I want to be a jockey, ive ridden horses for quite some time now and i jump them too. I know abought tje weight and you have to be a light person. I can check that off my list (97lbs naturally) what about education? Training? Age, how old do you have to be to start training?? Where can i find a trainer? Anything and everything between the lines.
My dad thinks im being to rediculus and that i would never make it as a jocky or professional artist (plan B) i have a 94%avg. In art class aha
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Im Thinking Of Being A Jockey? Are My Goals To Unrealistic?
Posted on November 20, 2012.
No, your goal is not unrealistic. You have to be 16 to be licensed as a jockey, and you ought to have finished high school. You can train one of two ways. First, you can get a job with a trainer at a race track or training facility. You will start at the bottom as a hot walker. You’d be walking horses after exercise to cool them down and you’d be doing menial work around the barn. Let it be known that you are interested in eventually becoming a jockey. If you do well and are trustworthy and helpful, someone may eventually train you to gallop horses. Once you learn to be a good exercise rider, you can think about taking out a jockey’s license. (You would need your own helmet, goggles, boots, safety vest, etc. before anyone will let you on a horse.)
Check your state laws for specific licensing requirements.
The other path is formal training. There are three jockey schools in North America. These are the Frank Garza School in southern California, the North American Racing Academy (NARA) in Kentucky, and Olds College in Alberta, Canada. NARA is affiliated with the KY community and technical college system. It is operated by Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron. I beleive the Frank Garza school is independent.
Do be realistic about what being a jockey entails. It is hard, hard work. You have to be extremely fit. You have to be fearless. You also have to be able to manage your own life–jockeys are independent contractors, so you need to be able to deal with such things as budgeting, taxes, insurance, and paying your agent and valet. Although top jockeys can make hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars a year, the vast majority live on far, far less. Jockeys get a mount fee for each horse, or 10% of the horse’s winnings if thehorse finishes in the money. Most jockeys supplement their incomes by galloping horses in the mornings. Often it pays better than actually riding in races.
For more information, type “how do I become a jockey” into the Y!A search feature, and you’ll get many good answers.
Laura is correct no goal is unrealistic.. You should always pursue your dreams / goals. after all they are yours..keeping in mind you need to be serious and committed, behavior and attitude count as much as riding skills to succeed as a jockey. Also, becoming a jockey it’s necessary to know a lot more about horses than just riding. A jockey needs to understand horses, including factors such as their feeding, nature, health and breeding. Jockey schools, such as the North American Racing Academy, usually require students to spend time on horse care, feeding, grooming and exercising. Jockeys need passion and persistence for the job. A good place to start, a jockey school, otherwise, the only alternative is if you know any trainers that will help you, or call your local area race tracks/stables for work that may be available, for you need to start somewhere. I’ll go over everything, some I’m sure you know about. The fact is, Jockeys are highly trained professionals who are contracted by licensed trainers to ride their horses at public race meetings. Here are some general facts about jockeys and their height and weight limitations, licensing, and horse ownership: All jockeys must have a riding license in the state in which they compete. A jockey must be at least 16 years old before he or she is eligible for a jockey’s license. Jockeys own and are responsible for their own riding equipment, including saddles, pants, crops, helmets and boots, etc. As a rule, jockeys cannot own the horses they ride. Jockeys are independent contractors who are employed by owners and/or trainers to ride their horses. In turn, the owners and/or trainers hire jockeys through the jockeys’ agents. Jockeys are not subject to height limits only weight limits. A rider can be of any height if he or she still can make the assigned weight, but it is generally limited to fairly short individuals because of the limits on a person’s body. The average jockey has a light but athletic build, and body weight is anywhere between 108 to 118 pounds. The weight assigned for the Kentucky Derby is 126 pounds (including jockey’s body weight and equipment). Jockeys typically range from about 4’10” to 5’6″ in height. Also, At age 16, potential jockeys are eligible to begin an apprenticeship.
The basic job comprises mounting the racehorse in the saddling padlock, following racing instructions of the trainer, and returning the horse to the unsaddling enclosure once the race is over. Jockeys are also responsible for maintaining all riding equipment, including helmets, saddles, boots, whips, elastic girths, goggles, and riding pants.
Horse racing is considered an exhilarating and glamorous sport, but jockeys need to put in a lot of hard work and planning in order to become successful. They need to be well aware of the abilities of the horses they ride. After a race is over, jockeys also need to interact with the trainers and give them information and input regarding the horse’s performance.
Regarding Education and Training Requirements:
No specific academic qualifications are required in order to become a jockey. However, an apprenticeship under a professional is essential. This training is available to candidates over 18 years of age, and it helps a jockey understand horses and their nature, breathing, feeding, and breeding patterns; shoeing; and work routine. It is also a good idea to take on the entry-level responsibility of walking horses, cooling them down after workouts, and exercising them.
Important to Exercise -Squats incorporated with weights is great for legs and the lower body for strength and building. For upper body, push up and pull ups are great, also incorporate weights in your routine…upper body strength is very important for us ladies, for this is what most female Jockeys lack..I wish you much luck ~ stay safe. 🙂