The Partnership of Owners and Jockeys in Steeplechase

Steeplechase horse owners and jockeys are both crucial to the sport because they each play essential roles in the success, safety, and strategy of the race.

The Vital Role of Horse Owners

Steeplechase horse owners are essential to the sport, providing the financial support that keeps it alive. They invest in purchasing, training, and maintaining horses, ensuring they have the facilities and care needed to train at speed and travel to races.

Many steeplechase owners are hands-on, closely acquainted with their horses and collaborating with trainers to choose which races to enter and when. They also influence decisions about a horse’s career, including when to retire or sell. Wealthy or influential owners can promote races, attract sponsorships, and help shape the future of the sport. Many even serve on the governing bodies of race meets and the National Steeplechase Association itself.

Athletes of the Steeplechase

Jockeys, along with the horses, are the athletes of steeplechase racing. The sport is dangerous, requiring balance, timing, and the ability to make split-second decisions to guide the horse safely and effectively. They work with trainers—and sometimes owners—to develop a tactical plan for each race, adjusting it in real-time as the action unfolds.

After races or workouts, jockeys provide feedback on a horse’s performance, helping trainers refine training strategies. Men and women compete equally in steeplechase, though the U.S. currently has a small pool of riders. Many come from England or Ireland, where the sport is more popular; some stay long-term, while others come for just a single race.

Steeplechase jockeys wear protective gear, including helmets, vests, and goggles. Helmets are replaced after any fall, as trauma can reduce their effectiveness. Riders are also required to meet assigned weights, though they have more flexibility than flat-race jockeys.

The Partnership Behind Every Race

Owners make steeplechase racing possible through their investment and support, and jockeys make it thrilling with their skill and bravery. Together, they create the excitement, strategy, and enduring legacy of the sport.