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Step 1
There is absolutely no way a person can walk into a racetrack barn and talk a trainer into letting them ride their valuable Thoroughbreds. Before you can start training to become a jockey you have to know a trainer who will guide you through the learning process until you are ready to apply for your jockey’s license. Most jockeys’ get their start by working as grooms and exercise riders. Some people who want to train to become a jockey but don’t have the right connections, enroll in a special school that trains jockeys.
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Step 2
As soon as possible you will want to be able to ride. Some jockey’s get their start by being the first person to mount a young Thoroughbred. This shows the trainer that you are secure in your riding abilities and not afraid to take a fall.
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Step 3
Before you can become a full fledged jockey you need to be prepared to spend lots of hours in the saddle schooling and exercising horses. You should use this time to learn how to work with a trainer (they aren’t always the easiest people to get along with), learn how to read horses, and learn as much about racing as possible. During this period of your training it is extremely important that you use this time to give owners and other trainers a favorable impression of your ability. These are the people who you will want to hire you once you get your racing license.
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Step 4
Once you have proven yourself to be a competent enough horseperson, you will be able to graduate to riding in schooling races. These are normally small races that are run on the trainer’s home track, with horses that are preparing to start their racing career. Schooling races are designed to teach a young Thoroughbred about starting gates and running in a crowd. When you perform well enough in several schooling races you will be eligible to apply for your jockey’s license.
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Step 5
Once you get your jockey’s license you shouldn’t expect to be riding horses in the Kentucky Derby and being invited to dinner at the White House. Most trainers, including the one you have been interning with, already have a regular jockey. They don’t like to change unless there is a problem. Your best bet to become a jockey is to continue to school and exercise horses for the trainer so you will be readily available if something happens to their regular jockey and they need an emergency replacement.
