test

SARGA.CO—Becoming a professional horse jockey isn't just about being able to control a horse in the saddle and finishing in first place. More than that, building a career as a jockey involves quite complex stages. Here is the full explanation!

"The jockeys at my place don't learn from school. Their learning process is self-taught, so their training relies on the experience of a trainer in the stable or from a senior jockey," said Mario Bahar, owner of Bendang Stable in Tompaso, North Sulawesi.

From there, the ability to read the horse's body language is born. For instance, when a horse's ear moves, a restless step, or a tail that twitches.

All those details become important capital, even more valuable than going straight to practicing the start on the track. This is because racing is not just about a speed contest, but an art of communicating with the horse. That is the fundamental ability needed to start a career as a jockey.

This is in line with research that emphasizes the importance of the human-horse relationship in racing performance. The study Human–Horse Interaction: Effects on Equine Behavior, Physiology, and Welfare (Hausberger et al., 2008) showed that the quality of interaction and emotional closeness between humans and horses directly influences the horse's behavior, stress level, and ability to cooperate on the track.

In the context of racing, this bonding is not just about emotional closeness, but also a technical factor that helps determine how strategy is executed.

A horse that feels "safe" with its jockey tends to be calmer at the starting gate, does not panic easily, and is more responsive to directions during the race.

Meanwhile, a jockey who is accustomed to reading the horse's subtle movements can anticipate steps faster and maintain rhythm without much intervention.

Thus, a fine harmony is created on the track, where the horse runs with full power, while the jockey executes the strategy accurately and with precision.

Through the Race Regulations and Implementation Guidelines for the National Horse Racing Championship (Peraturan Pacuan dan Petunjuk Pelaksanaan Kejuaraan Nasional Pacuan Kuda), Articles 73 to 83, a jockey must be at least 18 years old and be recruited directly by a trainer.

This trainer is tasked with coaching, guiding, and honing the technical skills, as well as ensuring the welfare of the jockey. Therefore, a jockey is fully responsible to the trainer.

Even so, not all jockeys are bound by a contract with a trainer. Some are freelance. With this status, the jockey bears the responsibility themselves, both inside and outside the racetrack.

To be able to ride on an official track, a jockey must have a license issued by the Race Commission at the trainer's request. This license is only granted after the jockey is declared healthy, both physically and mentally, through a doctor's certificate.

In addition to mastering riding techniques, a jockey is also bound by a strict code of ethics. They are required to have standard racing equipment, maintain a neat appearance, and refrain from alcohol or drugs.

A jockey is not allowed to own a racehorse personally, nor are they allowed to exhibit behaviors that can cause a disturbance, fighting, or betting.

Integrity is an absolute requirement. Jockeys are prohibited from accepting any orders, promises, or gifts related to manipulating race results. If they find any indication of cheating, they must report it directly to the Steward.

In the event of a dispute with a trainer, the Steward Board has the authority to intervene. If the dispute is proven to stem from fraudulent practices, the sanctions can fall on either the trainer or the jockey, ranging from temporary suspension to permanent disqualification.

Even fighting on horseback during a race is a serious violation that can lead to a permanent ban.

First, a prospective jockey must possess the basic ability to ride and control a horse well.

Before officially becoming a jockey, they must undergo a test administered by the Steward Council, where the passing result is determined by the steward team based on the skills demonstrated. 

"If you want to become a jockey, you must be able to ride a horse first. Then, report to the Chief Steward Council, and it will then be forwarded to the Race Commission," Katompo explained to the SARGA.CO team.

In addition, prospective jockeys are required to be Indonesian citizens and must include a letter of recommendation from the Chairman of their respective provincial PORDASI (All Indonesian Equestrian Sports Association). 

There are no specific requirements regarding educational background, meaning the primary focus is on the ability and skill in controlling the horse.

In terms of physicality, body weight is also an important consideration. For races with small horses, the minimum permissible jockey weight is 35 kilograms. Meanwhile, the minimum jockey weight for national standard horses is 48 kilograms, with a maximum limit of 55 kilograms. This measurement is not merely a standard, but a crucial factor determining the horse's balance and speed on the track.

Furthermore, Katompo stressed that international jockeys are not permitted to compete in National Championships (Kejurnas) events, but only in non-Kejurnas competitions.

With these various conditions and requirements, it is clear that becoming a professional horse racing jockey is not an easy matter. It requires skill, discipline, and adherence to established standards to maintain quality and fair play in the racing arena. 

According to Katompo, these rules form the essential foundation for the emergence of quality jockeys capable of competing at both national and international levels.

Want to gain insights about national horse racing? Follow the information updates via Instagram (@sarga.co), 𝕏 (@sarga_co), TikTok (@sarga.co), YouTube (Sarga.Co), Facebook (Sarga.co), and the website news.sarga.co.