How to Train for a Horse Racing Jockey

Horse racing jockeys must learn what makes the horses they are riding move the fastest. They must also come up with various game plans to beat other horses during races, consult with horse trainers regarding the condition of their horses and work well with animal owners. If you love horses, have a burning desire to race horses for profit, and work well with both people and animals, you can become a successful horse jockey.

Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain employment in a racetrack setting. To learn what it takes to become a good jockey, it is important to study the environment and the sport in which you will be participating. Become friends with owners and people in high positions at horse racing facilities.

    • 2

      Be prepared to perform lesser tasks. If you are willing to do things like help cool horses off after a race, the owners of various horses will see your strong work ethic and love for the sport.

    • 3

      Become a groomer. After you have proven that you can perform lesser jobs well, you can ask to groom horses at the track where you are employed. Groomers have the role of preparing horses for races by washing and brushing the animals under their care.

    • 4

      Perform well in schooling events. Fake races, or "schooling races" as they are commonly known in equestrian circles, are events which show horse racing jockeys who are new to the sport how to race successfully. If you can do a good job in these races, you will be able to obtain what is called an exercise license to further your career.

    • 5

      Meet the standards set by the track stewards. Know that you will be evaluated based on the way you perform in races with your newly obtained exercise license. If you can guide the animal you are riding in the direction you want it to go, and prove you are not a threat to the well-being of the other horses on the racetrack, you have a good chance of obtaining a license to become a jockey from the racetrack in which you work.