Risks of Becoming a Racehorse Jockey
Racehorse jockeys are employed by horse trainers to mount their horses for a fee, regardless of the outcome of the race, and cut of the purse winnings. The fee for riding a horse isn't much but it is the promise of winning the purse that makes it attractive for any rider. Jockeys who win often also get to ride the best mounts and as such, increase their chances of getting more money through their victories.
But the promise of money or a successful career doesn't make racehorse jockeying any less dangerous. Each time a jockey mounts a horse for a race, he has one foot on the grave as anything could happen anytime during a two-minute tourney.
Fractures of the shoulders, legs and arms due to falls are the most common injuries that jockeys experience. A simple slip or misstep could make the rider fall off his horse. Impact on the joints caused by gripping the mount also makes the rider prone to arthritis and muscular sprains.
Racehorse jockeys, believe it or not, are also more prone to eating disorders. This is because they are unusually pressured to maintain low weights since races regulate these strictly. For example, the Kentucky Derby sets the weight limit for the jockey including all his equipment at 126 pounds. This strict weight limits has led to vomiting, excessive exercise, smoking, the use of diet pills, and worst of all, alcoholism. As a result, racehorse jockeys suffer from dehydration and heat stress, among other health issues.
However, the most chilling risk that a jockey undertakes is to face the possibility of death. Being thrown off a speeding horse can easily break your neck and kill you. If you're in the lead, being thrown off the saddle can lead to trampling and a painful death.
These are the risks of becoming a racehorse jockey. If you're ready to face them head on, then horse racing might just be the career for you.
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