Being a jockey is a physically demanding, yet rewarding career. Those who choose to pursue it should understand the hard work, dedication, and commitment required to succeed. It’s important to remember that becoming a jockey can be a long and difficult journey. It requires intense physical training, knowledge of horse racing, and the ability to communicate effectively with your horse. Additionally, aspiring jockeys must meet stringent height and weight regulations, as well as obtain a racing license. This post will provide guidance to those who are interested in becoming a jockey by offering concrete steps to take to make the journey successful. With the right attitude and dedication, anyone can become a successful jockey.
- Learn to ride horses. …
- Do research. …
- Start a career in the equestrian field. …
- Attend jockey school. …
- Complete an apprenticeship. …
- Compete in schooling races. …
- Earn your journeyman jockey license. …
- Hire an agent.
Jockey duties
Among the many facets of the sport that jockeys manage and can influence performance on race day are:
What is a jockey?
A jockey is a professional athlete who rides racehorses. Some jockeys may be employed by specific horse owners while others may work for themselves and ride horses on a freelance basis. A jockey is typically more in demand the better their track record. Certain racing disciplines, such as thoroughbred or quarter horse racing, allow jockeys to specialize.
Jockey skills and requirements
To carry out their duties, jockeys need a broad understanding of horse anatomy, breeding, training, performance, and grooming. Working in stables, practicing on particular horses, and working with trainers are some ways they can develop these abilities. Additionally, jockeys need to be physically fit, athletic, and agile to control horses at high speeds. They may also have other advantageous traits like a sense of balance, a competitive spirit, and the capacity to remain composed under pressure.
Jockeys also need to meet specific physical requirements to compete. Racing authorities only permit the horses to carry a certain amount of weight during competitive horse races, typically between 118 and 122 pounds. This restriction applies to the jockey’s weight as well as the weight of any other race-related gear, such as a saddle. Most jockeys weigh between 100 and 118 pounds, and to maintain a desired weight, they follow strict dietary and exercise regimens. Although there are no minimum height requirements to become a jockey, most stand between 4-foot-10 and 5-foot-6 in order to help them reach their weight objectives.
Jockey work environment
Depending on their position or area of expertise in racing, jockeys may work in a variety of environments. In addition to completing other aspects of their training, apprentice jockeys may reside at or close to the stables and work as grooms, cleaning out stalls and grooming horses.
On race days, more experienced jockeys might put in extended hours to get the horses and themselves ready. They may work between 45 and 50 hours per week. Based on skills, winning history, and name recognition, some jockeys can compete in up to 1,000 races annually. Jockeys may participate in three races per day on average during the winter. During the summer’s peak season, they might compete in up to 12 races per day.
Races can be held on indoor tracks in addition to the traditional outdoor venues. Rain, wind, mud, or varying temperatures may be factors on race day when performing outdoor work. For added strength and endurance, jockeys can work out in the gym or outside.
Because racehorses can run at speeds of up to 55 mph while competing, you must move quickly. Being a jockey carries some risk of injury if you fall from your horse, similar to other athletic positions, though it is uncommon with proper training and control.
How to become a jockey
Follow these steps to learn how to become a jockey:
1. Learn to ride horses
You can start a career as a jockey by becoming a horse rider as soon as possible. If you have prior horseback riding experience from your youth, you can expand on that understanding. Take lessons or look for recreational riding camps or classes if you don’t have any prior riding experience so that you can learn how to mount a horse, find your balance, and gain control. By doing this, you can determine whether working with and riding horses is a viable career option for you.
2. Do research
One of a jockey’s daily tasks is watching replays of previous races and their rivals to gain knowledge of techniques they can use on the racetrack. To learn more about the position, you can also watch some video. Before beginning a career, you can start learning the form and style required to compete by watching videos or live races and jockey interviews.
3. Start a career in the equestrian field
Starting your career as a stablehand or groomer in a stable is an option. You could also decide to work at racetracks as a “hot walker,” or the person who takes a horse out for a walk after a race to let it cool off before cleaning it and putting it back in its stall. You can network with others in the horse racing industry by working in the field while developing the necessary skills to become a jockey.
4. Attend jockey school
Formal schooling is not required to become a jockey. However, you could choose to apply to the North American Racing Academy in Kentucky, which is the only jockey college program in the nation, if you’d like to take classes in horse care, nutrition, fitness, and technology. With a two-year degree, students can acquire the knowledge and abilities necessary to apply for the journeymen jockey license. The school limits new students to 12 per year. If you decide to enroll, you must possess a high school diploma or GED as well as previous riding and horse-training experience.
5. Complete an apprenticeship
Complete an apprenticeship with a professional jockey to become familiar with racing regulations and safety. Apprenticeships help you get ready for schooling races and may enable you to fulfill any additional requirements your state may have for jockey license applications, such as working a specific number of hours in a stable or passing a written test. To begin a jockey apprenticeship, you must be at least 16 years old, though your state may have different minimum age requirements. Apprenticeships can take up to four years to complete.
6. Compete in schooling races
Schooling races are formal training races sponsored by racetracks. These activities instruct brand-new jockeys on how to enter the race and control their horses. Before you can obtain your competitive racing license, your state might require that you compete in a predetermined number of schooling races. However, you might need to have your journeyman jockey license before participating at some racetracks. To obtain the most accurate information, check your state’s laws and regulations.
7. Earn your journeyman jockey license
You can apply for a competitive racing license once you have finished your education or apprenticeship program and met the requirements of your state. You can race professionally with this license, which grants you the title of journeyman jockey.
8. Hire an agent
Making connections with horse owners and trainers or discovering job opportunities may be facilitated by hiring an agent. Additionally, agents may assist you in negotiating better pay with owners or longer-term contracts.
9. Join the Jockeys Guild
The Jockeys Guild is a union for licensed journeyman jockeys. They engage in collective bargaining on behalf of their members, offer disability and life insurance, and promote secure working conditions. Annual dues and mounting fees are paid by members for each horse they ride.
What it takes to be a jockey
FAQ
What is jockey salary?
Horse jockeys in the US make between $10,049 and $271,427 per year, with a median wage of $48,880. The middle 57% of Horse Jockeys makes between $48,882 and $123,036, with the top 86% making $271,427
How hard is it to be a jockey?
First and foremost, earning a living as a jockey is not simple. Physically, emotionally, mentally, and even nutritionally, life is difficult and demanding. There are no guarantees, no off-seasons, and as one achieves more success and notoriety, the competition becomes more fierce. As difficult as it is to get there, maintaining success is even more difficult.
What is the height and weight limit for a jockey?
According to Bustle, the jockeys should ultimately not weigh more than 119 pounds. Although there is no height restriction, due to the weight restriction most jockeys tend to be between 4-foot-10 and 5-foot-6 in height.
