How do I become a jockey?
I am 18 years old, 115 lbs and 5’3′. My weight can easily drop another 5-10 lbs because I easily stay at 115 right now while eating a tremendous amount everyday.
I live in Maryland, close to DC, so Pimlico and Laurel are the closest tracks to where I live.
I am passionate about horses and have ridden since I was 4 years old. I practically done every kind of riding (except anything racing-related) such as eventing, jumpers & hunters, dressage, endurance, fox-hunting, and some western. Many of the horses I have owned have been pretty jumpy and hot-blooded, including an arabian and a couple off-the-track Thoroughbreds. They have definitely taught me a good deal of riding experience!
I am a huge horse racing fan and having been to the tracks to watch the races and a little bit of betting for fun, I’ve always wanted to give the exercise-rider’s world a go. Perhaps later, once I’ve gotten some experience, try out a bit of the jockey’s profession. I am also interested because hopefully the experience I gain can help me when rating my horses out on the cross-country courses.
I know how difficult and dangerous this job is. The injuries can be fatal and the success is hard to come by. But I am mainly interested because of the passion for the sport and for the Thoroughbreds I have seen fly by so many times on the track.
And hence my question- anyone know how and where can I get started?!
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April 30th, 2011 at 9:53 am
There are several ways you can go about to obtain a jockey license, so I will try to give you a good idea of how to go about it.
This information has been approved by a jockey so I feel that it is very correct, and can pass this information along.
You must be at least sixteen-years-old. Knowing some important aspects of breeding, training and how horses run under certain conditions are always helpful.
Get to know as much about the horse racing industry as much as possible, such as being familiar with different hot walkers, trainers, grooms, etc. and what their jobs entail. You don’t have to know every detail, but just get a general idea so that it helps you get familiarized with the industry.
Weight is of monmouth importance. Ideal weight for a jockey is 115 pounds. And you have to maintain weight in order to meet weight requirements. You are always weighed before every race.
Many jockey’s start by mucking stalls, and working as hot walkers, grooming and exercising horses long before they ever get their jockey license. They get to know the profession and decide if this is the profession they really want to have.
There are jockey schools you can go to that train you from the ground up such as Frank Garza School in Southern California, or Chris McCarons school in Kentucky. Going to jockey is not required to get your license and if you can already ride and pass the test by the stewards, it is not necessary. You may be lucky enough to be able to learn to ride by working with others already riding as apprentices.
You start by riding schooling races. These are races that help you get familiarized with racing and track facilities and conditions and prepare you to become a jockey. Many times this is required before you can get your jockey license.
And you do have to have a license in order to become a jockey and most other positions affiliated with the racing industry. Most race tracks provide applications and the license is good for any race track within a given area.. Recommendation from a trainer to jockey school is a huge plus. As I previously stated, many jockeys have started out mucking stalls and work their way up.
As I stated, this information has been read by a licensed, trusted jockey, and has his approval. So when the trolls start giving me thumbs down, they are basically telling jockey’s that they don’t know what they are talking about. Seems that any first hand information given here bugs the trolls to no end. Best of Luck to you.
Source(s):
Lifelong horse racing enthusiast
April 30th, 2011 at 9:53 am
Well you have the right Idea about it but a move to the west might be your best "in". Many jockeys have started at smaller tracks and worked their way into riding. The west offers you a way to get the necessary experience riding. Begin working horses out and get to know the trainers. When they like what they see in you they give you a shot. You’ve absolutely got to be fit. Work out constantly. You should be incredibly ripped and your head clear. No drugs, no alcohol. Work, work work. and just when you feel you are ready keep working another five years on it. If you have the right stuff you’ll make it.
April 30th, 2011 at 9:53 am
This is very hard work, and it’s best that before you can start training to become a jockey you have to know a trainer who will guide you through the learning process until you are ready to apply for your jockey’s license. Most jockeys’ get their start by working as grooms and exercise riders. Some people who want to train to become a jockey but don’t have the right connections, enroll in a special school that trains jockeys.
As soon as possible you will want to be able to ride. Some jockey’s get their start by being the first person to mount a young Thoroughbred. This shows the trainer that you are secure in your riding abilities and not afraid to take a fall.
Before you can become a full fledged jockey you need to be prepared to spend lots of hours in the saddle schooling and exercising horses. You should use this time to learn how to work with a trainer (they aren’t always the easiest people to get along with), learn how to read horses, and learn as much about racing as possible. During this period of your training it is extremely important that you use this time to give owners and other trainers a favorable impression of your ability. These are the people who you will want to hire you once you get your racing license.
Once you have proven yourself to be a competent enough horse person, you will be able to graduate to riding in schooling races. These are normally small races that are run on the trainer’s home track, with horses that are preparing to start their racing career. Schooling races are designed to teach a young Thoroughbred about starting gates and running in a crowd. When you perform well enough in several schooling races you will be eligible to apply for your jockey’s license.
Once you get your jockey’s license you shouldn’t expect to be riding horses in the Kentucky Derby. Most trainers, including the one you have been interning with, already have a regular jockey. They don’t like to change unless there is a problem. Your best bet to become a jockey is to continue to school and exercise horses for the trainer so you will be readily available if something happens to their regular jockey and they need an emergency replacement.
Also, keep in mind – The best jockeys are men and women who are determined, possess a great deal of courage, think coolly under pressure and have a high tolerance for pain. The best jockey’s in the world are incredible equestrians. Being light weight isn’t the only physical requirement to be a successful jockey; you also have to possess an amazing amount of upper body strength.
Note : Height is not a factor, but weight is..your weight now is fine…
Good Luck!