Jockey - How to get into this job

Tioke

Entry Requirements

To become a jockey you need to complete an apprenticeship under a trainer, which usually lasts for three or four years and cannot be completed before you are 20 years old.

 

Secondary Education

Apprentice jockeys should have at least three years of secondary education.

 

Get help with choosing school subjects

Relevant courses

Training on the job

Apprentice jockeys gain many skills on the job. Apprentices also have to complete a minimum of 60 hours off-job training annually. You may undertake training sessions that lead to the National Certificate in Equine (Thoroughbred Racing), which is preferred by some employers.

 

Linda Ballantyne

"Apprentices live in a trainer's home and are under the trainer's care. The apprenticeship usually lasts for three to four years, until they are a fully-fledged jockey."

Linda Ballantyne - Jockey

 

Useful Experience

Experience riding and working with horses is useful for apprentice jockeys.

 

Updated September 2009