Hold Your Horses

Hold Your Horses is a rare and enigmatic electro-mechanical pinball machine that has managed to evade documentation in the annals of pinball history. Its origins remain shrouded in mystery, with no discernible manufacturer or designer credited for its creation. Despite this, the machine's unique features and gameplay mechanics make it an intriguing addition to any serious collector's or enthusiast's collection.

One of the most striking aspects of Hold Your Horses is its unorthodox pricing structure: 5 balls can be played for a mere 5 cents, thanks to a clever multiple-coin mechanism. This setup was likely designed to cater to players who wanted to test their skills without committing to a full game at a higher cost. The machine's gameplay is characterized by four passive bumpers and an array of 31 trap holes, which would have posed a formidable challenge for players seeking to navigate the playing field.

The Hold Your Horses' theme, centered around horse racing, is another notable aspect of its design. While not as elaborate as some of its contemporaries, the artwork and color scheme evoke a sense of classic Americana, perfectly capturing the spirit of vintage pinball machines from this era. As one of the few remaining EM games with a sports theme, Hold Your Horses offers a unique glimpse into the early days of pinball's competitive landscape – a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of its unknown creators.