cameron notes, "Our 4-H members love being a part of this event, and we hope to continue the tradition for many years to come. It's not just about the races; it's about connecting with people and inspiring other kids to get involved in 4-H."
