For some jockeys, retirement from riding was seen as an opportunity for personal growth and development, a time to engage in family commitments, or extend social networks. For a significant number of other jockeys, however, retirement had at times been a stressful period of their life, characterised by limited employment opportunities, financial hardship, poor physical health, and/or emotional distress. Although these difficulties were eventually overcome by some jockeys, there were those who continued to struggle in life, long into their retirement period.
This result is perhaps not surprising, given that retirement for most jockeys (> 70%) who participated in the study was sudden and unplanned, because of injuries, weight problems, or lack of rides. Few jockeys had a retirement plan in place at the time of their retirement. Indeed, it was clear that very few retired jockeys had even contemplated life beyond a riding career before their career ended. And, few current jockeys were taking any action, or intending to take actions, to prepare for their retirement.
Financial Security: In the racing industry, there is the potential for jockeys to earn significant sums of money. Only a small number, however, take a share of the bulk of available monies, and many jockeys earn, what is considered in the general workforce, as an average income. The result of the present investigation indicated that some 60% of jockeys had experienced financial difficulties at some during their retirement period, and many continued to have serious concerns about their future
financial circumstances and employment potential. Despite these difficulties and concerns, few jockeys (<15%) had sought professional financial advice or developed a financial plan during their racing career, and only one-third of those who participated in the research had done so since retiring.
Training and Education: Although most retired jockeys (70%) had secured employment following retirement from riding, many found that their limited education and employment history had severely restricted their employment options. Very few had engaged in further education or job skills training either during their riding career or upon retirement. Aside from the issues of financial security and job satisfaction, for some jockeys, lack of prior education and limited job skills also had the effect of undermining their self-esteem and self-confidence, creating additional issues for them to cope with once they left the racing industry. Note however, that with the trend shifting towards jockeys with higher education levels and computer skills, it might be expected that fewer jockeys in the future will experience the limited employment options that are currently faced by retired jockeys today.
Health:
There is unequivocal evidence that many jockeys struggle with weight problems and health issues during their riding career. Indeed, more than 50% of the jockeys surveyed stated weight problems or injury as the main reason for their retiring from riding. For some jockeys, this struggle continues well into their retirement years. Since retiring, more than 40% of jockeys had frequently experienced back problems, arthritis, and other joint problems, and a small number had experienced excessive weight gain. Given the physical demands of riding, and the absence of traditional sporting 'off-seasons' that characterise most professional sports, it is perhaps not surprising that structural problems (i.e. back and joints) continue to pose problems for jockeys once their riding career ends.Although many jockeys were satisfied overall with their life since retiring from riding, for some jockeys, retirement was a stressful period associated with lowered self-perceptions, feelings of lack of direction or purpose, loss of personal identity and social networks, and/or a sense of being disconnected from, or forgotten by the racing industry. Current jockeys also identified a range of physical and mental health issues related to their riding career. Frequently, these problems were associated with injury, prolonged 'wasting', or difficulties in the transition from apprentice to fully- registered jockey.
Recognition and Social Opportunities: The life of a jockey is one of long hours, strict discipline and high risk to personal health. Formal recognition is one way in which the industry can demonstrate its appreciation of the services provided by the jockey and formally acknowledge the jockey as a valued member of the racing community. Currently, however, there is little, if any, formal recognition of retiring jockeys by the racing industry. Many jockeys (current and retired) and industry representatives believed that life membership and/or free entry on race days would be an appropriate form of jockey recognition, that would also provide social opportunities for jockeys.
While some retired jockeys leave the social networks developed during their riding career, and move successfully into new social groups, a significant number of jockeys experience difficulties in seeking to maintain a social life within the racing industry, or in establishing new social contacts outside of the industry, once they retire. Social contact with current jockeys and other racing personnel may help some retired jockeys, particularly those struggling in retirement, to maintain some sense of security and stability in their life, through the feelings of worth, competence and belonging that may come from continued social interaction with others who appreciate or understand their life as a jockey.