Steeplechasing is a form of horse racing that is run at distances between two and four miles where horses are also required to jump over fences placed along the course. In the past these fences would often be natural brush and timber fences. Today, most races use the plastic “National Fence” introduced in 1973, while a handful of races still use timber fences. Hurdle races, those that use the National Fence, occur at distances between two and three miles. Timber races at run at distances between three and four miles.

All steeplechase horses are thoroughbreds. In order to compete in a steeplechase, a horse’s owners must submit the horses paperwork from The Jockey Club proving their thoroughbred bloodline. They are frequently older horses who have completed a career racing on the flat and have transitioned to racing over jumps. Horses can begin racing in steeplechases at the age of four, and many continue to race until they are teenagers before they retire. After they retire many ‘chasers go on to have fun careers serving as fox hunters, show-jumpers, dressage horses, and more.

Steeplechase jockeys come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Most all of them got their start riding in pony races and fox hunting as children, or working with horses. They often start out galloping and exercising horses for trainers before making the transition to jockey. Contrary to popular belief, most steeplechase jockeys are not exceptionally small people. Because steeplechase weights are higher than flat weights, it allows for bigger jockeys. Men and women can be jockeys, and both sexes compete in the same races on an even playing field.

Steeplechase races are most commonly held on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. Although they have historically been held as far West as California. In the 20th century major tracks like Saratoga, Belmont Park, Pimlico, Aqueduct, and others frequently carded jump races. Today, steeplechasing has largely returned to its roots of smaller meets in rural environments. These meets can be found in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.

Steeplechasing has its origins in the sport of foxhunting. The first recorded steeplechase occurred in County Cork Ireland in 1752 between two Irish hunters. The match race occurred over four miles of the Irish countryside, with the two racers jumping any obstacles they came across. The finish line was the most prominent feature in the countryside: a nearby church steeple. Thus giving birth to the name steeplechase. The sport quickly spread to Britain and then to mainland Europe before coming to the Americas.