What does a horse jockey actually do?

Question

After watching a horse race, I am interested to know what the jockey's role is in a horse race. What, in the end, is the jockey accountable for and what is the horse accountable for? Besides the obvious "hitting of the horse" what does a jockey do to impact the outcome of the race?

Answer 1

Jockey's do a lot more in the races than you think. They find the gaps and the right places to put their horses to make the outcome of the race as great as possible. They also must be tuned into their horses if their horse takes one funny step, such as barbaro, they pull them up. They also rate the speed of the horses so the horse doesnt start out the race to quickly. All in all the jockey does everything but run. The horses know their jobs, which is to run as fast as they can. The jockeys also spend time with the horse they are racing to know how it might act. Racing horses looks way easier than it really is. Same with riding horses, any type of horse. Its harder than it looks.

Answer 2

A jockeys role is 2 follow all riding instructions given by the trainer, a jockey is accountable for everything in a race from where the horse settles to when the horse will make its final run, as timing is of the essence.
Once the jockey is legged up on the horse the trainers job is done and the horse if in good condition has also done his job in early morning workouts now it is up to the jockey 2 follow riding instructions 2 get the horse home.
As for hitting the horse or pulling the whip as its known it really depends on the horse, some are lazy by nature and need to be persuaded by producing the whip , while other horses may be thin skinned and resent being hit (some of these animals will shy and run off if they even see a whip out of the corner of thier eye) so they have 2 be ridden out hands and heels instead.
Every owner thinks their horse is going to win even if its a donkey and all jockeys have be scorned by owners and trainers even if they were a victim of circumstances during the race.

Answer 3

I believe that you're as naive about racehorses & jocs as I am about racecars. I used to wonder about what does the driver actually do. Step on the gas and keep turning left!
One day I watched a TV special about racecar drivers and what they do, and how they prep for a race. I've gained much respect for them after watching this special; they are skilled athletes in their own right.
There are some good answers given here.
What do you suppose would happen if the starting gate opened in a 20 horse field without any jockeys aboard?
Do some research; jockeys are among the best skilled
athletes around.

Answer 4

The "obvious" is NOT "hitting" the horse.Very rarely does that actually happen. It is the sound of the twitch that the horse hears and responds to. The above answer was correct as to the job of the jockey. Also include that the jockey does not sit on the horse.He balances in the stirrups throughout the race.