Jumping clinic with international show jumper Laura Kennedy
Saturday 16 November 2024
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17/11/2024 Hobby Horse Adventures - @British Hobby Horse of The Year - Arena UK, Lincolnshire
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Britain is regarded as the home of horse racing, and the ‘Sport of Kings’ is now firmly embedded into popular British culture. Royal Ascot, the Epsom Derby, Grand National, St. Leger, and Oaks are just some of the classic races that are enjoyed by millions of racing fans in the UK and around the world.
Over the years, the sport has grown to become one of the most popular in the world, with classic races such as the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Melbourne Cup, Dubai World Cup, Kentucky Derby and the Breeders Cup Classic.
The U.K., France, South Africa, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong and Dubai, offer comprehensive programs that teach riding and all aspects of horse racing, along with educational courses, to give students all the skills they need.
The British Racing School and National Horse Racing College, provide residential courses for 16-25 year-olds who are keen to pursue a career in horse racing. Pupils follow a 12- 18 week training programme where you’ll learn everything from horse riding to yard work.
Completion of the course allows pupils to work full-time at a Racehorse Trainer’s yard as a Racing Groom. Should the Trainer believe you have potential as a jockey, they will then apply for you to attend a Jockey Licence Course.
Candidates must pass a pre-assessment, and if successful, will then complete a two-week course to become either an Apprentice Jockey (riding on the flat) or a Conditional Jockey (riding over jumps). Once you have your licence you will be able to compete professionally.
Many jockeys start their careers working for a horse trainer or at a stable. There they can work their way up, learning as they go, but they will still need to complete the final assessment to get their Jockey licence from the British Horseracing Authority. The same is also true of amateur jockeys wishing to make the step up.
Racing is hard work and while the horse may be doing all the running, jockeys need to be physically fit and strong. They have to be able to physically handle powerful horses and potentially ride several times over a long day.
Jockeys need to be lightweight and traditionally have a slim physique. Flat Jockeys usually weigh in at around 8 stone, while Jump Jockeys weigh around 9st 7lbs. Also, most riders are between 4’10” and 5’6”, although there are always exceptions.
There is no hiding the fact that racing is a dangerous sport and most jockeys will be unsaddled during their careers. Unfortunately, bad injuries do happen but the best jockeys are fearless and understand the risks involved.
If you don’t love horse racing then you will not be prepared to do whatever it takes to become a jockey and win races. It takes hard work to become a jockey and unless you have the passion and determination to do it, you won’t succeed.
You can have all of the above skills but unless you are familiar with, and understand horses, you will never make it as a jockey. Every horse is different, and they can be nervous, frightened, injured or sick, but a good jockey will understand their needs and ride them accordingly. This empathy for horses is what sets the great riders apart from the rest.
There are several avenues available to aspiring jockeys in the U.S., but formal training at a jockey school is not required in the States, unlike many other countries. The first and only official jockey training school is the North American Racing Academy which is affiliated with the Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington, Kentucky.
The school was founded in 2006 and modelled on the British Racing School, with the aim of preparing students for careers in horse racing. Courses available include riding, horse care, nutrition, fitness, and business classes leading to an associate degree in equine science. The school has internships and has partnered with farms and trainers across the country. Now anybody interested in horse racing or becoming a jockey has a defined and clear pathway to receiving specialised training and achieving their goals.
The top jockeys in the world earn millions every year, with their services in high demand with leading trainers and owners. But they are an elite few, and for many, horse racing is not a well-paid profession. That is why anybody looking to become a jockey must understand the commitment and dedication it takes to make it to the top, and above all, they need a love of racing and horses.
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