There are few tougher professions in the world of sport than being a professional jockey at the highest level. While many newcomers believe that the sport is all down to the talent of the horse, there is a strong argument that the jockey can help a great horse become a legend.
The riders will be in control of in-race strategies, which can often be the difference between winning some of the biggest races on the calendar, and failing to place at all. But, how difficult is it to become a professional jockey and what are the key steps that any aspiring rider must take?
Early Steps
While there are no clear school qualifications that jockeys will need to have, it is reported that a rider must have a pass qualification in GCSE maths and England. But, the biggest hindrances that could stand in the way of a potential jockey are the commitment and dedication that it requires to reach the top level.
The most important of these are the weight and height allowances. Flat jockeys can only weigh a maximum of 10st 2, while jump jockeys can weigh a maximum of 12 st. Height is also an important factor that all jockeys must take into account, as it is rare that a rider stands at taller than 5ft 6.
Gain Training Yard Experience
Potential top class jockeys must first enlist employment at a leading training yard to take their next steps into the sport, with many opportunities available including hot walker, grooms and stable hands. But, it is probably worth learning how to ride horses at a basic level before moving to a stable, as you will be expected to hand highly tuned athletes while working at a stable.
Like most sports, the confidence will increase with the more that you ride horses, meaning that you should become a local at a riding school. While here, the teachers will ensure that you understand how to remain balanced on a horse, and also the safest ways to mount and dismount any potential equine star.
Who knows if you can reach the heights of competing at the Kentucky Derby? You can find more information about it here: https://www.twinspires.com/edge/racing/kentucky-derby/
Complete Training
While no official school qualifications are required to become a jockey, all potential riders will need to past a Diploma in Racehorse Care at the British Racing School. This isn’t the longest qualification to gain, as it will only last up to 18 weeks even if you’re a complete novice. One of the key factors that all potential jockeys must pass during this period is the pre-license fitness test.
This will ensure that you have the cardio fitness required to ride a horse, while also testing your core strength and balance. These training tests can often be gruelling, meaning potential jockeys will train for months or even years before paying the money to complete the course.
However, once you have been granted your diploma, then you’re free to find apprenticeship work at a leading yard. While working here, it will be down to the yard to complete your jockey license course, which will be the next step before riding competitively.
Ride Competitively In Races
The next step that all aspiring jockeys will make is to complete in actual races alongside professionals. In order to begin doing this, a level two diploma must be achieved. However, an Apprentice Jockey will be allowed to compete in flat races, with Conditional jockey’s able to compete over the jumps.
After gaining this license, jockeys will have a claim depending on their experience level, which enables them to carry weight to offset the difference against the experienced jockeys in the race.
However, this allowance will reduce with the more winners that the jockey is able to record, with 75 victories required to lose the claim. Once this has been achieved, you will be competing on a level playing field against professional jockeys at the highest level of the sport.
Is It Hard To Stay At Peak Fitness?
One of the biggest issues that all professional jockeys will need to contend with is the dedication to remain at their peak level of performance on every day throughout the year. With racing being staged daily, it can often be challenging for jockeys to maintain their weight at the top of the sport.
This often means that the riders will have the lightest possible breakfast, and avoid meals throughout the day until completing their book of rides. Training is also vitally important in between racing action, with all jockeys typically doing some form of cardio before taking their first ride of the day.
As well as this, many will also have a few hours in the gym before competing on track to ensure that they have trained their leg muscles and core enough to remain competitive with the brightest stars in the weighing room.
