It’s no wonder why a jockey’s career is often short-lived and it does make you think how many of them last as long as they do.
Arguably, it is a sport that not many people would associate too much with physical rigour, though a jockey’s body goes through a considerable amount of strain throughout their career.
When you consider that many of the top jockeys compete in four or five races per day, every week, of varying distances, that is a lot; especially for jump jockeys. Combine the fact that they’re riding one of nature’s most unpredictable animals, often at breakneck speed and this further adds to the conundrum.
Congratulations to Injured Jockey, Ed Barrett, who looked likely never to walk again after a terrible fall in 2015. Ed successfully walked the parade ring @NewburyRacing on Saturday before racing,alongside his IJF Rehab, S&C coach Gavin Egan. Support Ed https://t.co/bZW1MIpkwi pic.twitter.com/2HRo71eb7g
— Injured Jockeys Fund (@IJF_official) September 22, 2018
Due to the rigorous effect that the sport has on the body, new research conducted in 2017 called for jockeys to be treated as professional athletes and, as a result, access to the best facilities.
The Injured Jockeys Fund, meanwhile, does great work for jockeys who have been hurt by the sport, supporting all kinds of help!
Extreme Cardiovascular Strain Occurs Frequently
During a race, it is understood that jockeys operate at 90 to 94% their maximum heart rate, which is a level of intensity comparable to that of an 800 metre runner. As such, much of a race is spent in an anaerobic state, which means that jockeys burn oxygen faster than they can take it in, leading to rapid lactic acid build up in key muscle groups.
While simultaneously making split decisions, a jockey has to maintain this intensity for between five and 10 minutes depending on the length of a race, which is a long time.
When you factor in jump races as well, this adds an even bigger cardiovascular strain, due to the increased effort involved and the impact on the body as the horse takes off and lands again.
The ‘Quasi-Isometric’ Posture
Next time you watch a horse race, pay close attention to a jockey’s positioning. They are not ‘sitting’, but squatting throughout the whole race which puts significant strain on the whole body.
It requires strong upper leg muscles and lower body power in general and to maintain this for a sustained period of time, sometimes with just one hand, if they are using their whip in the closing stages which in itself can add even further stress on the body.
This position in itself can cause trauma and making sure that they look after themselves in between races, such as getting regular massages, ice baths and swimming to loosen the muscles is also effective therapy. Having the right amount of sleep and even using the proper bed and support like a king size mattress topper or an electric bed can also be advantageous.
Jockey’s Need To Treat Themselves Carefully
While many jockeys are often more concerned about the horses, they also need to take care of themselves and be aware of the amount of physical punishment that they put themselves through over time.
This is especially the case as a jockey starts to age because there is more wear and tear on the body and a higher risk of injury. Recovery is key.
