Without wishing to rain on anyone’s parade, perhaps the first points to make are that trainee jockeys need to be between 16 and 25 years of age, physically fit and be able to ride between 8st 2lb and 10st 2lb, on the Flat, or between 10st 2lb and 12st, over jumps. Those caveats aside, the first step to becoming a jockey is to complete a Level 1 Diploma in Racehorse Care at the British Racing School (BRS) in Newmarket or the National Horseracing College (NHC) in Doncaster. You will need to demonstrate your fitness beforehand, but no previous riding experience is required. It is worth noting, though, that courses are heavily over-subscribed and, according to the BRS, less than 5% of attendees go on to become jockeys.
The next step is to find full-time employment, as a racing groom, with a licensed racehorse trainer. There are around 600 licensed trainers in Britain and both the BRS and NHC have dependable connections with various yards up and down the country, so should be able to point you in the right direction. Once employed by a trainer, you will be required to continue your training and complete a Level 2 Apprenticeship Equine Groom, which covers the basic skills required for a successful career in the racing industry.
Ultimately, the trainer will decide if and when you are competent enough to become a jockey and make a licence application to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). Once you have successfully completed a two-week Jockey Licence course, you will be eligible to ride against professional jockeys, with an appropriate weight allowance.
