Horse Racing...?

Question

Is it hard being a Jockey?

I want to become one, and I have been riding for 5 years.

Answer 1

I agree with these answers but would like to add to them.  First of all you will keep your weight at 110- 112 AFTER you complete your time as an apprentice.  Trainers will get 5lbs off to use an inexperienced jockey(apprentice) so you will have to be around 105-7 lbs.  Secondly, these are much different then trail horses.  Next, I know many jockeys and most do not have the luxury of eating what they want.  If they do eat what they want, it usually comes up in the toilet a few minutes later.  I don't know but 5 total jockeys that do not have to heave up their food!  I have worked on 10 different tracks and know many riders.   Lastly, I want you to think hard about this one.  Jocks make good money at bigger tracks, but it is hard to make it big.  There are too many wannabe jocks out there.   So think about this, even if you do make it, why would you want to do something so dangerous that an ambulance follows you around EVERY TIME you 'go to work'?  Good luck

Answer 2

Yes it hard to become a jockey.  First off you must weigh around 112lbs. and be physically fit.  Like the first poster said there is a big difference in riding a horse for pleasure or what not and riding a race horse.  Just because you have been riding for 5 years doesn't mean you are ready to get a jockey's license.  The best advise I can give you is to either look into attending a jockey school.  Former jockeys Chris McCarron and Frank Garza each have their own jockey school and learn from someone who has been there and done it.  Or go to your local race track and look for a job.  You might have to start out at the bottom as a groom or hot walker and work your way up.  But once you get your foot in the door most trainers are willing to teach hired stable hands.  Most every jockey I work with started out as a groom or hot walker and worked their way up to being an exercise rider  and then on to becoming a jockey.

Answer 3

There is a big difference between riding around on a horse getting your jollies off and riding in a RACE.  If you are really serious, the GO TO A TRACK during an off day and TALK TO THE JOCKEYS...

Gee... what a concept... actually doing something for yourself that you have to leave the computer to do so you can actually TALK to someone, face to face.

Answer 4

Best way to start out is if there is a track near you people hire riders to come every day and exercise/ride there horses around the track that is the best way to start it doesn't pay much but gives you lots of experience.Like anything else a person does you need to go where there are people race.Good Luck

Answer 5

http://www.ehow.com/how_10990_become-joc...

http://www.thejockey.com/beajockey.htm