help with husband( advice needed flame away if needed)

[sulphurfire]

Okay husband thinks he wants to be a jockey. First off I'll say he's in great physical shape 5'5", 125 lbs. Secondly he's been to the track with me and several years ago he said he would help exercise a claimer that I was helping a friend of mine get into shape. I am not a trainer or instructor but still I threw him up onto the exercise saddle without letting the stirrups down, yep about midway around the training track a tractor backfired and he lost his seat, not a bad jump he just wasn't used to the seat. He rides western somewhat, no fear of riding just a sub-literate rider thats the best way I know to put it. Can take criticism, he rodeoed in high school, but never learned how to ride correctly eg. lead changes, understands now , correct hand and leg position, has a naturally deep seat in the way he rides and good balance. Should I encourage him and if so what would be the best way to go about it? Most of the people I know at the local track are either deceased or retired, so I can't go to them anymore, and how much would age play into this?

[madelyn]

At 125 lbs he won't make weight.

[LB]

I agree with Madelyn about the weight.

But if he's still interested in pursuing it, how about sending him to Chris McCarron's Jockey School to learn some of the basics he missed out on along the way?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg9lywiKfnE

[Shammy Davis]

If he loves the game, why not encourage him to become an exercise rider. He'd be okay for Steeplechase also. Chris McCarron's brother, Matt, has carved out niche for himself with chasers.

I think Frank Garza still has a jockey/groom/trainer academy in CA. There are lots of exercise riders who are over 40. Zenyatta's exercise rider is 60 plus. Tucumcari might have some good advice for you.

If he does decide to ride, even if it just on trails, be sure to keep his health and life insurance up to date. My philosophy around horses whether in the saddle or standing in proximity is to be ready for anything.

[jellac]

Agree with the notation about his weight not being an issue for the chasers BUT if you're based in La there's not any opportunities for that sort of riding of a professional nature in this area. He'd need to go try his hand in Virginia/Maryland/Pennsylvania for the steeplechase jockying profession.

Another avenue where neither his age nor his weight would necessarily be such a big issue is to consider developing his jock riding in the QH races. There's beaucoup opportunities for this kind of jockey in La, Tx, Ok, and NM. IF he can prove his worth in this venue the amount of 'local' opportunities to ride the Quarters is almost limitless and some of the best horses/jockeys and trainers are based close by (Janet Van Bebber, perenially one of the leading trainers has a large stable/training center near Vinton I believe). Several of the jocks we used on our occaisional foray into the QH races were in their 40's/50's and definitely would not have made jockey weight for TB racing....but their skill and guts as riders on these ultrafast sprinters - especially in the longer 870 yd races around one curve of the track where some strategy and a sense of timing come into play was well thought of. James Brooks for an example is still riding and well thought of - he was top rider of QHs at Lone Star and Sam Houston just a few seasons back in his late 40's as I recall - and I can't think of the other Jockey's name, his son Qunicy (sp?) was a top TB rider here in Texas/Ok not too long ago and I think he's either on the East or West coast now trying to make his reputation at the better levels. To my knowlege his Dad is still riding in the better QH races and he's also got to bei n his late 40's/early 50's at this point.

[ratherrapid]

i'd eliminate age as an issue provided the fellow exercises and keeps himself in good shape. race riding requires athleticism and quick reactions. You can keep this into fairly old age with appropriate exercise.

TB riding is an extreme sport and requires a rider with that sort of mind set. I'd say that riding also requires clear headedness--i.e. avoiding drinking and other substance abuse for otherwise your rider is an accident waiting to happen.

Body build has some significance. 5'5" is at the upper heights, and i'd want the rider to be longer and skinnier. Sounds as if he is since he's only 125 lbs. If he rides he can lose 10 lbs with ease. Tell him to run or walk an our a day and the weight problem disappears.

Race riding is one of the most enjoyable and dangerous things out there. Would I want my spouse doing it. Good Q!

[ireneinwa]

Weights not an issue if he wants to persue riding at bush track bull ring fairs. They ride that weight all day long.

[dublino]

Body build has some significance. 5'5" is at the upper heights, and i'd want the rider to be longer and skinnier. Sounds as if he is since he's only 125 lbs. If he rides he can lose 10 lbs with ease. Tell him to run or walk an our a day and the weight problem disappears.

Gelding could drop another 2lbs or so...........

[sulphurfire]

Thanks for the replies as soon as I can I'm going to get him to read him. As fas dropping weight, it's taken me 5 years to get him to put on 8 pounds, shouldn't be a problem. I did tell him he needs to strengthen his legs up to his upper body strength. He wants me to find him an exercise saddle so that he can practice riding in that seat before he goes and tries talking to any one ( we have 3 horses at home, 2 green and 1 very well broke). I can't afford the school though it could be a very good idea. Luckily my job provides a good health care plan and I have 400,000 in AD&D insurance on him already. I agree that it is important to keep good insurance. And the suggestions of the quarters is a good one. Thanks for the feedback everyone.

[Shammy Davis]

Thought you might be interested in this.

http://www.equicizer.com/images/equiciz ... eyworkshop

Don't let him saddle your furniture.

http://www.equicizer.com/images/equiciz ... ge&news=1/

[griff]

or,he could put his finger down his throat like most other jockeys do

griff

[Shammy Davis]

Griff posted:

or,he could put his finger down his throat like most other jockeys do

[erins isle]

If you want something speical in your life, you will always regret you didn't do it afterwards.