The athletic ability of jockeys is under appreciated. They race powerful horses in close quarters and must be in peak physical condition to stay on the horse and maintain control. On the racetrack’s curved portions, jockeys try to position themselves along the rail, taking the shortest course to the finish line. With so many horses running at high speeds in tightly packed groups, injuries can happen—to horses and riders—and they have the potential to be serious. When a horse falls, the jockey can be pitched to the ground, sometimes in the path of other horses.
Death
Death can and does occur in the horse racing industry. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reported an average of 5.6 fatalities in the United States per year in the horse racing industry between the years of 1992 and 2006. In Australia, there is an average of two jockey fatalities annually. Considering the weight and strength of racing horses, it should come as no surprise that death is one of the risks that jockeys face.
Injuries
Along with falls that result in fatalities, jockeys face physical injuries, including scrapes and bruises, along with more serious injuries, such as broken bones. These injuries can include broken vertebrae and cracked ribs. There is a risk of facial injuries. Also, head and neck injuries are not uncommon. According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, fractures are the most common injury for jockeys.
Weight Issues
Jockeys are generally slight in stature. Their light weight helps horses run faster. But there can be health risks associated with attempting to keep weight down or to lose weight. There is a risk of acquiring eating disorders. Also, jockeys may acquire unhealthy habits, such as taking medications to burn calories or sweating off water weight.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Jockeys face a number of musculoskeletal disorders because of the repetitive forces at play on their bodies. Jockeys do not sit in the saddles as they ride. They use their legs to balance themselves directly above the saddles. These musculoskeletal disorders can affect the lower legs and the spine.
Other Risks
Although there are no studies to indicate the levels of risk, jockeys are exposed to uncovered lead plates sometimes used in the saddles in order for weight to be distributed evenly for the horses. There are also respiratory risks due to riding on dirt tracks and tracks made of synthetic materials, although there are no studies to assess these risks.
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