Wanted: Groom/ Exercise Ride position Fairmount

[tblover11]

I was just wondering if anyone knew of a trainer that needed a groom or exercise rider for the upcoming meet at Fairmount Park this year? What exactly would they be looking for? You have to be 16 to ride don't you? I've been around and riding horses for 10 years and am use to the thoroughbreds, considering I have an off the track thoroughbred and our farm gets a few of our horses off the track. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much! :flower: :flower: :flower: :horsie:

[BriscoMomma]

I have to ask (because you mentioned age) how old are you? If you are under 18, you probably won't get many people wanting to let you start out with them unless you know someone first. The track is a WHOLE different world than having horses off the track at home.

As far as learning to exercise ride (again, a WHOLE different world), you'd need to learn at a farm (off track facility) first and prove yourself there before you'd ever be allowed to gallop on the track.

As far as actual on track work is concerned, you'd probably have to start out hotwalking - catching & untacking horses in the morning, helping to bathe them, taking them to & from the walker. Cooling them out in hand after races, or in the spit box if they get specialed or win. And things can move very quickly, no time for sitting or figuring things out. You pretty much just have to DO and DO NOW.

You need to be there every morning at 6am sharp - 7 days a week, and for races 4 days a week. And you won't get paid very much either. Fairmount races nights 3 nights a week and sometimes you can end up being there until after midnight. But you still need to be back at 6am.

I don't want to discourage you if it's something you really want to learn, but I also want to be sure that you realize what is involved. Its HARD work, takes the ability to handle a hot horse that may not be of the same frame of mind as you are (doesn't want that bath, wants to bounce & buck all the way to the walker, etc.).

[tblover11]

Thanks for the info Briscomamma. I realized that the work at the track would be a lot of work. But thanks for the added info. My friend works for a trainer at Fairmount. To answer your question I'll be 17 this year. I'm use to all the horses that love to do. I've trained two horses to be ridden, and I know that working with the TBs is alot different. My thoroughbred has the mentality of still being at the track. He's a handful sometimes. But anyway, thanks for the info. I knew that I would have to work my way up to galloping. That's fine with me.