LOL, I worked as a groom at our little track for a season. We were always short on exercise riders so I decided to give it a shot. I figured I was a good rider and galloped my own TB. all the time. Wow, is it tough!! I rode 2 horses the first day- all I could really do was steer- the horses knew when to start running and I just tried not to panic since I figured there was no way I could stop them. I just prayed they didnt break down or decide to run through the rail or something 
since I was a complete passenger. Then for about a week afterwards, I was so sore that I could barely move, seriously. I tried it again but I dont think the stewards were too impressed with me and I didnt want to get killed either. I have the utmost respect for exercise riders and jockeys!!! It was cool to get to do a few times!
My first year I starved. I was horrid. My second year I decided I had better buck up and figure it out quick or find something else to do. I figured it out and enjoy it a ton. I get on my own string. If I find one I don’t get along with I get someone else to get on it. I enjoy a seriously tough horse. I like the challenge that galloping involves. I love making the boys look bad. I’ll out work them and never get beat out of the gate. It’s a long standing joke with the gate crew.
It is humbling, as it is very different than any other equine sport. It’s learned. You have to be part fearless and part suicidal me thinks. I know one day I could well suffer a very very bad injury. As I think I stated I have already had the odd one I ought not have walked away from. I should have died last year. I don’t remember much about it. I do remember trying to get up once, but I must have passed out. I was getting back on horses two days later. Took a ladder of bales to get me on them, and I was a bit rocky, but I was determined. Stupid, fearless and determined.
I am searching for a an exercise rider position and would like the quieter atmosphere of a training barn, instead of the racetrack. Anyone know of any in South NJ or DE that’s hiring?
I’m an avid event rider and have experience galloping. I galloped at DE Park for 4-5 months but never graduated up to breezing but was responsible for doing a lot of conditioning/galloping. I left there because I had to figure out something else to bring in money! The trainer I was learning from always claimed he had no money and never started paying like he was supposed to!
So I do have some experience already and know what it’s all about - so if someone’s looking for a good rider to work with, please send them my way!
Thanks a bunch!!
[QUOTE=Painted1;3362183]
I am searching for a an exercise rider position and would like the quieter atmosphere of a training barn, instead of the racetrack. Anyone know of any in South NJ or DE that’s hiring? . . . [/QUOTE]
Check out Fair Hill Training Center (MD but almost on the Delaware border). I don’t know of any barns in DE with training tracks, etc. (there may be some) but there are several in SE PA (a couple near Unionville, Sylmar in Lancaster County at Bell Road & Maple Shade off Rt. 896 plus some along Rt. 472 just a couple of miles from Fair Hill). Jonathan Sheppard has actively advertised for eventers to exercise horses in the past. Just some ideas & thoughts.
I’ve never been able to find any contact information for JOnathan Sheppard. Any suggestions? Thanks!!
Jonathan Sheppard used to advertise in the Horse of Delaware Valley for exercise riders who were eventers. I don’t know how to contact him - I just saw the ads.
Not Jonathan Sheppard, but here is a link to all the trainers at Fair Hill:
