Anyone who has ever attended a horse race can certainly recognize jockeys quickly
However, it is impossible to measure their precise height and weight unless you meet one up close
Typically, these characteristics will vary slightly, depending on the breed of horse they are riding and the type of horse race
However, it is possible to determine average jockey height and weight in most cases
The strict limitations on size exist for many reasons, but the health of the horse is decisive in this case
Table of ContentsWhy Does Jockey Size Matter?Weight Limits for JockeysHeight Limits for JockeysExtreme Methods Jockeys Take to Stay SmallOther RequirementsSummary
Why is jockey size important?
Jockeys must follow strict weight requirements to compete in horse racing
As you can guess, the height and weight of the jockey are directly related to the health of a horse
In other words, carrying a heavier jockey can significantly affect the animal’s ability to compete in future races
Before each race, the commissioners calculate how much weight each horse can carry
That is a so-called assigned horse weight
Racehorse trainers always choose jockeys whose weight is closest to the allotted weight to maximize the chances of winning
The more weight a horse carries, the less chance it has of coming in first place
Average jockey height and weight
Average body size
Female jockey
Although there is no limitation in the professional racehorse industry regarding jockey height, short jockeys are generally more popular
Most trainers feel that more weight in a smaller body suits the horse better
It is also believed that shorter jockeys have better control over the horse during horse racing
So, you will see that trainers often opt for the shorter of the two jockeys when they have two of them that weigh the same available
Although the regulations do not specify this size, it is rare to see a jockey taller than 68 inches (173 m)
Weight limit for jockeys
Two factors determine weight limits for jockeys
The first is the size of the horse and how much weight the individual animal can carry
The second depends on the type of horse
Racing type
The key is to accelerate the speed as quickly as possible for flat races, making it more comfortable for shorter and lighter jockeys
On the other hand, jumping races require additional strength and endurance when controlling the horse
This race type requires larger and heavier jockeys, who weigh an average of 108 to 118 pounds (49 – 535 kg)
Note that some horse races have special requirements regarding the size of the jockey
For example, their weight limit in the Kentucky Derby is 119 pounds (54 kg)
After adding the tack weight, it comes to 126 pounds (57 kg)
In Great Britain, jockeys competing in flat races must conform to the minimum weight limit of 112 pounds (51 kg)
However, National Hunt jockeys are not allowed to weigh more than 140 pounds (64 kg)
Weight control in horse racing
Although most racehorses carry around 118 to 122 pounds (53 – 55 kg), it is necessary to add equipment weight
That’s one of the reasons why weight guidelines are so strict in horse racing
Nowadays, all jockeys are weighed both before and after the race
It also includes the equipment weight
The organizers give small lead weights if a jockey weighs less than the set minimum and add them to the saddle
They will offset the weight to balance the competition
Finally, the jockeys also have to check their weight again after the race
Since it is impossible to accurately measure the horse’s weight during the race, it is acceptable for the jockey’s weight to vary by 4 pounds (2 kg)
Height limit for jockeys
As I mentioned, while weight limits are a big deal in horseracing, there are no height limits
However, this does not mean that you will find jockeys of all sizes
On the contrary, most jockeys are on average 58 to 67 inches (147 – 170 m) tall
In both the US and the UK, the average jockey height is 69 inches (175 m)
In other words, most professionals are shorter than the average man
As I mentioned, shorter jockeys meet the strict weight requirements more easily
Taller jockeys can reduce the weight until they meet the requirements of racehorse trainers
Unfortunately, it will probably affect their health negatively in most cases
Jump racing is a better alternative for taller jockeys because of the less stringent weight requirements
Tall jockeys typically weigh more, so they have the added stamina for this type of horse racing
As usual, there are always exceptions to the rule, so you will find some successful jockeys much higher than their competitors
He is 79 inches (2 m) tall, which is a very unexpected and atypical height for this profession
The late professional Australian jockey, Stuart Brown, was 74 inches (188 m) tall
Since he died young at the age of 43, there has been much speculation that his weight problems were one of the reasons for such a short lifespan
The most famous and successful jockey of all time was Bruce Hobbs
This incredible man was 73 inches (185 m) tall
Extreme methods jockeys take to stay small
Jockeys have rigorous diets and often follow extreme weight loss routines to maintain the required weight and remain competitive in the sport
Sometimes jockeys take strict measures to keep the weight within the required limits
It is not uncommon to meet those who use specific methods to stunt their growth
Unfortunately, such decisions often lead to significant health problems in the future
The most famous extreme methods that jockeys can use include:
Many professional jockeys skip meals if they feel their weight is a problem in a particular horse race
This is especially the case in the few days before big and famous races that bring in large sums of money
In this case, the diet depends on the jockeys themselves
Some eat less than usual, others skip the whole meal
Diuretics are an increasing problem in horse racing
Jockeys often use pills to get water out of their bodies and thereby lose water weight
Unfortunately, diuretics affect other mineral levels in the human body
As a result, frequent use will negatively affect their health in the long run
Flipping is one of the unhealthiest methods jockeys use
They force themselves to vomit before a race to lose weight
You can no longer find these bowls, but the habit of vomiting a few hours before a race is still popular among professional jockeys
Professional jockeys are often compared to freelancers because they are constantly changing horses and clubs
They also always have to advertise to various organizations and horse owners
The body and size of the jockey are their primary characteristics
As athletes, they have to take very good care of their bodies like any professional in other sports
Therefore, professional jockeys follow rigorous diets and workout regimens to stay in good shape and meet weight requirements
They only need a high school diploma to participate
Being a professional jockey is not an easy job and requires a lot of discipline, endurance, athleticism and mental strength
Plus, jockeys must regularly maintain their weight to meet the strict limits set by the race commissioners
If jockeys do not meet the weight requirements, they cannot participate in competitions
Unfortunately, some methods of keeping weight under control often lead to serious health problems