How can I become a Horse Jockey?

Question

How can I become a Horse Jockey?

Answer 1

Well hopefully you are young, fit and short!  Most jockeys start out working as stable lads in racing stables from the age of about 16.  It takes years to hone your skills and learn to race ride.

I'm not sure about the situation in the US, but over here in GB there are two racing schools that all jockeys must pass through before they are allowed to race ride: the British Racing School in Newmarket and the Northern Racing College in Doncaster.

Answer 2

Best option is to get a job in a racing stables and progress from there to "riding out" and then racing

Answer 3

The best way is to start working at a racing stable start out at bottom level hot walker or groom and work your way up to exercise rider then jockey.  That's how about every jockey and retired jockey turned trainer that I know got their start.  The people in the horse racing industry take care of each other kind of like family anything you want to do you can learn but you got to get to know the people working in the industry to get them to teach you and help you when it comes time to take the test.  To become a licensed jockey you must pass a riding test before the track stewards and must pass a physical.