Jockeys

In the last few decades, horse events have come to rival other sports as a recreational pursuit, although fewer gambling dollars are available since horse racing now has to compete with other forms of legalized gambling such as lotteries, casino gambling, sports betting, and river boat gambling.

Fewer jobs will be available in the horse industry in coming years since the industry has been on the decline since the mid-1980s. A recession, revised tax laws, and competition with other sports and forms of gambling have taken dollars away from the industry, which had seen steady growth since the 1960s. The limited nature of the industry and the very specific physical requirements and skills required make the profession of jockey one that is difficult to break into and succeed in.