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SARGA.CO – In every adrenaline-pumping roar of a horse race, the spotlight often falls on the powerful horses thundering down the track. Yet behind that speed and strength lies another vital figure—the jockey.
They’re not just ordinary riders, but professional athletes with specialized skills that determine who crosses the finish line first.
Being a jockey is not merely about sitting in the saddle. A jockey must combine physical strength, tactical intelligence, and an emotional bond with the horse. In mere seconds, they need to read the track situation, control the pace, and choose the perfect moment to accelerate to maximum speed.
Most jockeys are required to maintain a specific weight—generally no more than 55 kg—to avoid burdening the horse. To maintain this, they follow strict diets and rigorous training. Although small in stature, jockeys have remarkable endurance, as they must maintain balance while racing at high speeds, even under extreme weather conditions.
Consistent physical training is, of course, a must.
“For preparation, regular training and proper management are essential. Jogging if possible, fitness workouts—that's important. That’s one of the key preparations, I train every day,” said Jemmy Runtu, a horse racing jockey from North Sulawesi, representing King Halim Stable, in a conversation with SARGA.CO some time ago.
Every horse has its own personality. A good jockey must be able to “communicate” with the horse through body movement and gentle pressure, guiding it without causing stress. This bond isn’t built overnight—it takes consistent joint practice to develop a mutual understanding.
Just like Formula 1 drivers, jockeys also apply racing strategies. They must know when to hold back, when to overtake, and when to go for the final sprint. In racing, even a fraction of a second can be the difference between winning and almost winning.
Horse racing is a high-risk sport. Jockeys can fall, get trampled, or suffer serious injuries in collisions. That’s why focus, quick reflexes, and a strong mental state are absolute requirements in this profession.
“It’s not discouraging, really, because we’re doing our job and passion, so we just go through it normally and stay focused,” said Jemmy, who once suffered a lower-body bone fracture that left him unable to walk while still actively racing in Pulomas in 2006.
Jemmy encourages jockeys and aspiring jockeys to maintain consistency and never underestimate the sport.
He also emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed to ask questions and always having a desire to learn to give their best.
he explained.
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