Hello everyone! I hope all of you are doing well and enjoying the virtual online game. I wanted to talk a bit about preparation. Obviously, there are different types of preparation that are involved in getting ready for a horse race – whether it be in real life or in the game. And each of kind of preparation is key to being successful. But what I want to talk about today is the physical preparation that is required to become a successful horse racing jockey.
In terms of preparation, I would say that physical preparation is about 99.9 percent important, which means that I can’t overemphasize it. Just to be a horse racing jockey, you have to be really naturally athletic. Then you have to really work hard to get into the best shape possible. Your lower body has to be strong and so does your core.
To help me get into the best possible shape for when I get on a racehorse, I work with a trainer. We do an hour and a half to two hours of strength training two to three days a week. He is the type of trainer who does a lot of “horse racing simulation,” meaning that he really tries to simulate what will actually be happening in a horse race and really focus on building the strength that I need. We will do not just free weights, but also some machines. The goal is to get me to use and work my core, arms, legs, etc. Usually, we alternate days. So we might work my legs one day and my arms the next. Generally, as women, our lower bodies are pretty strong, but our shoulders and neck tend to be weaker. My trainer has been really amazing in helping me work out and get into the best shape possible. I think that really helps, especially when I get into an actual race. To be an effective horse racing jockey, I think it’s also really important to have balance.
Also, when a jockey is first starting out, it’s really important to spend time on the Equisizer, which is an exercise machine that simulates actually riding a racehorse. The Equisizer is a great way to learn – and then to continue to work on – balance. And as you all know, balance is extremely important in any horse race! I hope this has helped you guys learn a bit more about the “behind the scenes” part of horse racing. Happy racing!
Great blog! I appreciate you coming on here and giving everyone insight on how it is to be a female jockey and also on how to prepare for racing and such.
Your fan,
Kayla
I know how yaa feel about being the only female Jockey.
I go to a private school, Last year I was THE only girl in my class. I was so Angry at the boys for picking on me and stuff. But now that im in 7th grade guess i have to move on and ignore them.
If the men EVER mess with you, tell them to jump off a cliff!!!XD It always works for me at school ,now. Oh another thing is mabe to Ignore them too. :D
This is a great blog!
It is always nice to get the inside scoop of horse racing, because 90% of the time, the people who aren't involved in the sport generally only get to see the end result of all the hard work people put into every race.
Sincerely,
♥ Beth
Thank you so much for showing us, the spectators, what it is like to train to be a jockey. I have wanted to be a jockey almost my entire life, and racing is my passion. I read the Thoroughbred Series by Joanna Cambell and the books inspire me along with all the racing legends. Secretariat, my all time favorite movie along with Dreamer and Seabiscuit inspire me. Some people think that racing is a man's sport. You prove that it's not. Thank you for being so dedicated to racing!!
Owner of Angel the teddy bear hamster. Joined March 3/20/11.
I found your blog to be average and not very informative for an industry professional. Don't you think knowing your opponents racing styles and the other horses strengths and weaknesses are important. Why not mention that aspect if balance is so important? Happy racing!
| Player's Name: | scorpion56 |
| Race Name: | Virtual Championship Derby Winners from past two decades. (90) |
| Prize amount: | $5000 Gift Card |
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