Grooms/Workriders vs Appies

I wonder why the academy does not do major recruitment for Jocks using existing grooms? It makes sense to me that a young groom under 25 who has no weight issues is a far safer option to train as a Jock than some kid that you find in a school that is basically just a small person who normally has very little experience with horses and is often prompted to join by family members who see a pot of gold in waiting. Surely a guy who is comfortable working with horses and has done so for a few years is a better choice as the risk is less - How many young kids go into the Academy and don't complete their first year because the stress of Jockey life is too much - And when I say grooms I also include the young girls that are assistants and ride work every morning - Maybe future riders should have to do a year's work as a groom before they can enter the academy? Rather that then waste all that money training someone that does not really want to be a Jock or can't do it because they don't have an aptitude?

I would think putting some 25yo's into a system catering for schoolkids would be a recipe for disaster.

The solution might be to kick on after the grooms have been through James Marees courses. Perhaps the NHA could grant special licences to guys like Sam who clearly has the potential, and allow them an apprentice allowance like they did with Hewitson.

Over the Air wrote: I would think putting some 25yo's into a system catering for schoolkids would be a recipe for disaster.

The solution might be to kick on after the grooms have been through James Marees courses. Perhaps the NHA could grant special licences to guys like Sam who clearly has the potential, and allow them an apprentice allowance like they did with Hewitson.

Logistics aside - Just take a look at how few appies actually finish from year one to year 4 - Look at the intake pictures and you will be shocked - These guys/girls deserve a break - It would actually be cheaper I expect to feed from the existing grooms than pulling kids off the street

Newly crowned British champion de Sousa never rode a horse until he was 18.


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Mac wrote: Newly crowned British champion de Sousa never rode a horse until he was 18.


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I think it is way time we moved away from the Industrial Age - Why on earth waste money on educating children at a "riding school" - Let them finish school on their parents' or the states dime. Take them in after Matric - More mature and weight and size more balanced

The best two young riders in the country Hewitson and Habib come through the Workriders program

Not saying saja is kak because it`s not,but the above two are lightyears ahead

Bob Brogan wrote: The best two young riders in the country Hewitson and Habib come through the Workriders program

Not saying saja is kak because it`s not,but the above two are lightyears ahead

Murray is the best.... But see your point..

To many jockeys already.

Murray ??????????