becoming an exercise rider or jockey

Question
I live in Utah and have not had the opportunity to be around horses very
often.  I do know that they are my passion and I would love nothing more
than to be an exercise rider or jockey so that I can be around and ride horses
all the time.  But I have very little experience and not a lot of money.  How do
I move toward reaching that goal? Should I go to the school in California?
Could I possibly get a job at a track or something with no experience? Or is
there somewhere that can teach me everything I need to know? I look forward
to your answer and very much appreciate your time.

Answer
Hi Toni,
          In this life, nothing succeeds like passion. You certainly sound like you have the passion to make it in the world of thoroughbred racing.
I am a long way a way in New Zealand so it is difficult to point you to the right people to give you a start however I do have some ideas.

Every stable needs people to work in them. Racing is labor intensive so willing learners are always needed.
Some of the jobs are hot, heavy and smelly but you do get to be up close and personal with the horses.
If you love horses they will love you. Just like a dog, you can yell at it but a few minutes later all is forgotten and its your best mate again.

You didn't say how old you are but I guess you are a teenager. If you are fit and healthy you could write to all the stables and trainers in your area. Introduce yourself and ask if there are any openings. Maybe its just weekends at first but work towards a permanent position. Follow up with a phone call in a week if you have not heard from anyone.
Read everything you can on racing, knowledge is everything. Learn the names of the winners of the top group races and their jockey and trainer.
You could always ask if you can volunteer. This lets the trainer have a look at you and how you get along with horses before they offer you a job.
No trainer is going to let a novice on one of his race horses. They cost millions and they break easily, however there are usually some stable cast offs that need leading or riding and this is a place to learn to ride.
Check out www.jockeysite.com for the best contacts.
Good luck and let me know how you get on.
If you ever want to come to NZ I can get you work in any number of stables.
Cheers,
Don Boddie
[email protected]