Cross Breeds

How do you get a job ponying race horses at a track?

I live in Ohio and I was wondering how do you get a job ponying race horses at a track? What do I need to go about doing? What qualifications must I possess? And what is the pay like? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. I don't know about Ohio, but having worked around thoroughbreds in NJ I can tell you that most who pony horses in the afternoon during the races don't do it for the pay, they do it because they love horses, so I guess the pay is what you would call "average". On a really hot or cold day it could be a pretty tough job in particular. The same holds true with more fractious horses that have to be ponied obviously. Most, if not almost all pony women and men I know work on the backstretch in the morning for a trainer ponying horses and or as an exercise rider, so your best bet would be to visit your local racetrack and get a job on the backstretch in the AM and/or speak with licenced thoroughbred trainers, barns or owners. The first step is getting a connection or connections at the racetrack.