Horse racing jockeys question?

Question

Why do jockeys have the stirrups so high and why do they practically stand up in the stirrups while racing? Does this actually help the horse go faster? Is it just an english riding thing? What is the practical reason behind it? I would think a person's seat would be more precarious in this position.

Answer 1

It sort of helps the horse run at its optimal speed, and it's done all around the world, not just in English-speaking countries.  The main reason for it is more than likely to reduce drag, but moreso because with the jockeys generally small in size and short in height, such a position pretty much helps them get an optimal view of what's in front of them, and when needed, get the most out of their horses.  The seat is there for before and after the race, and it's generally light in weight by itself; and horsemen can just add dead weights on each side of the saddle so that the horse carries its assigned weight for the race.

Answer 2

Basically when a horse gallops or jumps it's centre of gravity (which is normally under the saddle) shifts forwards to the shoulders.  So to stay in balance with the horse the rider must sit over the new centre of gravity.  Have you ever tried to sit up straight on a galloping or jumping horse?!  It is next to impossible.

It is far easier to balance yourself over the new centre of gravity if you have shorter stirrups as you can stand up easier.  This is why when jumping (showjumping, eventing, etc) you will always see the rider with shorter stirrups (though not as short as a jockey) and they also lean forward as the horse takes off.

Standing up in the stirrups also taks the weight off the horse's back - it's hard to run fast when you have a sack of potatoes bouncing around on your back!