Cross Breeds

How could I come to get a summer job at a thoroughbred race track?

I have always loved horses but about 10 years ago I discovered my true passion to be Thoroughbred flat racing. I can't get enough of it! I tape it when it is on television and read about constantly. I do not, however, own a horse. Nor do I ride regularly due to my mother having an accident involving a horse when she was younger. I know that it would be next to impossible for me to get a job riding horses immediately with next to nothing hands-on experience but horse racing is my life and I want nothing to do with any other career. I would love to work with horses over the summer (particularly race horses), and i hope that someone can at least give me some advice or encouragement regarding my crazy dream of becoming a jockey (despite my height) or exercise rider or even out rider. Thank you!!!!!

Public Comments

1. Find a track, tell them you want a job and will work for free the first week. If they aren't happy with your performance, then you'll go home, but if they like you, they will pay you to work for the rest of the summer. Be ready to clean stalls and do dirty work, but work your tail off and show them that you are serious, especially that first week! You'll have all summer to pay attention and learn what you want and show them what you can do.
2. You could try calling up local tracks and seeing if they need people to clean stalls... but that's not really fun. See if they can put you in touch with the trainers and follow them around. Though trainers can be secretive. Or contact the track vet and follow them around. I'm sure the vet would love to have someone and they usually know some that can get you an in, but not always a job...
3. hey this is sharde... how ya goin...? just wondering what state you live in. how much experiance you have with horses, have you worked with race horses before, ect. my family have been in the horse racing buissness for many years now and im going to be doing my aprentas (jockey) soon. i suggest for you if you dont have any experiance on the track or with the TBs. its a good thing to start smaller and gradually work your way up!! start by working at a raceing stables in your reach, then you can get alot of experiance by becoming a strapper for a little while and get your name out there. then start working the horses daily and then do your aprentas. being a jockey is a very hard job. you have to be up early hours of the morning then you come home for a few hours then straight back to the stables. its monday to satday. but if your really pashionate about doing this then go for it. but take your time.. hit bakk cheers sharde....