Some jockeys start out as exercise jockeys. Jockeys get to ride in the races and get the glory of winning or the crush of defeat, but the exercise jockeys are the ones who assist the trainer in getting the race horse ready for racing. Horse racing is considered one of the most dangerous of all sports. Some jockeys and exercise jockeys are injured or killed while racing or exercising horses.
Tasks
An exercise rider or exercise jockey does the basics, grooming, takes care of tack and exercises the horses. Horses are exercised six to seven days per week early in the morning, also referred to as the morning gallop. Exercise jockeys learn to ride properly, if they are not already advanced riders. They help train horses to race and to respond to instructions. They teach a horse how to act during the warmup period, how to walk into the starting gate and adjust the horses to the conditions they encounter during a race. These conditions might be crowd noise, being crowded against the rail by other horses or other distractions that aren't usual to the barn and paddock environment. They also take care of the horse or horses at the race track. The exercise jockey has to determine the fitness of the horse and make sure the trainer knows this information. Some of the exercise jockeys tasks can overlap with the jockey's tasks or the groom's tasks. A larger stable will have more people working, a smaller one, fewer.
Differences
Some jockeys start out as exercise jockeys. Jockeys do the actual racing, communicate with the owners, trainers, racing stewards and maintain racing equipment. The jockey has to have excellent riding skills and know horses intimately. They have to know how to make horses win races. The exercise jockey is a good starting point for people who want to be jockeys or those who just want to be around horses. The exercise jockey focuses on the training and preparation of horses for racing.
Training
Many exercise jockeys get their training on the job. There are independent schools that train people to be an exercise jockey. Training programs tend to be short, ranging from five weeks to six months. Students must be at least 18 years old. Experienced riders are preferred because it takes a long time to become an excellent rider. Classes tend to be small. Programs cost between $2,000 and $6,000. Some programs require an internship where the student actually rides for a trainer for a specific time period or a specific number of horses. There is no weight limit for exercise jockeys, like there is for jockeys. Training generally prepares students for entry-level positions.
Conclusion
Exercise jockeys have to be physically fit, excellent riders, hard working, early risers, and willing to ride thoroughbred horses. Thoroughbreds tend to be high strung. They range in size from 14 to 17 hands. A hand equals 4 inches. Some race horses are stallions, which tend to be harder to handle than mares, fillies, colts, or geldings. It is a demanding, low-paying job, roughly $10 per horse per exercise. It can be very rewarding for those who love horses.
