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As an alternative to riding as a professional jockey, individuals may apply for an Amateur Riders Permit. It can be a great way to kick start your race riding career and was the route chosen by Ryan Moore, Tom O’Brien and Richard Johnston to name a few.
Before an application may be considered for a new Category A permit, the applicant must first attend a two-day training seminar and assessment course at either The British Racing School or National Horseracing College. The two-day licence course is a mandatory requirement for anyone wishing to take out their Category A Amateur Riders Permit.
During the course you will be lectured and assessed on the following:
The balanced body position
Principle of schooling and jumping (jump permit)
Simulator training
Rules and Regulations
Integrity
Raceday procedures
There also practical elements to the course:
Galloping a horse in control
Stalls or Schooling or both
Fitness assessment
Simulator assessment
On completion of this course a report will be written and forwarded to the British Horseracing Authority.
For a Jumping Only Permit the rider will need to be able to school over race type hurdles at speed, without unduly hindering the horse. Candidates are expected to be able to jump a racehorse at speed and in company over at least three race type hurdles.
For a Flat Only Permit the rider should be capable of jumping a horse out of the stalls without unduly hindering their or other horse’s progress and direction. They may also be required to ride a horse that has to wear a blindfold.
For a Dual Permit candidates will be required to do both of the above.
Riders will be asked to demonstrate technique, strength and race fitness by using our interactive racehorse simulator.
Fitness is a huge part of being a successful jockey. On all jockey courses all riders are put through an assessment to measure overall fitness and also to pinpoint individual strengths and weaknesses. Each element of the assessment is marked to give an overall percentage of fitness. The fitness assessment is carried out by Yariv Kam, a personal trainer, if you wish to contact him his website is newregym.co.uk
Assessment for a Flat or Jumps licence ONLY – £260.00
Assessment for a Dual licence – £320.00
The price of this course includes tuition, materials and lunch.
Accommodation, dinner and breakfast can be arranged at the British Racing School at an additional £40 per night, subject to availability.
To request an application form to attend the Category A Amateur Rider Permit course with The British Racing School please email courses@brs.org.uk
Please note that your place is not confirmed until the application has been acknowledged by the administrator and has been paid in full.
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