A head shorter than his peers, Fallou Diop quickly vanishes into the crowd of jockeys preparing for early morning drills in the western Senegalese village of Niaga reut.rs/2OTrA5h 1/7 
When the racing begins, however, his crouched silhouette is far ahead of the field, aided by an effortless riding style. 'When I start riding I get a bit stressed, but after a moment, it's over,' Diop says 2/7
Diop is one of Senegal's most promising jockeys, having won the country's top racing prize when he was just 17.
He hopes to begin racing in France next year, realizing a dream coveted by some of Senegal's foremost riders 3/7
He hopes to begin racing in France next year, realizing a dream coveted by some of Senegal's foremost riders 3/7
Horses are an integral part of life in Senegal.
Horse-drawn buggies are ubiquitous across the country, and over the past 50 years competitive racing has developed into a national pastime 4/7
Horse-drawn buggies are ubiquitous across the country, and over the past 50 years competitive racing has developed into a national pastime 4/7
In villages like Niaga, where Diop lives, horse feed and supply shops line the main roads, and fields are dotted with men on horseback.
Depending on the number of horses in a race, Diop can earn up to $600 dollars per victory 5/7
Depending on the number of horses in a race, Diop can earn up to $600 dollars per victory 5/7
Diop's success is a source of pride for his father, who spent much of his life driving a horse and buggy around Niaga.
His older brother, who also hoped to be a jockey before a growth spurt got in the way, boasts of Diop's achievements to visitors 6/7
His older brother, who also hoped to be a jockey before a growth spurt got in the way, boasts of Diop's achievements to visitors 6/7
'At the time of the race, I'm only thinking of victory': Read more about the teenage Senegalese jockey racing to fame reut.rs/2OTrA5h by 📷 @bzohra and Ngouda Dione 7/7
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