How to Become a Professional Jockey
Professional jockeys must have a passion for horseback riding, and must also meet the strict height and weight requirements for the profession. Horse racing jockeys specialize in a particular kind of racing such as thoroughbred, quarter horse racing and obstacle races. Read on for a few tips to help you get started on your mission to become a professional jockey.
1. Stay in Shape
In order to be a jockey, you must be in top physical shape and stay trim to meet the low weight restrictions. Jockeys don’t simply ride horses, they also coax the horses into peak performance. This requires strength and agility. In addition to time at the stables and racetracks, jockeys spend a lot of time at the gym training their bodies.
2. Attend Racing Events
Attend equestrian events Northampton MA before deciding you want to become a jockey. Watch the jockeys closely and really think about whether this is something you want to spend a large portion of your time doing. Additionally, attending other races will enable jockeys to learn from professionals and develop plans and strategies to be implemented in their own races.
3. Become an Apprentice
There are various jockey schools throughout the country, but the best way to become a professional jockey is to learn from someone who is already a professional. An apprenticeship will prepare you to enter the world of jockeys and teach you about racing, safety and how things work in the horse racing world. Apprenticeships also prepare jockeys for schooling races, which are required in order to earn a professional racing license. Schooling races are sponsored by racetracks.
Becoming a professional jockey takes hard work and dedication. It also requires a specific body type, someone petite. In order to make it as a jockey, you should stay in shape, attend racing events and become an apprentice.