Jockey Info Anybody?

Question

I am 16 years old and I have always had a passion for horses. Recently I have been thinking about what I want to do as a career in my future. And I have come up with an anwer...I want to be a Jockey! =D I know that to become a Jockey you have to have to be a certian weight and be a certain age, ect. I currently live in Arizona, So I would like to know the following things please =D

1) What Jockey Training Schools are in the US?

2) What is the weight limit for my age (16/Female)

3) What would be the correct way to pursue this passion of mine? (Like what obstaceles so I have to overcome?)

Answer 1

www.frankgrazajockeyschool.com

95lbs-105lbs....for a apprentice rider.

if that is your dream go for it......if you live in so. cal

you can ride for my stable......

Answer 2

There is only one formal jockey training school in the U.S. It is the North American Riding Academy, run by retired Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron, in Lexington, Ky.  See the Web site for lots of excellent information: http://nara.kctcs.edu/

I don't know the exact weight limit for your age, but you absolutely can't weigh more than 115 pounds. You'd probably have to weigh much less than that, more like 105 pounds, and you'd have to be strong. (The weight issue is often a big problem for jockeys.) As far as I know, you have to be 18 to be a jockey.

As for the right way to pursue this career, learn to ride well and then go to jockey school. Spend a lot of time around horses so you can understand them.

If you can't go to jockey school, start at the bottom: Is there a racetrack near you? See if you can get a job as a "hot walker," walking the horses after their workouts or races, or taking care of them as a groom at a farm. (You might have trouble getting this work until you are 18.) You might eventually work your way up to becoming an exercise rider, IF you impress a trainer and gain his or her trust by your dependability, work ethic and skill in handling and understanding horses. This is a big IF; horses are expensive, and trainers aren't going to trust their horses with just anyone. You'll need to prove your responsibility and skill. You'll have to work your way up this way, and it won't happen overnight.

And, as you are still a minor, talk to your parents A LOT about your goal, and your plan for reaching it (and make sure you finish high school, in case your plans don't work out).

Good luck!

Answer 3

Being a jockey is not all glamor,it is very hard work.They make it look easy because they are professionals.Most of all you need to be focused on a career. Devote yourself to it fully and if you have the talent,you may make a living. It is not an easy job and unless you are really good you may go a long time with no pay check.You live in Arizona so try calling Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders Assn. Get a list of horse farms in the area  call for a summer job. Take your mom and dad with you. Your weight should not be more than 100 or so but  don't think you can starve yourself to stay thin. You need to be an athlete and healthy.There will always be risk of injury.This kind of race riding is not for the faint heart. Try to get the Racing Almanac /Throughbred Times it has a good overview of racing and professional associations pertaining to the racing industry it cost about $25.and will give you much info . rules etc.on the sport. Chris McCarron would be learning from the best.Good luck.