1

Horse Racing Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Racing Valet - Seasonal

Hot Springs, AR · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

Monitors horse racing equipment such as saddles, girths, blinkers and etc. * Removes tack from horses after each race and takes to jockeys room; may tighten and/or loosen over and under girths and ...

Starter - Seasonal

Hot Springs, AR

$11.50 - $14.75/hr

May recommend removal of horse unfit to start race. May schedule morning workouts for horses requiring familiarization with starting gate procedures. Coordinates with the veterinarians and outriders ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Horse Racing information

See Arkansas salary details

$6

$13

$19

How much do horse racing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for horse racing in Arkansas is $13.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.14 and $15.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How can I get a horse racing job?

The qualifications for each position in the horse racing industry vary greatly. You should have prior experience for the job for which you are applying. Racetrack security personnel, for instance, should have previous security positions on their resume. Administrative positions often require a bachelor’s degree in business, while veterinarians need their doctorate and any necessary licenses or certifications. Trainers work as assistants before taking on this role and pursuing their professional licensure. Jockeys must meet strict weight and height requirements, display racing skills, and possess a jockey’s license. Look at online job board listings to gain a better understanding of what your desired position requires.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a horse racing jockey?

To thrive as a Horse Racing Jockey, you need expert riding ability, a deep understanding of horse behavior, and often completion of apprentice programs or licensing requirements. Familiarity with racing equipment, weight management practices, and race-day protocols is essential. Strong soft skills like quick decision-making, resilience, and excellent communication with trainers and owners set top jockeys apart. These skills are critical for ensuring safety, achieving peak performance, and building successful partnerships in a competitive racing environment.

What are horse racing jobs?

Horse racing jobs encompass a variety of roles involved in the breeding, training, care, and racing of horses. Common positions include jockeys, trainers, grooms, exercise riders, stewards, and racecourse staff. These professionals work together to ensure horses are healthy, well-prepared, and able to compete safely and successfully. Horse racing jobs can be physically demanding and often require early mornings and weekend work. Many roles require specialized knowledge of horses and a passion for the sport.

What is the difference between Horse Racing vs Jockey?

AspectHorse RacingJockey
Required CredentialsNone mandatory, but racing licenses may be neededRacing license, riding certifications
Work EnvironmentRacecourses, stables, outdoor tracksRacecourses, training facilities, outdoor tracks
Employer & Industry UsageRacing organizations, tracks, stablesRacing teams, trainers, stables
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding racing activities, eventsRiding skills, race participation

Horse Racing involves organizing and managing racing events, while a Jockey is a professional rider who participates in races. Horse Racing covers the broader industry, including event management and track operations, whereas Jockeys focus on riding and competing in races. Both roles are integral to the racing industry but differ in responsibilities and credentials.

What are the different types of horse racing jobs?

Horse racing jobs include roles such as jockeys, trainers, grooms, stable hands, track officials, and race organizers. These positions require specific skills, certifications, and knowledge of racing regulations, and often involve working early mornings and weekends at racetracks or training facilities.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working in the horse racing industry?

Professionals in the horse racing industry often face challenges such as early morning hours, physically demanding work, and the need to quickly respond to the unpredictable nature of working with horses. The fast-paced environment requires strong teamwork between trainers, jockeys, grooms, and veterinarians to ensure horse welfare and race readiness. Additionally, maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards is crucial, and adapting to frequent schedule changes is a common part of the job.
What job categories do people searching Horse Racing jobs in Arkansas look for? The top searched job categories for Horse Racing jobs in Arkansas are:
Infographic showing various Horse Racing job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,520 per year, or $13.2 per hour.

Seasonal Racing Steward - Part Time (Day Shift)

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort

Hot Springs, AR • On-site

$12.25 - $16.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Thank you for your interest in becoming part of the Oaklawn Team. We have an extraordinary legacy. We are a family with strong core values, providing a new level of excitement for our guests and Team Members as we aspire to be Arkansas' Employer of Choice.
We are currently seeking a talented individual to become a Racing Steward. An individual could be successful if they possess the following.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Racing Stewards oversee race meetings and enforce the rules of racing that are applicable in their home jurisdiction. Coordinates and directs racing activities at the racetrack.
  • Confers with track management and studies prior racing and attendance records to plan types of races to schedule.
  • Assigns workers to duties, such as inspecting entrants, starting and judging races to comply with racing commission regulations
  • Observes workers performing duties to ensure compliance with commission rules and track policy
  • Approves or disapproves requests of handlers to change equipment on horses
  • Confers with veterinary personnel regarding horses unfit to race
  • Writes reports to comply with state racing commission rules, such as recording and reporting all complaints, actions taken and penalties imposed
  • Ability to work required overtime
  • Regular punctual attendance required
  • Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • The equivalent of two years of full-time experience which involved working directly with the pari-mutuel horse racing industry as a racing official, such as a placing judge, paddock judge, racing secretary, clerk of scales, steward, assistant steward, or other racing official that involved interpreting rules of horse racing and making judgments or the equivalent of five years of full-time experience in the pari-mutuel
  • horse racing industry in a non-official capacity that still involved interpreting the rules of horse racing, such as jockey, trainer, owner or closely related occupation.
  • Applicant must be accredited through the Racing Officials Accreditation Program as a Racing Official or Steward, meet the experience and continuing education requirements of the program, and be in good standing with all racing jurisdictions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job may or may not have supervisory responsibilities.
  • Manages work procedures and expedites workflow.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents in English, such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to read and communicate verbally in English. Written communication skills in in English may also be required.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Employee must be able to qualify for licenses and permits required by federal, state and local regulations.
OAKLAWN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
It is Oaklawn's intent to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe and secure environment for our Team Members. All applicants must complete a pre-employment drug screen and background check.