This week’s letter is J. If you missed last week’s Friday Feature, take a look at Illustrators.
Many people who love riding fast horses dream of becoming a jockey later in life. One great thing about this career choice is that you don’t have to wait until you’re over 18 to start it. You do however need to develop a good riding seat and the ability to ride timed work.
A jockey will need to be able to:
- Keep their weight down (under 58 kilos is common in Australia)
- Work early mornings
- Ride large numbers of horses they may not have met before
- Follow direction from trainers
- Ride fast work
- Travel for work
If weight is an issue for the avid rider, there is always the option of exercise riding instead of riding in races. Jumps jockeys can also carry more weight, but this requires the added skill of taking jumps safely at high speed. If in Pony Club in Australia, look up your local Speed to Safety event to learn about riding timed work.
For other posts that relate to this profession on Equus-Blog, take a look at:
- Equine Workers Welfare
- Equine Goals and Dreams
- In the Saddle
- Profile On: Brooke Sweeney, Apprentice Jockey
“If you start getting nervous about getting hurt you will be….If you are worringing about the danger it’s time to give up.” – Jason Weaver (jockey)
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[…] This week’s letter is L. If you missed last week’s Friday Feature, take a look at Jockey. […]