British Racing School

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KelsiEquestrian

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Hi,

I've been riding for a couple of years, and when I've finished school (in another couple of years) I was thinking of applying for the British Racing School, as it sounds like an amazing experience and I've always wanted to work hands on with horses.

Has anyone ever attended this school for Jockey Training?

I'm 5ft6" so I'm not sure if I'll be too tall to be successful, as jockeys are usually smaller.

Also, I know it is more of a lifestyle career, but after finishing this course and eventually moving on to a racing yard, is the salary enough to comfortably "enjoy life" outside the racing scene?

Thank you
 
Whilst I have never been to the racing school I have worked in racing for 11years. 5'6" isn't too tall for a Jumps jockey especially if you keep a close watch on our weight from your teenage years. Seriously think if being a jockey is for you before you make a career out of starving yourself whilst being as physically fit as possible. It's a hard life. Flat jockeys weigh even less. You would want to be 9-9st3lbs maximum to start a career as a jumps jockey, a flat jockey 2st less than that!

It also depends on where you want to work and what you want to do outside of racing. The racing industry has a decent ay structure and rules that have to be abided by so you will always be paid properly. It is very much a life though, not a living. It is possible to keep a horse and pay rent - just and I mean just. But in reality the last thing you will be wanting to do when you get home from work is look after another horse. Long hours whatever the weather.

As much as I love y job, and the fact that I have been in the same yard for 11years speaks for itself, I personally wouldn't make the same choice if I could start all over again.
 
But, if you want to do it go for it, but look on it as a stepping stone and be prepared to step in to something else fairly soon. There are plenty of other jobs in the TB industry, and racing will be the best choice for you, but as EKW indicates, it is long hours and full on dedication, all your social life will be tied up with your worklife.
Its great life, a great education, and the pay is good but long term , probably not a wise choice.
Very few people become successful pro jockeys, but if you are skilled and can learn to ride work, and ride well, you will find a job anywhere as these skills are valuable.
 
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My friend did it and loved it, from what she told me about it you're worked incredibly hard and to extremely high standards. It's def not for the faint hearted.

She went on to work at a couple of trainers yards as a stable lass, mostly enjoyed it, but after a couple of very bad spills, one resulting in a lengthy hospital stay and the other being thrown over the round pen wall (8ft high) and various other spills off the youngsters that few others would sit on she decided she'd had enough and gave it up.

Her first yard was a good yard I think, she was pretty well treated by industry standards, her second not so much.
 
sarahann1 said:
My friend did it and loved it, from what she told me about it you're worked incredibly hard and to extremely high standards. It's def not for the faint hearted.

She went on to work at a couple of trainers yards as a stable lass, mostly enjoyed it, but after a couple of very bad spills, one resulting in a lengthy hospital stay and the other being thrown over the round pen wall (8ft high) and various other spills off the youngsters that few others would sit on she decided she'd had enough and gave it up.

Her first yard was a good yard I think, she was pretty well treated by industry standards, her second not so much.
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Yes, you need to find your niche, I have worked for some top trainers, some not v successfull ones etc etc, one I stayed 24 hours, one I stayed a season, and that was too long.
Flat horses tend to be a lot more fractious than NH, they are only babies.
 
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