Jockey

Career path and progression

You could work for one or several trainers or owners as a self-employed jockey.

You could go on to work for stables in countries like Dubai, Japan and the USA.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• persistence and determination
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• physical fitness and endurance
• leadership skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• be over 16 years of age
• pass a medical check
• pass a fitness test

All jockeys need to pass a licence course and renew their licence every year.

Amateur riders need to get an Amateurs Riding Permit.

You also have to meet strict weight requirements which vary depending on whether you are flat racing or a jump jockey.

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Physical Education - Jockeys need exceptional physical fitness, coordination, and endurance to control powerful racehorses at high speeds. They follow strict fitness regimes and must understand how to train their bodies for strength, balance, and stamina while maintaining a very low body weight.
• Biology - Jockeys need to understand how horses' bodies work – their muscles, breathing, and movement patterns – to get the best performance from them during a race. They also need to understand human nutrition and physiology to manage their own weight and fitness safely.
• Food Preparation and Nutrition - Jockeys must meet strict weight requirements, which means carefully managing their diet without compromising their health or energy levels. Understanding nutrition, calorie intake, and how different foods affect the body is essential for maintaining race weight safely.

Also relevant

• Business - Jockeys are often self-employed and need to manage their own finances, negotiate riding fees, and build professional relationships with trainers and owners. Understanding how to market themselves and handle the business side of their career is important for long-term success.
• Psychology - Jockeys need to stay calm under intense pressure, make split-second tactical decisions during races, and handle the mental demands of competition. Understanding how to manage stress, build resilience, and maintain focus is a key part of performing at the highest level.
• Geography - Jockeys travel extensively to racecourses across the UK and sometimes overseas to countries like Dubai, Japan, and the USA. Understanding different climates and ground conditions helps them adapt their riding strategy, as weather and terrain directly affect how a race is run.
• Physics - Jockeys use an instinctive understanding of balance, momentum, and aerodynamics every time they ride. Knowing how to position their body to reduce wind resistance and how to shift their weight through turns can make the difference between winning and losing a race.