Jockey

horse racing · athletes · sports

Tiny but mighty. Jockeys are really small, usually weighing between 100 and 120 pounds. This lightweight matters because it helps the horse run faster, kind of like how a lighter backpack makes you zip around easier.

Get paid twice. Jockeys earn money in two ways: they get a small fee from the horse trainer for riding, and they also get a percentage of whatever prize money the horse wins. The better the horse does, the more money they make.

Serious bravery required. Jockey racing is dangerous work. Riders can get badly hurt in crashes during races, and the strict weight limits sometimes lead to unhealthy eating habits that can make them sick.

Word from England. The word "jockey" came from England and is now used for horse racers worldwide. Some countries also use it for people who ride camels in camel racing competitions.

Wear team colors. When jockeys race, they wear special colors that belong to the horse trainer or the horse's owner, kind of like a team uniform that lets everyone know who they're working for.