The role of a jockey in thoroughbred horse racing is both difficult and dangerous. It requires long hours of preparation and a healthy and rigorous lifestyle, not to mention a keen understanding of horses and how to both encourage and soothe them. The profession is one of the most dangerous in the sporting industry, often resulting in 2,500 reported injuries a year and the highest insurance rates. On average, a jockey suffers three injuries each year that sidelines him. However, for those that love horses and the thrill of the chase, these risks are worth it. Read on to see if you have what it takes to ride with the stallions.

• Are you a thrill seeker that enjoys riding horses? Do you love the speed and agility of a thoroughbred as it trains for the triple crown? Does the sound of pounding hooves ignite your spirit, causing your heartbeat to quicken and your adrenaline to soar? If so, you may be just the sort of person that would thrive as a jockey. Read on to learn more about how to become a jockey.

• The first step for any aspiring jockey is to learn all you can about horses. This means hands-on knowledge as well as reading about them. Get to know their:

• 1. Origins
  2. Feeding patterns
  3. Work routines
  4. Nature
  5. Breathing patterns
  6. Breeding patterns
  7. Gait - learn to analyze it

Horse and jockey go down (Creative Commons photo by Kthypryn)

• Meeting physical requirements can be difficult, and not everyone has the jockey's frame, so try not to be disappointed if you are too tall and heavy to become a jockey. You must:

• 1. Be at least 16-years-old
  2. Weigh less than 110 pounds. As an apprentice jockey there is a 10 pound weight allowance until you have won five races, then it becomes five pounds. This means you can weigh 115-120 pounds starting out.
  3. Have a small stature. Though there is no set height limit, most jockeys are very short.
  4. Lay off the calories, or you are apt to gain weight and not be qualified for your respective races
  5. Stay in shape. Being a jockey is a dangerous profession, and although accidents happen, the more physically fit you are, the better.

• Gaining experience is key. Not only will it make you a better rider, but it will also help you form racing contacts. By exhibiting a friendly attitude alongside your talent and work ethic, you are likely to go much farther than someone that does not show initiative. Once you have reached racing age you should:

• 1. Become a stable hand - they help exercise the horses, feed, water and groom the horses and sweep the yard
  2. Assist a trainer
  3. Build relationships - meet, talk to and volunteer as much as possible with owners and trainers

• Once you have reached the age of 16 and feel like you have gained enough experience to move forward, start trying to get some riding time at the barn you are working at. Ask the trainers or owners for a chance to ride. Ideally, this will lead to an apprenticeship, but if it does not, continue to make contacts until someone gives you a chance. You will also want to inquire about obtaining a racing license at this time. Each state is different, but all of them require you be 16 and obtain a license. Once you have, focus on your apprenticeship. As an apprentice you will:

• 1. Participate in races
  2. Be given a five pound weight allowance
  3. Be able to start earning money. Many apprentices make a significant amount during their apprentice year, often seeing a drastic decline once they advance because of the five pound weigh difference

Going for the win (Creative Commons photo by Banamine)

• After you have won the required amount of races, you will be promoted to a journeyman jockey. You may:

• 1. Obtain an agent
  2. Get hired by owners or trainers to mount their horses
  3. Plan racing strategies with the owner and trainer
  4. Ride and exercise your horse daily
  5. Continue racing

• Being a jockey is an exciting and lucrative career for those that have what it takes both mentally and physically. However, with the excitement there also comes danger. Jockeys often experience bone fractures, concussions, getting trampled and even paralysis, making their profession one of the most risky in all of sports.

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• Introduction
• Step 1: Get to Know Horses
• Step 2: Meet the Physical Requirements
• Step 3: Gain Experience
• Step 4: Obtain a License and Apprenticeship
• Step 5: Start Racing
• Conclusion