How do I become a horse jockey?

How to become a horse jockey?

  • okay, first off, i don't know what to do! i want to become a horse jockey, it's something i've always wanted to do but i don't have the experience or the money to start. i'm 18 and about 5' exactly and fit (used to be a cheerleader) my only problem is, i don't know where or how to begin!! and.. i have no support from my parents, financially or mentally on this, (my dreams are unrealistic, but it's not stopping me) i'm currently jobless, and on top of it, i'm living with a friend at the moment. AND i'm attempting to go to college to become a vet tech, but the entire program isn't for me. i'm going to school to be something i know i'm not going to be happy with.. and i want to change that. i just want to go to a school where i can live in, work and make money in and most importantly learn in!! any ideas? i'm very desperate and would love any advice on this! thank you!

  • Answer:

    This is what you need to do, and it has been jockey approved.Here is everything you need to know to become a jockey and what they get paid. Good luck to you.You need to be at least sixteen years of age.The first thing you need to know is as much about horses as possible. Know breeding aspects, training, how horses run under what conditions.Get to know the industry, trainers, hot walkers, grooms, etc. Get to know other jockeys an get tips on how they got their start.Watch your weight. In most countries a jockey can never weigh more than 115 pounds. You have to maintain weight in order to meet weight requirements..Most jockeys start by working in other aspects of the training process. They hot walk horses (cool them down after training) grooming and participate in exercising duties long before they actually become a jockey. They get to know the profession and decide if this is the career they want to have.You need to go to Jockey School such as Frank Garza Jockey School in Southern California. There are also jockey schools like Chris McCarons in Kentucky..Going to jockey school is not required, but if you are not Grandfathered into it, it is a big plus. If you can already ride and can pass the test by the stewards, it is not necessary. You start by running schooling races. These are races that help you get familiarized with racing and track facilities, and prepare you to become a jockey. Often this is required before you can obtain a jockey license.You must have a license in order to be a jockey. Most racetracks provide applications and the license is good for any racetrack within a given area. Recommendation from a trainer to jockey school is a huge plus. Jockeys are paid on a per mount (race) basis. The fees are between $30 per mount and $100 per mount depending on the purse structure at each particular track. Those are the fees jockeys receive if they do not finish first, second or third. The jockey of the winning horse receives an amount equal to 10% of the winning owner' s share of the total purse. (The winning owner in most states receives 60% of the total purse.) The second place jockey receives 5% of the owner' s share of the second place purse money. (The second place owner receives 20% of the total purse in most states.) The third place jockey receives 5% of the owner' s share of the third place purse money. (The third place owner receives 15% of the total purse in most states.) The most successful jockeys can earn over a million dollars a year. The least successful will make less the $20,000 per year. The record for purse earnings in one year by a jockey is $23,354,960.00* set by Jerry Bailey in 2003. *These are the earnings of the horses, not the jockey. As a rule of thumb, a jockey' s real earnings are approximately 7% of the horses' earnings. TOP Lifelong horse racing enthusiast

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You need to be an experienced rider who is serious and committed, also 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. The basics requirements are about the same around the world. Much luck to you ! :)

Sandra S.

first of all, go to British racing school (brs) or Northern racing college (NRC) go onto the websites. At Brs (newmarket) they offer a 9 week foundation course which is for 16-22 year olds, it teaches you everything and the best thing is you can be a complete beginner and its FREE! i went to this i would defently recomend it. After this course you can go onto the jockey courses and work your way up. You need to be under 9st7, fitt (i wasnt fit until i trainer there so dont worry to much) and really want to work in racing. NRC (doncaster) offers the same but its 12 weeks not 9. and they charge you £300 unless your parents earn under 23k a year (might be diffrent now) go onto the website and it tell you everything what you do etc and the best thing it gaurentee's you a job afterwards. i had no support in this as its a "dangerous job" so my mum and dad disowned me, i didnt care it was my life and i lived it how i wanted! good luck!

Jockeychazz♄

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