How to Get a Jockey Apprenticeship

A jockey apprenticeship is usually fairly informal. Because of the demands of the sport, up-and-comers don't follow typical routes to success, and jockey apprenticeships reflect that. Strictly speaking, an apprentice jockey is one who has had a license for 1 year or less. You can get a jockey apprenticeship by devoting yourself to the art of horse racing and making the most of your opportunities as they arise.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Solicit a trainer or owner for work at a training facility. Most jockeys start out working other jobs in the stables before they move up. A recommendation from a horse owner or official trainer is usually required to land a position there.
2. Work at "walking hot"--helping a horse to cool down after his training day has ended. This is the lowest position in the informal hierarchy of an apprenticeship and the place where many jockeys begin their training.
3. Step up to a position as a groom. Grooms helps clean the horses' manes and coats, and keep them looking their best before race time.
4. Begin formally exercising the horse. Once you have spent some time as a groom, you may be asked to help with exercising duties. This includes both ponying the racehorse (leading him by the halter while mounted upon another horse) and actually riding him during his run-throughs in preparation for a race.
5. Enroll in schooling races, which are informal competitions teaching young jockeys specific aspects of racing (such as emerging from the gate and running amid a group of other horses). These races can also help you hone your technique until it meets professional standards.
6. Obtain your license. All horse jockeys need a license in order to race competitively. Once you have an apprentice jockey's license for a year, you become a journeyman jockey. License applications can be found at most racetracks, and a license is valid at any other racetrack within a given geographical area.

Tips & Warnings

• Jockeys must always watch their weight. In most areas, a jockey can't weigh more than 115 pounds. Make sure your frame is light enough to keep the weight down if you want to get a jockey apprenticeship.
• Health is a big concern for jockeys. Some develop eating disorders as they try to stay thin. While you must stay light to get work as a jockey, don't let worries over your weight drive you to unhealthy habits.