OUR MISSION
OUR MISSION
— About Us
WHO WE ARE
The Jockeys’ Guild is the national organization that represents and protects professional Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse jockeys across the United States. Our mission is to ensure the safety, well-being, and rights of the athletes who risk their lives every day in the sport of horse racing.
OUR PURPOSE
From medical protections to fair compensation, from injury support to safety advocacy and representation, the Guild provides a unified voice for jockeys—one that safeguards their health, advances industry standards, and champions the long-term welfare of jockeys in the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing industry.
WHAT WE DO
Safety Standards
Advocating for safer racetrack conditions, equipment, and protocols to reduce risk and prevent injury.
medical & InJURY SUPPORT
Providing temporary disability benefits and recovery resources that help injured jockeys return to the sport.
Fair Compensation & Benefits
Securing equitable pay, insurance coverage, and retirement benefits to support riders during and after their careers.
mental health & Wellbeing
Partnering with industry organizations and trusted local resources to provide counseling, trauma-informed care, nutrition education, and more.
representation & Advocacy
Giving jockeys a unified voice in industry decisions, policy development, and long-term reforms that protect their rights and livelihoods.
The Guild works to ensure all riders have access to essential protections and representation, including:
WHY THE GUILD EXISTS
— UNITED VOICES MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The Jockeys’ Guild exists to ensure that the athletes at the center of horse racing have a permanent, unified voice shaping the future of the sport.
Professional jockeys operate in one of the most demanding and high-risk environments in athletics. The Guild exists to build the systems that protect them, advancing safety, securing fair compensation, strengthening benefits, and expanding access to essential support services.
More than representation, the Guild provides leadership. It works collaboratively across the industry to elevate standards, anticipate emerging challenges, and create long-term solutions that safeguard riders’ careers and well-being.
As racing evolves, the Guild remains steadfast on protecting the safety of both the human and equine athletes, and ensuring the integrity of the industry.
WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY ABOUT THE GUILD
Testimonials
With all of the issues we are facing today, jockeys must stand together. In order to accomplish what is in the best interest of the jockeys, including protecting our rights and increasing benefits such as increased pay scales, the Jockeys’ Guild is the only way for us to be united. However, that requires the participation and involvement of all our members. Our strength is in numbers and the Guild has been providing for us for over eighty-six years.
Mike Smith
Hall of Fame Jockey
Co-Chairman of Jockeys' Guild
It is critical that jockeys have a place at the table when industry groups discuss the future of the sport. The Guild gives the jockeys just that – a national voice that is guided by consensus rather than just one person’s opinion. The Guild speaks with one voice in the best interest of all jockeys.
John Velazquez
Hall of Fame Jockey
Former Chairman of Jockeys’ Guild
“I have been a member of the Jockeys’ Guild since I first started riding in the U.S. The Jockeys’ Guild is the jockey. It’s beneficial for all jockeys to be a member.”
Laffit Pincay, jr.
The Guild plays a critical role for jockeys in many areas nationally, but none more important than safety. The Guild has been in the forefront from the testing and development of improved safety equipment to raising the minimum standards of aftercare.
New equipment and cutting edge treatment are being explored by the Guild, something none of us could do on our own yet something that could benefit each and every one of us.”
G. R. Carter
Retired Quarter Horse Hall of Fame Jockey
Former Vice-Chairman of Jockeys’ Guild
