Amateur race riding has been in existence for as long as racing itself and has never been as popular as it is today. In 1995 the Lady Jockeys Association and the Amateur Riders Association amalgamated to form the AJA. The AJA has over 500 Full Riding Members, many Life Associate Members and several Honorary Members and aims to protect and promote the interests of all its members, both male and female, in an increasingly professional world.

The AJA aims to:

1. improve the standard and safety of all amateur riders
2. encourage amateur races under both codes
3. find sponsors for such events
4. act on behalf of its members by providing recommendations to the various regulatory and administrative racing bodies
5. select and finance amateurs to ride abroad
6. play an important part through its seat on the Industry Committee in the formation of the policy of the British Racing Industry

Do I have to be a member of the AJA to ride in Amateur races?

Yes, for the majority of races confined to Amateur Riders you are required to be a member of the AJA. However, you do not have to be a member of the AJA to ride in Hunter Chases.

How do I join the AJA?

You need to complete a membership form which is available from Kelly Edwards or Andrew Dutton at Weatherbys, Sanders Road, Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 4BX, by fax on 01933 304779 or downloaded from the website here. Weatherbys are the membership administrators of the AJA. You can join the AJA by telephone by calling Kelly or Andrew on 01933 440077 or on 01933 304778.

How can I pay the membership fee?

You can send a cheque (made payable to Amateur Jockeys Association) with the membership form or have your Weatherbys account debited with the fee or pay by credit or debit card. Current membership fees are £55.

Do I require a new application form completed each year?

Yes please. This is in your own interests as it is important that details such as your address and contact telephone numbers are kept up to date. Also information on the numbers of winners you have ridden is vital as the AJA often receive requests from trainers for amateurs who have ridden a specific number of winners. By keeping our records up to date, we can help to find opportunities for amateur riders that might otherwise go to professional jockeys.

What benefits are there to membership apart from being able to ride in Amateur races?

1. The AJA is a recognised body that represents amateur riders and amateur racing in Great Britain. It acts on behalf of its members by providing recommendations for the various regulatory and administrative bodies in racing, and has a representative on the Industry Committee of the British Horseracing Board.
2. Inclusion in The Riders Directory on the AJA website is available to all members. This is a useful place to advertise your skills for potential rides and you can even include your photograph.
3. Various discounts are available to AJA members on products and services.
4. The AJA Newsletter is sent out quarterly to all members, giving news, views and notices from the Jockey Club.
5. Members applying for a Category B permit are entitled to a subsidy of £100 from the AJA on successful completion of the course. Please contact the AJA for details or ask at the British Racing School, Newmarket.
6. Under the amateur rider's riding permit, insurance cover is included from weigh out to weigh in in respect of death and bodily injury as well as rider to rider cover. However, please note that this does NOT extend to temporary disablement cover and no cover of any description is provided off the racecourse.
7. As a member of the AJA you are automatically a member of FEGENTRI, the international organisation which co-ordinates a series of amateur races throughout the world. British amateur riders have ridden in over 20 different countries in the last few years and we are constantly seeking new opportunities for our members to enable them to ride abroad. Each year one lady and one gentleman amateur rider is selected by the AJA to represent Great Britain in the FEGENTRI series. To be eligible for selection, you must have ridden a minimum of 5 winners under Rules, have the time and energy to spend many of the summer weekends abroad, be able to ride at 9 stone for ladies and 10 stone for gentlemen, and be able to conduct yourself at all times in a diplomatic fashion.
8. The AJA offers help and advice at all times on all matters concerning amateur race riding, such as sponsorship and rules of racing. You are ambassadors for the sport of amateur racing. Please refer controversial issues to the AJA as soon as possible.

Can I join the AJA on the day I am due to ride and do I need to show my membership card when I ride ?

No, your details are stored on Weatherbys database and when you are booked to ride your membership status is automatically checked. However, you are required to be a member of the AJA by 1pm on the day of overnight declaration of the horse.

If I join the AJA at the end of the year do I have to pay again in January?

No. A new rolling system has just been introduced (July 2005) whereby you buy a full 12 months membership on joining. You will be sent a reminder letter by Weatherbys a month before your membership is due to expire in order that you do not forget to renew it.

What about insurance?

We strongly advise our members to take out private insurance to cover themselves whilst riding in order that you are not left without any income should you become unable to ride through injury. The application form clearly sets out the cover provided from weigh out to weigh in, but this DOES NOT cover temporary disablement and NO COVER of any description is provided off the racecourse. Annual cover usually costs around £150 and we recommend that you contact British Equestrian Insurance Brokers of

Hildenbrook House,
The Slade,
Tonbridge,
Kent.
TN9 1HR
Tel: 01732 771719
Fax: 01732 359982
e-mail: beib@globalnet.co.uk for an individual quotation.

How can I express my views on the AJA and amateur racing ?

You can contact the AJA via their website or by telephone or post on the contacts given.

Are there any social events arranged by the AJA?

The AJA arrange a Northern Annual Dinner Dance and a Christmas Championship Charity Ball at which the year’s champions receive their cups. The AJA also entertain owners, trainers and amateur jockeys on the racecourse whenever they sponsor races.

Advice for amateur riders at the races

• You are an ambassador for the sport of amateur racing.
• Never leave the weighing room in your colours without wearing a jacket or blazer over the top of them.
• Have good protection on your calves - you will notice the difference when you first race ride after the comfortable saddle and clothes that you wear for riding out!
• Always walk the course before you ride and familiarise yourself with the route to the start as well as to the finishing post.
• Once you have weighed out, never leave your saddle unattended.
• Make sure that you leave the weighing room when called to go into the parade ring. Don't be late into the paddock!
• Try not to do overweight - but don't make yourself feel ill by trying to do light - be sensible so that you feel fit and well and can ride to the best of your ability.