Quick Answers
In most cases, you do not need a college degree to become a jockey. The main requirements are that you meet the weight limits, which are often under 115 pounds, have riding experience, and complete jockey training programs. However, some aspiring jockeys pursue equine science degrees or other related fields to gain knowledge about horses, racing, and training methods.
What is a Jockey?
A jockey is a professional rider who races horses, typically thoroughbreds, in competitions like horse racing. Jockeys need to be extremely lightweight, often weighing less than 115 pounds, to reduce the weight the horse has to carry during a race. Jockeys use their balance and athletic ability to control the horse and strategically ride it to finish in the best position.
Main Responsibilities of a Jockey
- Riding racehorses at top speeds around dirt or turf racetracks
- Controlling horses using reins and body movements
- Assessing a horse’s abilities and racing conditions to determine the best strategy
- Building rapport with horses through daily care and exercise
- Maintaining a very low bodyweight through diet and exercise
- Reviewing race specifics like distance, competition, and track conditions
- Cooling down horses after races and providing care
Education Needed to Become a Jockey
There are no formal educational requirements to become a jockey in terms of needing a college degree or diploma. The most important qualifications are having riding skills, knowledge of racing strategy, and meeting the physical requirements.
Many jockeys get started in the profession at a young age by learning to ride as a child and competing in junior racing events. This early experience allows them to develop the necessary horsemanship abilities. Jockeys typically complete specialized training and apprenticeship programs to refine their skills before being licensed.
Apprenticeship Programs
One of the most common ways to break into professional jockeying is through an apprenticeship. Aspiring jockeys work under the guidance of experienced jockeys and trainers to learn proper techniques and racing strategies. Apprenticeships may last around 3 years and involve grooming horses, exercising horses, and shadowing races before you are ready to compete yourself.
Jockey Schools
There are jockey training programs or jockey schools that provide another route to get the required experience and skills. These programs run from a few weeks to a year and teach riding form, racing rules, nutrition guidance, and topics like first aid and racehorse anatomy. Hands-on practice starting gates and racing on tracks is often included.
Amateur Races
Many jockeys start by competing in amateur or “non-pro” races to build skills. Getting experience racing at local fairs, smaller tracks, and qualifying events can help you progress to professional-level meets. These races have lighter weight requirements and let you gain control racing at faster paces.
Skills and Physical Requirements
Jockeys need specialized skills and physical traits to control horses under demanding racing conditions:
Riding Skills
- Balance and coordination at high speeds
- Knowledge of racing techniques and strategies
- Ability to interpret horse signals and behaviors
- Excellent reining and hand-eye coordination
- Fitness and endurance to race distances up to 1 1⁄4 miles
Desired Physical Attributes
- Small stature, typically under 5 feet 5 inches tall
- Very slim build to meet weight limits
- Muscular legs and core for stability
- Physical fitness and agility
- Ability to rapidly lose weight through sweating
Certification and Licensure
There are no mandated certifications or education requirements to become a jockey. You will need to get licensed by passing your state’s licensing exams. Typical licensure steps include:
- Passing a written test on rules of racing
- Passing a physical exam by commission doctors
- Completing qualifying races observed by stewards
- Demonstrating racing skills and horsemanship
- Passing a drug screening
Jockeys must renew their license annually by completing health exams and review tests. All states require jockey licensure, though the specific processes differ slightly. Getting licensed in multiple states can maximize your career opportunities.
Alternative Education for Jockeys
Though a degree is not required to become a jockey, some aspiring riders pursue higher education to expand their knowledge. Common fields of study include:
Equine Science
Equine science, equine studies, or equine business management degrees provide extensive horse knowledge. Courses cover topics like horse anatomy, nutrition, healthcare, exercise physiology, reproduction, and facility management. This background can improve jockeys’ horsemanship.
Animal Science
Animal science is another option, focusing on the care, nutrition, behavior, and health of all types of livestock species. Equine-specific electives are often available. The science background can inform jockey training and horse handling methods.
Business
Jockeys can benefit from business education in areas like accounting, management, marketing, or communications. These skills help if you want to operate your own stable or have a broader role in the racing industry beyond riding.
Fitness & Nutrition
Degrees in exercise science, kinesiology, nutrition, or sports medicine provide expertise in health, fitness, and athletic performance. This knowledge supports jockeys in meeting physical demands and weight requirements.
Apprenticeships vs. Equine Science Degrees
Should you complete an apprenticeship program or pursue an equine science degree? There are pros and cons to each training route:
Apprenticeship Pros
- Focused on developing direct jockey skills like racing and horsemanship
- Work directly with seasoned jockeys and trainers at racetracks
- Gain experience exercising, grooming, and riding racehorses
- Opportunity to network within the racing community
- Paid employment and hands-on training
Apprenticeship Cons
- No accredited certificate or degree earned
- Less formal education in topics like anatomy, healthcare, or nutrition
- Very physically demanding as you build fitness
- Jockey injuries are common during training
Equine Science Degree Pros
- Earn an accredited bachelor’s degree in 3-4 years
- Robust equine knowledge from science-based courses
- Supplemental business or fitness courses available
- Classroom learning plus hands-on equine labs/riding
- Opportunities to network and recruit for racing jobs
Equine Science Degree Cons
- High tuition costs over multiple years
- Less focused on developing direct jockey skills
- Graduates still need to complete apprenticeship programs
- Physical jockey training is separate from degree
Weighing these factors can help you decide if it is worth investing the time and tuition for an equine science bachelor’s degree versus jumping right into a jockey apprenticeship program.
Financial Aid Options for Jockey Education
Paying for equine science or other college degrees can be a significant investment. Here are some options to help fund jockey education and training:
Scholarships
There are various scholarships available to students pursuing equine degrees, often provided by associations or foundations connected to the racing industry. These are competitive but worth applying for.
Federal Student Loans
Government-backed student loans like Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans allow you to borrow at reasonable interest rates. Undergraduate students can borrow $5,500 – $12,500 per year based on eligibility.
Grants
Federal Pell Grants and other need-based grants help undergraduate students. You don’t need to repay grants. Awards range from $650 – $6,895 per academic year depending on financial circumstances.
Jockey Organizations
Groups like the Jockeys’ Guild or Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund may provide financial assistance for qualifying jockeys and aspiring riders to pay for training or degrees.
Key Takeaways
- A college degree is not required to become a jockey, but apprenticeships, jockey schools, and amateur racing experience are needed.
- Desired skills include riding ability, fitness, light weight, strategy knowledge, and horse rapport.
- Jockeys must pass written and riding exams to gain state licensure to compete professionally.
- Some jockeys pursue equine science or business degrees to supplement knowledge.
- Apprenticeships provide focused jockey training while degrees deliver broader equine education.
- Scholarships, loans, grants, and jockey organizations can provide financial aid.
Conclusion
While jockeys do not need college degrees, they require extensive training and practice to ride horses safely at top speeds in races. Aspiring jockeys typically complete apprenticeships and qualify through amateur racing before obtaining their licenses.
Some jockeys opt to complement practical training with equine science or business degrees. This education provides helpful knowledge but does not replace the need to develop specialized riding abilities through immersive jockey programs. With passion and diligence, you can gain the skills to succeed as a jockey without formal undergraduate education.
