Three horses set off through the gate on a race as a crown cheers

One to Make Ready

One to make ready,
And two to prepare;
Good luck to the rider,
And away goes the mare.

Listen as male British:

Listen as female American:

Visited 7 times, 1 visit(s) today

Posted in All Rhymes, Animals, Counting & Learning, Play & Action, Travel & Places

Tagged competition, good luck, mare, preparation, races, rider

0 Comments

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Meaning

This traditional rhyme is associated with starting races and riding games. It gives a playful, step-by-step lead-in to action: “one to make ready” (get set), “two to prepare” (final preparations), followed by the start (“here goes the rider, and away goes the mare”). The rhyme was historically recited to cue riders or racers to begin.

Origin

Versions of “One to Make Ready” and similar starter rhymes date back to at least the mid-1800s in England and can be found in collections like James Orchard Halliwell’s nursery rhyme anthologies. It has since become closely linked with the more widely known “One for the Money” rhyme.

Time Period

The earliest printed versions appeared in 19th-century English nursery rhyme books, though the formulaic counting and starting sequence is older and found in oral folk traditions.

Why It Became Popular

Its utility for initiating races and games made it a favorite among children. The rhyme’s rhythmic cadence and practical application have kept it current for generations, often serving as an introduction to group activities or competitions.

Structure and Style

Meter: Simple iambs and anapests, clear and easy to chant
Rhyme Scheme: AABB
Line Count: 4
Style Notes: Instructional, rhythmic, focused on action

Themes

Preparation and readiness
Games and racing
Instruction and anticipation
Tradition

Language Notes

Words like “make ready” and “prepare” reflect older English phrasing for getting set before a task or journey. The phrase “away goes the mare” evokes imagery of traditional horseback riding and country life.

Moral or Lesson

The rhyme encourages readiness, clear preparation, and fair starts—teaching group cooperation and anticipation in a fun way.

Historical or Cultural Notes

This rhyme is often cited alongside or blended with “One for the Money” (“One for the money, two for the show, three to make ready, and four to go”). Both persist in English-speaking children’s lore and popular music, embedding the rhythm of games in everyday language.

Notable Variants

Early forms included “Good luck to the rider, and away goes the mare.” Other versions blend it into the more modern “One for the money” starter.

Appearances in Media or Literature

Examples appear in 19th-century nursery rhyme collections, children’s games, and folk memory. It also lives on in pop culture through its association with the “One for the Money” rhyme in songs and race-start rituals.

Suggested Activities

Group Game: Use the rhyme to start running, bike, or toy horse races.
Drama Play: Act out the rider and mare going through race preparations.
Rhythm Exercise: Chant with musical accompaniment, clapping, or drumming.
Creative Writing: Invent new starter rhymes for different kinds of activities.

Would love your thoughts, please comment.x

()

| Reply

One to Make Ready

About Classic Rhymes

Quick Links / Explore Rhymes

Connect / Stay Updated

Information / Legal

One to Make Ready

Related Entries

There Was a Monkey5 (1)

For Want of a Nail5 (1)

About Classic Rhymes

Quick Links / Explore Rhymes

Connect / Stay Updated

Information / Legal

There Was a Monkey
5 (1)

For Want of a Nail
5 (1)