Ponies soothe the spirits of Melbourne Cup Hopefuls

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By Andrew Thompson, ABC Rural, 2009

Superstitions and good luck charms are a big part of horse racing culture.

Racing enthusiasts will often wear an item of clothing that is deemed "lucky" or carry a good luck charm to calm their pre-race nerves.

But punters are not the only ones who suffer from pre-race jitters, horses get them too.

Horse trainer Kerry Edward has found that companion ponies are the best way of soothing her racehorses anxiety levels.

"It's funny, they just get a bond and it is like a security blanket."

Ms Edward explained the companion ponies keep the racehorses settled before a race, which stops them from expending energy that should be saved up for the competition.

"If the horse is agitated and upset prior to being saddled and going out to race, often they won't race as well."

"The theory is the calmer you can keep your horse and the more relaxed the horse is, the more their mind will be on their job when they go out to race."

"If you have a horse that can't stand in the stalls, is really agitated and stirred up, he is using a lot of excessive energy and... when you need it on the track at the end of the race, he might be found wanting."

In the case of her five year old racehorse Run Roxy Run, who'll be competing in the Melbourne Cup Carnival today, a little pony called Milo will be there to provide some comfort.