Interested in Becoming a Professional Jockey? Here is how to do It

A career as a professional jockey would be a dream come true for the typical horse fan.  Can you imagine the thrill of outracing the pack, crossing the finish line and being showered with praise?  Life does not get much better than that for horse enthusiasts.  The question is how, exactly, to go about pursuing a career as a professional jockey.  Though making a living as a horse jockey might seem like a pipe dream, it is possible if you have the will.  As is often said, if there is a will, there is a way. Team owner Richard Schibell shares some key info below.

Becoming a Professional Jockey in the United States

It is a bit more challenging to carve out a successful career as a professional jockey in the United States as our country has merely one professional jockey school.  This institution is the North American Racing Academy.  Though working as a professional jockey will prove expensive, competitive and challenging in just about every regard, success is possible with the right work ethic, talent and determination.  Above all, you must maintain a positive attitude.

Enroll in the North American Racing Academy and you will learn the rules and techniques of professional racing in addition to horse care, nutrition and fitness.  This Academy even touches on the technology used in horse training and racing.  Unfortunately, there are only so many seats available at this institution so there is no guarantee of admission.  The application process for admission is extremely lengthy, challenging and hyper-competitive.  A mere 12 horse riders are admitted to the Academy each year.  However, there is another path to becoming a jockey: riding at a young age.  Those introduced to horses and horse racing in their youth are provided with early informal training for working as a jockey or in another role in the equestrian industry.

Educational Requirements

Some of the best jockeys in the world were introduced to horses at an early age.  Ideally, prospective jockeys will learn the basics of horse riding in their youth.  Ask elite jockeys about their background and you will find most were interested in horse racing as a child, tween and teen.  Plenty of these jockeys learned horse riding techniques at a young age.  Once the age of 16 is reached, the jockey-in-training can either join a trainer or attend an apprentice school.  This is also the legal age at which one can begin riding in competitive races.

Apprentice jockeys regularly ride at least 20 barrier trial races prior to being allowed to ride in formal races.  Once the 4-year apprenticeship is complete, the apprentice will qualify as a senior jockey, creating opportunities to establish relationships with horse trainers as well as horses.  In some cases, horse owners pay senior jockeys to ensure they will specifically ride his or her horses.

The Physical Requirements to Become a Professional Jockey

Professional jockeys must meet specific physical criteria to be truly competitive.  The best jockeys are short, slight in stature and weigh very little.  The weight criteria for the best riders hinges on the type of racing he or she would like to pursue, be it jumps or flat racing.  In the United States, flat racing jockeys typically weigh about 110 pounds.  Those who participate in jumps typically weigh around 135 pounds.  Those who weigh more might find it difficult to find work.  In the United States, weight requirements are usually about three-quarters of a pound lighter than those in Australia or Europe.  In order to remain light, jockeys must abide by a strict diet and exercise, especially during racing season.  The challenge extends beyond maintaining a reasonable level of weight.  Though jockeys are extremely skinny, they still must be able to control massive horses traveling at 40 miles per hour.

What About Height?

Weight is much more important than height for horse jockeys.  However, height often dictates weight so taller jockeys might find it difficult to make weight for races.  In general, horse jockeys tend to be 5’3” to 5’5” in height.  This is not to say taller jockeys will prove unsuccessful as some of the industry’s best riders were between 5’7” and 5’10”.

Both Men and Women can be Professional Jockeys

Working as a professional jockey is certainly demanding yet there is no reason why women cannot compete.  Do not let the fact that men have dominated this industry stop you from pursuing a career as a professional jockey!  A considerable number of women have obtained work as horse jockeys since the 1990s.  The North American Racing Academy has reported higher female freshman class enrollment figures for several years.  However, merely 16 percent of all licensed jockeys in the nation are women.  Of the top 100 jockeys, merely two are female.

Life as a Professional Jockey

Working as a jockey is certainly challenging yet it is also quite rewarding.  Jockeys typically ride three unique races per day during the off season.  In the summer, a normal day might consist of a dozen races per day.  The typical jockey works 40-50 hours per week yet once you account for the time it takes to care for horses and muck out their stalls, the work week has the potential to reach 60+ hours.  The average jockey’s day begins around five in the morning.  Most jockeys hit the hay around 11 PM.

In terms of compensation, jockeys are classified as self-employed.  These professionals are nominated by horse trainers to compete in specific races.  The jockey’s riding fee must be paid even if the jockey does not win, place or show.  If the jockey finishes “in the money”, he or she will receive a specific percentage of purse winnings.

Richard Schibell has been breeding thoroughbred horses and racing them for well over 35 years. Stay up to date with our content by following the blog at Richardschibellracing.com!

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