What it takes to become a professional jockey
A professional jockey is a licensed rider who competes in horse racing under rules set by racing commissions in your state. The path involves apprenticeship, licensing exams, and years of training before you ride in major races. Most jockeys start as teenagers, work under a trainer's supervision, and must meet weight requirements, pass medical clearance, and demonstrate horsemanship and race judgment.
The job itself is physically demanding and carries real injury risk. You will spend most of your time at the track — mornings exercising horses, afternoons riding races, and evenings studying form and building relationships with trainers and owners. Income varies widely: some jockeys earn nothing in their first years, while established riders at major tracks can earn six figures annually through race fees and winning percentages.
Unlike many careers, there is no single national pathway. Each state racing commission sets its own licensing rules, weight standards, and apprenticeship requirements. A jockey licensed in Kentucky cannot automatically ride in New York or California without meeting that state's separate standards.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old, pass a medical exam, and work under a licensed trainer before you can get a jockey license from your state racing commission.
- Most states require you to work as an apprentice jockey for one to three years, riding in races under restrictions, before you can become a full journeyman jockey.
- You need to pass a written exam on racing rules, horse care, and safety, plus a practical riding test, to obtain your license.
- Weight limits are strict — most jockeys ride at 110 to 120 pounds — and you must maintain that weight year-round or you cannot ride.
- Your state racing commission is the only body that can license you; there is no national jockey organization that bypasses state requirements.
Age, physical requirements, and medical clearance
You must be at least 16 years old to obtain an apprentice jockey license in most states, though some allow 15-year-olds with parental consent and proof of high school enrollment or completion. You will need a clean background check — felony convictions, drug offenses, or a history of animal cruelty can disqualify you permanently.
Medical clearance is mandatory. You must pass a physical exam by a racing commission–approved physician, which includes vision and hearing tests, orthopedic evaluation, and sometimes cardiac screening. The exam confirms you can withstand the physical demands of riding and the repeated falls that are part of the job. If you have a history of serious injury, neurological conditions, or certain medications, you may be denied clearance.
Weight is non-negotiable. Most tracks require jockeys to weigh between 110 and 120 pounds, including the saddle and equipment. You must maintain this weight consistently — weigh-ins happen before every race, and if you are over, you cannot ride that day. Extreme weight loss or dehydration to meet these limits is common and carries health risks; some jockeys work with nutritionists to manage weight safely.
Finding a trainer and starting as an apprentice
Before you can apply for a license, you must secure a job with a licensed trainer who will sponsor your apprenticeship. Trainers are responsible for your training, your conduct at the track, and your performance. Without a trainer willing to take you on, you cannot proceed.
Finding a trainer usually means starting at a local or regional track and proving yourself through work — mucking stalls, grooming horses, exercising them in the morning, and learning track routines. Many jockeys begin this way as teenagers, working for free or minimum wage while they learn. Trainers watch for riders who show natural balance, quick reflexes, good judgment, and respect for horses. If a trainer sees potential, they may sponsor you for an apprentice license.
Apprenticeship typically lasts one to three years, depending on your state and how quickly you win races. During this time, you ride under restrictions — you may carry less weight than journeyman jockeys (a 5 to 10-pound advantage), and you can only ride in certain races. You are required to keep a log of your rides, wins, and training hours. Your trainer reports your progress to the racing commission.
Licensing exams and the path to journeyman status
To obtain your apprentice license, you must pass a written exam administered by your state racing commission. The exam covers racing rules, horse anatomy and care, track safety, medication and drug testing rules, and the commission's regulations. Study materials are usually available from the racing commission or your trainer. The exam is typically multiple-choice and takes one to two hours.
You will also take a practical riding test, usually on a horse provided by the racing commission or a local trainer. The test evaluates your seat, balance, ability to control the horse, and basic race-riding skills. Examiners watch for confidence, smooth hands, and the ability to follow instructions.
Once you have your apprentice license and have ridden a certain number of races (usually 40 to 100, depending on your state), you can petition for journeyman status. Some states require you to win a minimum number of races; others base it on time served. Once you become a journeyman, you lose your weight allowance and compete on equal terms with all other jockeys.
Building your career and finding mounts
After you are licensed, your income depends entirely on getting mounts — rides in races. Trainers and owners choose which jockey rides their horse, so you must build relationships with trainers, owners, and racing officials. This happens through consistent performance, reliability, and reputation.
Early in your career, you may ride horses that are not competitive, in races with small purses. As you win more races and develop a reputation for good judgment and horsemanship, trainers will offer you better mounts. Some jockeys work with one or two main trainers; others freelance and take rides from multiple stables.
Your earnings come from two sources: a riding fee (usually $50 to $150 per race, depending on the track) and a percentage of the purse if the horse finishes in the money (typically 5 to 10 percent of the winnings). At major tracks like Churchill Downs or Belmont Park, purses are large and riding fees are higher. At smaller regional tracks, both are much lower.
State-by-state licensing differences
Each state racing commission sets its own rules, so requirements vary. Kentucky, New York, and California have the largest racing industries and the most competitive fields. Their licensing standards are rigorous, and the exams are harder. Smaller racing states like West Virginia or Arkansas may have fewer applicants and slightly lower barriers to entry, but fewer opportunities for high-paying rides.
Some states allow you to transfer your license if you move, but you may need to pass that state's exam or meet additional requirements. There is no reciprocal agreement across all states — you cannot assume your Kentucky license works in Florida. Before you commit to apprenticeship in one state, research whether you plan to ride there long-term or whether you want to move later.
A few states have no active racing industry or have suspended racing. If you live in one of these states, you will need to relocate to a state with active tracks to pursue this career.
Physical and mental preparation
Jockeys face repeated falls, broken bones, concussions, and spinal injuries. You should expect to be injured at some point in your career. Some injuries are minor; others end careers. There is no workers' compensation system for jockeys in most states — you are typically considered an independent contractor, not an employee. This means medical bills and lost income during recovery are your responsibility.
Mental toughness is as important as physical fitness. You will ride horses that bolt, refuse to run, or behave unpredictably. You will lose races you should have won. You will go weeks without a mount. You will face pressure from trainers and owners to make weight, ride injured, or take unnecessary risks. Success requires discipline, resilience, and the ability to make split-second decisions under stress.
Many jockeys work with sports psychologists, nutritionists, and physical therapists to stay competitive. The career is short — most jockeys retire by their 40s due to injury, weight gain, or physical decline. Planning for life after riding is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to own a horse to become a jockey?
No. Trainers and owners provide the horses. Your job is to ride them in races. You do not need to own or lease a horse to get licensed or to start your career.
What if I am too tall or too heavy to meet the weight requirement?
If you cannot maintain the weight limit, you cannot be a jockey. There is no exception for height or body type. Most jockeys are under 5 feet 6 inches and naturally lean. If you are significantly taller or heavier, this career is not realistic.
Can I become a jockey without working as an apprentice first?
No. Every state requires apprenticeship under a licensed trainer before you can become a journeyman jockey. There is no shortcut or alternative pathway.
How much money do jockeys make starting out?
Earnings vary widely. In your first year, you may earn nothing if you do not get many mounts, or a few thousand dollars if you ride regularly at a smaller track. Established jockeys at major tracks can earn $100,000 to $500,000 annually, but reaching that level takes years and consistent success.
What happens if I fail the licensing exam?
You can retake it. Most states allow you to retake the written exam after a waiting period of a few weeks to a few months. If you fail the practical riding test, your trainer may ask you to practice more before you try again, or they may decide you are not ready for licensing.