Equestrian Excellence: Launching a Career as a Professional Jockey
What is a Jockey?
A jockey is a professional horse rider who competes in horse races, including flat racing, steeplechase, and harness racing. More than just a rider, a jockey is an exceptional athlete that plays a pivotal role in leading a horse to victory. Their work also includes consuming a strict dietary and exercising regime to maintain a competitive weight and stay incredibly fit. It is a highly demanding job requiring personal sacrifice, a fierce commitment, and a profound understanding of equine behavior.
The Path to Becoming a Jockey
Embarking on the journey to becoming a professional jockey typically begins at a young age. An aspiring jockey must exhibit a passion for horses, horse riding, and the competitive spirit of racing. Many future jockeys start riding as a hobby before deciding to turn their joy into a challenging and rewarding career path.
The first significant step towards becoming a jockey involves formal training at a renowned racing school. Authorized racing schools offer intensive courses that combine theoretical instruction covering topics like race rules, horse care, and dieting, along with hands-on riding practice. The British Racing School and Northern Racing College in the UK, the North American Racing Academy in the U.S., and École des Courses Hippiques AFASEC in France are well-respected institutions offering such training.
Completing these programs, which can last for several months, is invaluable for honing skills and gaining practical experience. Most graduates then undergo an apprenticeship with a licensed trainer, gaining more hands-on experience and building contacts within the racing community.
Obtaining a Jockey License
To officially start a career as a jockey, acquiring a professional jockey's license is crucial. The requirements for obtaining a jockey license vary between different countries and states but usually involve a combination of written tests and practical riding evaluation. The licensing bodies also consider the rider's physical fitness, riding experience, and age when granting a license. Most licensing bodies require jockeys to be at least 16 years old, but this can vary.
The Life of a Jockey
The path doesn't get smoother once one becomes a jockey. The demands of the job are intense and require a high level of commitment and discipline. A traditional day in the life of a jockey often involves early morning workouts with the horses, followed by regular exercise to maintain their weight and fitness. Both mental and physical health are critical for a jockey, so diet and psychology play a significant role in their lives.
As a jockey, one could be riding in multiple races per day, traveling extensively, and spending days and sometimes weeks away from home. The job also carries a certain level of risk, considering that horse racing is a high-speed sport involving animals that can sometimes be unpredictable. Hence, protective gear and a deep respect for horse behavior are essential.
Salary and Earning Potential
A jockey's earning is significantly dependent on their success on the racetrack. A typical professional jockey earns a retainer fee for keeping themselves available to ride horses for particular owners or trainers, along with riding fees charged for each race they compete in. A substantial part of a jockey's income, however, comes from prize money - a specific percentage of the winnings if the horse they ride is victorious, or finishes in one of the leading positions.
In the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for a jockey in 2019 was about $53,080. However, top-ranking jockeys can earn massive sums—millions of dollars per year—thanks to their cut from the big prize money pots offered in premier races.
How to Apply for a Job as a Jockey
To apply for a jockey job, one should start by searching for horse trainers looking for jockeys. This could be through networking in racing schools, race tracks, or horse training centers, or by online advertisements on job portals such as Indeed, Glassdoor, or specialized equestrian job sites like YardandGroom.
Once you have found potential employers, the traditional application process involving a resume and cover letter applies here as well. Highlight your relevant horse riding skills, experience, and certifications. Remember to mention any races you've participated in or riding accolades you've earned.
Launching a Fulfilling Career in the Stirrups
Becoming a jockey is undoubtedly a demanding and challenging process, requiring passion for horse racing, hard work, and dedication. However, for those with a love of horses and a thrill for speed and competition, it can be a truly fulfilling career offering adrenaline, fame, and financial success.
Whether you dream of harness racing around an oval track or bouncing over fences in a steeplechase, launching your career as a professional jockey could be just the right career path for you. With a rigorous training regimen, commitment to fitness, and a deep understanding of horses, the finish line could be closer than you think.
