Career As a Jockey

The jockey profession is extremely dangerous.

The career of a jockey is not for everyone. Aside from physical limitations, jockeys also must genuinely care about horses and willingly put themselves in harm's way on a daily basis. The career of a jockey is extremely dangerous. Jockeys are vulnerable to broken bones, paralysis and even death. A lot more goes into being a jockey than the short two-minute ride around the horse track.

Becoming a Jockey

Aside from physical characteristics and age, there are no real prerequisites for becoming a jockey. Most jockeys are between 4 feet 10 inches and 5 feet 6 inches tall and weigh 108 to 118 lbs. To race competitively, a jockey must be at least age 16 and have a racing license. In some areas of the world, such as Spain, jockeys can begin as early as 14 years old. Many young jockeys attend professional riding schools, such as the British Racing School. These schools offer training programs that teach beginners and intermediate riders about a career as a jockey.

Fitness and Height

Although many 16-year-olds can meet the weight restrictions, maintaining that weight may prove difficult. Naturally, the majority of people in the world outgrow the standard weight and height of a jockey. Even jockeys who mature at a typical jockey height and weight, must work hard to keep fit. Rigorous diet and exercise is required by a jockey to sustain a weight of 108 to 118 lbs. On race day, a jockey is weighed with his equipment. The total must not exceed a race's posted limit.

Employment

Jockeys cannot own the horses they race, due to horse racing regulations. As a result, all jockeys remain independent contractors who are employed to ride race horses by owners and trainers. Over the course of a career, a jockey might ride hundreds of horses for several different owners and trainers. In fact, a jockey frequently rides multiple horses for different owners in the same day.

Earnings

Although big race winners, such as the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes winners, take home large cash prizes, most jockeys earn a relatively modest wage. Jockeys receive an upfront mounting fee to ride a horse in a race. In general, that fee ranges from $35 to $100 in 2010. Should the jockey win the race, he earns a predetermined percentage of the overall purse. Often, jockeys compete in three or four races per day during racing season.

Dangers

Insurance for a jockey consistently ranks as one of the highest premiums for any career choice. Each year, horse racing accidents result in concussions, broken bones, trampling, paralysis and even death for jockeys. According to the Jockeys' Guild, a professional jockey organization, approximately 2,500 injury notifications are filed each year. That equates to approximately three injuries per year for any given jockey.

References

• Animal Planet: Jockeys
• Jockeys Room: How Do I Become A Jockey?
• The British Racing School: Nine Week Course