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Equestrian sports are a unique combination of centuries-old traditions and modern innovations, where refined riding techniques meet cutting-edge training technologies. Today, even in such a seemingly classic field as working with horses, digital tools are coming to the fore: from heart rate monitors and GPS trackers to video analysis systems and artificial intelligence. As in the world of online entertainment, where beginners often start with attractive offers such as a 10€ no deposit bonus, technology in equestrian sports has also become a kind of “bonus” for riders and trainers — a tool that helps them achieve results faster without unnecessary risks.

Modern training technologies in equestrian sports

Video analysis of movements

Today, high-speed cameras have become an integral part of professional and even amateur training. They allow you to capture the smallest details of the movements of the rider and horse that are impossible to notice with the naked eye. These cameras shoot in slow motion, allowing you to study body position, arm movement, balance, and synchronization with the horse’s movements. In addition to filming, modern programs such as Dartfish or Coach’s Eye offer frame-by-frame analysis, the superimposition of graphic lines for posture analysis, and even comparisons of different training sessions in dynamics. This allows you to quickly identify mistakes and correct your technique, increasing the effectiveness of each session.

Sensors and trackers

Monitoring technologies have long gone beyond human sports and are actively used in horse training.

• GPS trackers are attached to the saddle or special equipment and track speed, distance traveled, pace, and changes in movement rhythm. This is especially useful in dressage, show jumping, and race preparation.

• Biometric sensors record the horse’s health indicators: heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and stress levels. Systems such as Equisense Motion S or Polar Equine help the trainer regulate the intensity of the workout and prevent overexertion or injury.

With these devices, you can create detailed training profiles, analyze progress, and plan individual training programs.

Trainers for riders

Modern horse riding simulators have become a real breakthrough in athlete training. These are special electromechanical devices that simulate the movements of a horse, allowing the rider to practice their posture, balance, and body movements without physically exerting the animal. Such simulators are especially useful for beginners, who can learn basic skills in a safe environment. Additional realism is provided by the use of VR technologies, which allow you to simulate competitions, different types of routes, and even weather conditions. For example, VR simulators can recreate the track of a future tournament so that the rider can familiarize themselves with all the turns and obstacles in advance.

The role of artificial intelligence and analytics

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly entering the world of equestrian sports, making the training process more accurate, personalized, and safer. Thanks to AI analytics, coaches have access to deep insights that were previously unattainable without lengthy manual work.

Modern systems integrated with sensors and cameras automatically collect data on speed, rhythm, rider position, hand and leg position, balance, and the horse’s response to commands. Artificial intelligence algorithms process this data, identifying even minor errors in technique. For example, programs such as Equimetre or Trackener can determine if there is a delay in the rider’s response, excessive pressure at a certain moment, or incorrect weight distribution. This makes it possible to correct technique immediately, rather than after several training sessions when the mistake has already become ingrained.

AI analytics not only helps improve technique, but also takes care of the horse’s health. Prediction systems use historical training data and physical condition indicators to predict the risk of fatigue or injury. For example, an algorithm can calculate that after several intense days, a horse needs rest or lighter exercise to avoid muscle strains or joint problems. Some platforms even create an automatic recovery plan based on the individual characteristics of the animal. As a result, AI acts as a “smart assistant trainer” that not only points out mistakes but also suggests the optimal path for development, keeping both the horse and the rider healthy.

Digital platforms and training apps

Online platforms serve as electronic journals where you can record each training session: duration, intensity, exercises performed, the horse’s reaction, and how it felt after the session. Services such as HorseNotes or Riders App allow you to add photos and videos, as well as attach data from trackers and sensors. The advantage of online diaries is that they allow you to create a detailed training history that can be analyzed together with your trainer or veterinarian.

Mobile apps simplify the organization of the training process. They allow you to:

• create a schedule of sessions;

• set reminders for training, veterinary checkups, or competitions;

• automatically sync data from GPS trackers and biometric sensors;

• build progress charts based on key indicators.

Some apps, such as Equilab or Ridely, have built-in training programs created by professional riders. This allows athletes of all levels to access techniques that were previously only available in face-to-face sessions with a trainer.

Challenges and limitations of technology implementation

Despite the obvious advantages, modern technologies in equestrian sports also have their own challenges that affect the speed and scale of their implementation.

1. Most high-tech devices, from biometric sensors to VR simulators, are quite expensive. For professional clubs and athletes, investing in such tools is justified, as they can directly influence competition results. However, for amateurs or small riding schools, the cost of equipment is often prohibitive. This creates a certain inequality in access to modern training methods.

2. Even the most expensive sensors and trackers do not always provide completely accurate information. Errors can occur due to incorrect equipment mounting, weather conditions, or individual characteristics of the horse. If the data is inaccurate, the conclusions of the trainer or algorithm may be incorrect, leading to incorrect decisions in the training process.

3. Overreliance on digital tools can lead to the loss of an important element of equestrian sports — the intuitive contact between rider and horse. No program or sensor can completely replace careful observation, experience, and a feel for the animal’s movements. Therefore, the key task of a modern trainer is to correctly combine technological capabilities with classic methods, maintaining harmony between man and horse.

Psychological preparation in equestrian sports is no less important than physical training or technical skills. In a world of high speeds and split-second decisions, mental stability often determines the outcome of a race. Interestingly, even in completely different fields, such as gambling or online entertainment like pay by mobile casino not on gamstop, the ability to control emotions and act calmly plays a key role — and this principle translates directly to sports, where every moment can be decisive.

The psychological stress of being a jockey

Being a jockey isn’t just about riding a horse well, it’s also about the constant psychological pressure that athletes feel from their first training sessions to the moment they cross the finish line.

High level of responsibility for the result

A jockey is responsible not only for their own actions, but also for the safety and performance of their partner — the horse. A mistake in riding can cost not only the victory, but also the health of both participants. In addition, during major races, the trainer, horse owner, and the entire team that worked on the preparation expect maximum results from the jockey. This burden of responsibility forces the athlete to always be in top psychological shape.

Balance between adrenaline and composure

During a race, the jockey experiences a real adrenaline rush. The heart beats faster, every movement of the horse is felt more sharply, and the speed of decision-making increases significantly. However, an excess of emotions can lead to reckless maneuvers. Therefore, one of the main challenges for a jockey is to keep a cool head while controlling a powerful charge of energy and excitement.

Competition and pressure from the public, trainers, and horse owners 

Big sports are always competitive, but in equestrian sports, it’s often extra intense. Every race isn’t just a battle against your rivals, but also a test in front of spectators who are there for the show. There’s extra pressure from the ambitions of trainers and horse owners who invest a lot in training. All this creates an emotional environment where any weakness can cost victory.

Mental preparation before competitions

Before big races, jockeys pay special attention to their psychological attitude, as this is what helps them stay focused and perform to the best of their ability when victory is at stake.

1. Many jockeys “run” the race in their heads before they even enter the racetrack. They imagine the start, every turn, the horse’s behavior, and even possible unexpected situations. This visualization helps them form a plan of action and work out their reactions to various scenarios. When a difficult moment arises during a real race, the athlete already has a “mental map” that allows them to act quickly and confidently.

2. Motivation for a jockey is not just a desire to win, but a deep inner understanding of why they are at the starting line. Some are inspired by the desire to break their own records, others by the desire to bring victory to their team or honor traditions. Before a competition, a jockey may repeat key mantras to themselves: “I am confident in myself and my horse,” “We work as one.” These internal formulas create a sense of control and readiness.

3. Before the start, a jockey’s stress level can be very high. To avoid shaking hands, muscle tension, and excessive excitement, athletes use special breathing exercises: deep breaths through the nose, slow exhalations through the mouth, rhythmic breathing while counting. Some practice short meditation sessions, focusing on body sensations and peace of mind.

Working with emotions and fears

A jockey’s psychological stability does not arise on its own — it is the result of systematic work on emotions, the ability to overcome fears and keep oneself under control in any circumstances.

In equestrian sports, falls and technical errors are a reality that even the most experienced athletes face. Fear of these situations can subtly influence decision-making and even riding style, causing jockeys to act too cautiously.

To overcome this barrier, jockeys work on recognizing risks and accepting them as an integral part of the sport. Constant training, repetition of difficult maneuvers, and positive attitudes help build confidence. Competitions often take place in difficult weather conditions or under unpredictable circumstances.

A sudden deviation from strategy, aggressive actions by opponents, or team mistakes can cause severe irritation. However, any emotional reaction during a race can reduce concentration. Jockeys learn to quickly “extinguish” negativity through short breathing exercises, shifting their attention to technique, and controlling their riding rhythm.

In modern equestrian sports, working with a psychologist has become as much a part of training as physical training. The specialist helps the jockey develop individual techniques for relieving tension, fosters positive thinking, and trains stress resistance. The psychologist also helps to work with the “effect of past failures” — situations when failures from previous starts prevent you from believing in your own abilities.

Preparation on the day of the competition

The day of the start is the moment when all the weeks or even months of preparation come together. It is important not only to be physically ready, but also to set your mind and emotions in the right place.

Many jockeys have their own “lucky” rituals that help them get into the right state of mind. This could be a special breakfast, listening to your favorite music, a specific warm-up routine, or even a short walk with your horse. Such habits create a sense of stability and control, reducing anxiety before the start.

On the day of the competition, it is easy to give in to the temptation to watch your competitors: to evaluate their form, tactics, and behavior. However, experienced jockeys know that paying too much attention to others distracts from the main thing — their own strategy. They focus on their plan, technique, and interaction with the horse, leaving the analysis of their opponents to their coaches and team.

The “zone” or flow is the moment when the jockey is fully focused, their movements become automatic, and their sense of time disappears. To enter this state, athletes use various methods: breathing exercises, visualizing the first seconds of the race, repeating key instructions, or taking a few moments of silence before entering the racetrack. This allows them to “turn off” unnecessary thoughts and act with maximum precision and confidence.

Conclusion

Psychological preparation in equestrian sports is not just an addition to physical training, but the foundation on which a jockey’s successful performance is built. The ability to control emotions, overcome fears, tune in to the right mood, and concentrate at critical moments is no less important than technical skills.

Victory often begins long before the starting signal — in the athlete’s mind, in their confidence, in carefully rehearsed mental rituals. That is why champions pay considerable attention to developing psychological resilience, as it helps them withstand pressure, make quick and correct decisions, and maintain maximum efficiency even in the most difficult circumstances.

Jockeys are some of the most highly honed athletes in any sport since horse racing is a fast-paced, high-stakes event. There is a lot of hard work, strict discipline, and careful planning that goes into every winning ride. The life of a jockey is anything but glamorous. They have to get up early, stick to strict diets, stay mentally focused, and have little free time, all to stay competitive on race day. Fans may only see a few minutes of activity on the track, but the truth is that it’s a full-time job.

The Early Hours: Discipline at Dawn
Most jockeys are already in the saddle as the sun rises. They need to do morning gallops every day to keep fresh and get to know each horse’s unique traits. Riding out at a training yard helps jockeys get to know the horses they’ll be riding in the future and keep in touch with their trainers. These early-morning activities are not only good for your body, but they are also very important for tactical observation.

Weight Watchers: It’s not only about being fit
One of the hardest things about becoming a jockey is keeping your weight down. A lot of people need to maintain their weight below 54 kg (119 lbs), and some need to ride even lighter. That includes keeping a close eye on your calories and using saunas or hot baths often to lose water weight before a weigh-in.
Meals are short, frequently high in protein, and water intake is carefully controlled, even on race day. It’s a way of life that is almost austere, but the physical pressure keeps on. Even relaxing needs to be thought out properly for people who like to treat themselves every now and then, whether it’s by going out to eat at nice restaurants or looking for casino signup bonuses in their free time.

Race Day Routine: Focus and Intensity
Everything is timed and focused once you get to the track. After they check in, the jockeys meet with their trainers to talk about how to ride each horse, taking into account the horse’s skill, the condition of the track, and the other horses. Next comes the weigh-in, where riders have to show that they are within the limits.
After putting on their silks and doing the last warm-up, they go to the parade ring. This is where the mind game starts. Before the gate opens, it’s important to picture success and soothe your anxiety.

After the Race: Time to Rest and Think
The day isn’t over yet, even after the last furlong. Jockeys have to weigh in again to make sure they are within the rules, talk to trainers, and often get back on the horse for another ride. After the last race, people start to focus on getting better.
The routine includes stretching, gentle exercise, and relaxing the mind. Some people watch video footage of their performance, while others use their limited free time to meet up with family or find lighter ways to have fun, always keeping an eye on the ride for the next day.

A life of giving up things, driven by passion
Being a jockey isn’t for the weak of heart. It requires physical discipline, mental strength, and the ability to handle stress, which often means making mistakes. But those that make it to the top can get a lot of rewards: respect, a lot of money, and a special position in sports history.
Jockeys live in the moment, always one gallop away from greatness, whether they are trying to win championships or just trying to get to work on time.

Regardless of the horse racing discipline, the quality of the race, and the location, we all know that the best jockeys can make a difference to a race outcome. While some aspects of strategy may differ depending on where the jockey rides, the qualities that the best jockeys have – tactical genius, patience, fearlessness – tend to be universal.

In the US, that’s certainly no different. There’s some massive money out there on the US circuit, so it’s no surprise to see some of the biggest names in the world head out there to try their luck.

Below, we will list six of the best riders in the US right now. The kind of names that have popped up on horse betting cards across 2025 and delivered for trainers, owners, and bettors alike. To clarify, we have compiled this list based on jockeys who have achieved success, as measured by earnings and strike rates, in 2025, using data up to July 2025. So, apologies to any big names missing from the list.

1. Flavien Prat

Flavien Prat is very much a Frenchman, but he has been such a consistent fixture on the US racing scene since moving out full-time that he’s close to becoming an all-American sports hero. Prat currently ranks first in North America for earnings, with over $19 million in 2025, and boasts a strong 25% win rate from 625 starts. He has handled elite mounts in all three Triple Crown races, winning the Kentucky Derby in 2019 and the Preakness Stakes in 2021. He’s also earned a coveted Eclipse Award (for Outstanding Jockey in 2024), marking the high-water point of a decorated and ascending career.

2. Irad Ortiz Jr.

Second in earnings on the leaderboard with over $17.7 million in 2025, Irad Ortiz Jr. logs a win percentage of around 21％ from more than 820 rides. A perennial power in NYRA circuits (Belmont, Saratoga, Aqueduct), he’s regularly seen aboard graded stakes contenders and is a familiar face in Triple Crown entries. He’s won the Belmont Stakes twice, the Breeders’ Cup Classic twice, and far too many Grade 1s to list here.

3. José Ortiz

José Ortiz, Irad’s younger brother, is also riding high this season, with $16 million+ in purse earnings and a sharp 24 % win rate across 750+ starts. Since joining the U.S. scene in 2012, he’s collected major race wins, notably the 2017 Belmont and 2022 Preakness, and an Eclipse Award (2017). His hot streak continues into 2025, and he and his older brother look like they have plenty more years left at the top of US racing.

4. Luis Saez

Luis Saez is fourth on the earnings board in 2025 with $15.4 million and an 18 % win rate from nearly 860 mounts. A veteran of high-stakes companies, Saez combines consistency and poise under pressure, frequently partnering with top horses in the biggest graded races across the country. Saez has over 3500 winners and counting.

5. Manuel “Manny” Franco

Manny Franco, fifth in the standings with over $10.3 million and a solid 19% win rate from 659 starts, is a familiar figure on NYRA tracks. A regular at the Kentucky Derby, Franco’s tactical speed, especially in early pace-making, makes him a trusted choice for trainers and owners in big graded races. He has yet to taste glory in the Kentucky Derby, though. He will be a popular figure at Churchill Downs if he can capture a Derby win before he retires.

6. Brian Hernandez Jr.

Though slightly off the earnings leaderboard, Brian Hernandez Jr. remains a top-tier rider. He has firmly established himself among the elite with 2,500+ career wins, including a historic 2024 season when winning both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby on successive days. His aggressive riding style, especially in classic and major stakes events, makes him always worth watching.