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How do I become a jockey?
Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey)
- Completed Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider) or equivalent qualifications OR
- Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
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Related occupations
Stable Hand
A Stable Hand feeds, grooms, and exercises horses while maintaining stables and equipment, requiring physical stamina and excellent horse handling skills.
Stable Manager
A Stable Manager supervises daily operations in a horse stable, ensuring horse care and managing staff, finances, and schedules efficiently.
Trainee Farrier
A Trainee Farrier treats horse hooves, fits horseshoes, works irregular hours, and requires strong communication and horse handling skills.
Farrier
A Farrier trims and shapes horses’ hooves, fits custom shoes, treats hoof issues, and works irregular hours, requiring strong horse handling skills.
Track Rider
A Track Rider exercises horses for racing or training, improves their fitness, addresses behavioural issues, and works in a team, often with irregular hours.
Racing Cadet Steward
A Racing Cadet Steward oversees horse races, ensuring compliance with regulations, handling investigations, and enforcing rules on equipment, performances, and animal care.
Horse Trainer
A Horse Trainer prepares horses for racing or competitions, develops fitness, trains behaviour, and aids in recovery, requiring horse handling skills and team collaboration.
Horse Breeding Assistant
A Horse Breeding Assistant supports breeding, training, and care of horses for racing, dressage, and more, working irregular hours as needed.
Horse Riding Instructor
A Horse Riding Instructor coaches students in equestrian techniques, conducts lessons, prepares them for competitions, and adapts to individual needs.
Common questions
How much does a Jockey earn?
In Australia, a full time Jockey generally earns $1,300 per week ($67,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a Jockey?
The number of people working in this field has remained stable in recent years. There are currently 580 people employed as a Jockey in Australia and this number has remained the same over the last five years. Jockeys may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Jockey?
A Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey) is an excellent qualification if you’re planning a career as a Jockey. You’ll develop the skills to prepare and ride horses in official races and adhere to racing industry ethics and protocols. This course covers a range of topics including riding in trials and races, improving race performance, sports science for jockeys, racing trials and enquiries, media interviews for racing and small business skills.
Further reading
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Most popular sport courses
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