Jockey on a Horse 1820 - 1900

This pen and ink drawing shows a jockey on horseback, its creator remains unknown. The image brings to mind both the spectacle and the labor of horse racing, a sport deeply entwined with class, race, and power dynamics. Horse racing has historically been a site where the elite flaunt their wealth. Less visible are the contributions and experiences of the working class individuals who care for the horses and work at the tracks. The role of Black jockeys is an important part of horse racing history that is often overlooked. Before the Civil War, enslaved African Americans were integral to the sport. After emancipation, Black jockeys dominated American horse racing for decades. Despite their skill and success, they faced increasing discrimination and were eventually excluded from the sport due to racial prejudice. This anonymous drawing exists as a testament to the complex social fabric woven into the seemingly simple image of a jockey on a horse. It encourages us to consider the stories of those whose labor and talent have been historically marginalized.