How to Be a Jockey

Become a jockey.

A jockey is paid to ride horses in races. Typically, these professionals are very small, which helps the horse move quicker. Jockeys must have a high-level of knowledge about horse breeding, feeding and work routines. Before becoming a jockey, you'll need to get on-the-job experience working for a trainer and through a formal jockey schooling program.

Instructions

1. Meet the minimum requirements. Weight requirements are often stringent, and jockeys are often no more than 115 pounds. Although there isn't a specific height requirement, jockeys are not tall.

2. Enroll in a jockey school. The British Racing School and the Northern Racing College in the UK are accredited jockey schools that will teach you about the industry and offer hands-on experience. The University of Arizona offers a Race Track Industry program where you can earn a management degree, take specific courses or attend symposiums with racing-industry specialists.

3. Gain job-related experience. Jockeys can gain experience by working for a horse trainer. Trainers often hire help to cool down horses after exercising and to groom horses. You can also network for jockey-related jobs through professional organizations such as the Professional Jockeys Association and the Jockeys' Guild.

4. Earn a jockey's license. Each racetrack has different requirements for earning a jockey's license. At a minimum, you'll need to have experience exercising racehorses and participating in schooling races, which are practice races for new jockeys. This is a requirement in the United States and abroad.

Tips & Warnings

• Before granting licensure, the track may require fingerprinting. A criminal background check may also be performed.

References

• Jockeys' Guild
• Professional Jockeys Association

Resources

• British Racing School
• Northern Racing College
• University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program