Do you want to be a...
Jockey
Jockeys ride racehorses at race meetings, in trials and for exercise.
A jockey's time is usually split between early morning trackwork and riding at race meetings.
Apprentice jockeys often live at the stables and may initially be required to perform the same work as stablehands.
Jockeys must pay careful attention to diet and exercise, as they have to keep their weight down.
TASKS
- receive instructions from trainers and owners before races
- ride horses during exercises, race trials and races
- judge the abilities of each horse and the best tactics to use to win each race
- discuss performance of horses with trainers after races or exercise gallops
- report anything that may have affected the horse's performance in a race to stewards and other racing authorities
- answer stewards' enquiries regarding the performance of their horse
- study videotapes of races to improve their own performance and to determine the best way to ride certain horses, after discussion with the trainer
- maintain their own riding equipment, including saddles and boots
Jockeys may perform the following tasks:
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
- enjoy working with horses
- light build
- athletic, with a good sense of balance
- steady nerves
- competitive
- age and weight limits apply
Interest Area
EDUCATION & TRAINING
To become a jockey you usually have to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship in Racing (Jockey).
Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Additional Information
To work as a jockey in NSW, you must be at least 16 years of age and licensed. This licence can be obtained from Racing NSW. Applicants must undergo a National Police Check and full medical assessment. Contact Racing NSW for more information.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Apprentice jockeys work for racehorse trainers. At the completion of the contract of training, jockeys become self-employed and work with racehorse trainers and owners to obtain rides in races.
The number of people who make a living as a jockey is small, and only a few will be successful. Jockeys who do succeed can become national figures and receive high incomes from riding fees plus percentages of prize money.
Those who find that they do not have the qualities needed to be a successful jockey may continue in the industry as stablehands, trackwork riders, farriers, float drivers and track officials. Some become licensed horse trainers.
Similar Jobs
COL's Job Guide Help
JOB INFORMATION
Each job description in COL's Job Guide contains:
- A detailed DESCRIPTION of the job.
- Some of the main TASKS a person might normally do.
- Areas of SPECIALISATION within that occupation.
- The PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS or skills which may be needed.
- The level of EDUCATION and TRAINING to get started in the job.
- The EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES for that occupation
with links to the Job Outlook page for that job. - ADDITIONAL information about the job may also be provided.
- Links to other RELATED JOBS here at COL.
- Links to current JOB VACANCIES in that occupation.
- And further web contacts for FURTHER information.
ICONS
Several icons are used to represent:- the level of education required to gain entry - eg
and
- other jobs by similar Interest Area
Just move your mouse over each icon to see what they mean/link to.
There's also...
- An alphabetical list of jobs to view.
- Lists of Australian jobs which have a bright future outlook
SEARCH
You can SEARCH through the database by using the search form at the bottom of every job description page 🙂
SUGGESTIONS?
If you spot an error, or have any suggestions to improve COL's Job Guide, then please contact us.
More Information - External Links
Other Jobs by Interest Areas...
Job Search? Look for and press ENTER.
Remember: This is an EXACT match, so please use whole words only
This search looks for a match with the WHOLE keyword/s you enter. In other words, abbreviations like vet won't find veterinarian. Slang terms like brickie won't locate bricklayer 🙂
Please contact us to notify errors or suggest improvements.
Home