What must all horses do during the post parade?

During the post parade, all horses must parade and carry their weight from the paddock to the starting gate. This is a crucial part of the racing event, as it allows each horse to become accustomed to the surroundings and gives the jockey an opportunity to assess their mounts' behavior and physical condition. The post parade serves multiple purposes; it not only showcases each horse to the audience and the public but also helps in warming them up before the race. By walking to the starting gate, the horses also have a chance to calm their nerves and focus, which is important for their performance. The act of parading emphasizes the importance of preparation in horse racing, underlining the significance of the post parade in the overall process of a race day.