My son wants to be a race horse jockey?

Question

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get started. What path should he take to accomplish this goal?

Answer 1

learn how to ride a horse and stop growing as jockeys have to be short.

Answer 2

Well first off there is no height limit but there is a weight limit.  The maximum a jockey can weigh is 115lbs.  They must also be physically fit and be able to pass a physical.  

There are two ways to get started. One being to attend a jockey school.  There two in the US.  One is the North American Racing Academy taught by retired jockey Chris McCarron and the other one is the Frank Garza Jockey School taught by retired jockey Frank Garza.  

The other way to get started is to do what a lot of jockeys do. Go to work for a trainer starting out as a groom or hot walker and work your way up to becoming an exercise rider and then a jockey.

Answer 3

Generally jockeys have to be of small build and low weight -around 53 kg or 116 lbs. which is the weight of most jockeys like Seb Sanders and Anton Marcus although when jockeys first start out they are a few kilos lighter.Most jockeys follow a strict diet i.e.no high calorie foods,high fibre foods and eat the bare minimum to keep them going.Oh and no meals before races :)As for the becoming part I don't know lol