subject: Exercise Rider [print this page] If you're thinking about pursuing an equestrian career or one that relates to horses, you are in luck. The opportunities for working in the world of horses are as numerous as the reasons for loving these wonderful creatures, and many jobs are saddle-optional. If you enjoy horseback riding or other equestrian sports, you can choose a work environment that allows you to indulge that passion such as show horse trainer, trail guide or exercise rider
If your ultimate ambition is to become a jockey, being an exercise rider is one of the usual routes to that career. You may have dreamed of being a jockey but have grown too tall or heavy for employment in that profession, and being an exercise rider is a good compromise. Exercise riders are responsible for training the horse to behave during all phases of the exercise, warm-up, and racing process, and they serve as crucial intermediaries between the trainers and the jockeys. By understanding and implementing the trainer's instructions, the exercise rider translates those directives into specific behaviors and trains it to respond appropriately to the jockey's commands. The exercise rider also keeps the trainers informed about the horse's fitness and any potential problems with lameness or soreness.
Because there is a continual exchange of information among trainers, exercise riders, and jockeys, good communication skills are essential. Exercise riders must be extremely proficient in understanding and manipulating the behavior of horses, and the ability to remain focused and calm amid the confusion of exercise sessions is another important asset. Of course, they must also be in excellent physical condition to withstand the rigors of the work.
