Becoming a Jockey
A career as a jockey can be highly rewarding for light, young people who have the right attitudes, the determination to succeed and who are given the appropriate opportunities - it helps to be keen on horses! New Zealand has a proud tradition in producing champion Jockeys such as Lance O'Sullivan, Shane Dye, Opie Bosson and Michael Walker.
To begin as an Apprentice Rider, you will need to start working with a registered trainer. If you don’t know of any trainers looking for staff or Modern Apprentices, contact Matthew Barnsley at New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, [Licensing & Equine Training: 04 576 6440, matthew.barnsley@nzracing.co.nz], or Sally Waters at New Zealand Equine Education Trust [Executive Assistant: 07 823 1595 or sallywaters@xtra.co.nz]
Before signing up as a Modern Apprentice or Industry Trainee, you will be required to undertake a Probationary period of three [3] months, just so you can make sure the equine industry is where you really want to work and train.
On the job training is provided to all Trainees and Modern Apprentices working for trainers for approximately three hours every fortnight. This is provided at five regional Apprentice schools in Auckland, Cambridge, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Dunedin.
The regional apprentice schools deliver training in stable practice and track riding skills to prepare graduates for rewarding careers as an apprentice jockey or stable groom in the industry.
Learning Environment
Classes for Apprentice School include both theory and practical tuition. Students learn theory related to handling and caring for horses, and about the theory aspects of race-day riding. The Riding Master gives students technical instruction to help them develop their riding technique, and race-day riding.
Tutors
In addition to permanent tutors who have recent industry knowledge and teaching experience, the regional Schools will bring in specialist tutors in such areas as riding, industry organisational structures and life skills.
