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Horse Racing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pen Rider (24928)

Coalinga, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $22/hr

Maintain cleanliness of horse facilities and tack. * Act in accordance with all applicable safety ... We do not base our employment decisions on employee's or applicant's citizenship, race, age, color ...

With over 90 miles of horse trails winding through picturesque landscapes, this "Horse Town USA ... We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation ...

Our caseload also includes a significant number of dressage, eventing, and some pleasure horses ... All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color ...

Our caseload also includes a significant number of dressage, eventing, and some pleasure horses ... All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color ...

Working with or near cattle, horses, vehicles, and equipment in all weather conditions. Harris ... We do not base our employment decisions on an employee's or applicant's citizenship, race, age ...

We also serve our local non-performance horse community. The hospital is a 22,000 square foot full ... All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color ...

We also serve our local non-performance horse community. The hospital is a 22,000 square foot full ... All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color ...

Showing results 41-60

Horse Racing information

See California salary details

$7

$15

$22

How much do horse racing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for horse racing in California is $15.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.12 and $18.99 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 are the most commonly searched types of Horse Racing jobs in California? The most popular types of Horse Racing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Horse Racing jobs in California? For Horse Racing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Horse Racing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Horse Racing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Horse Racing jobs? Cities in California with the most Horse Racing job openings:
Infographic showing various Horse Racing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,845 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

$16.90 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
The Pen Rider will move, sort, and pull cattle that require treatment throughout the feedlot on horseback.
Reports to:
Cowboy Assistant Supervisor and Cowboy Supervisor.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for observing strays, poor doers, downer animals, or other animals not destined for processing.
  • Gather, sort, count, and load cattle for harvest.
  • Ride pens per daily schedule identifying sickness and injuries.
  • Accurately record pulled cattle removed from pens.
  • Receive, ship, unload and move cattle as needed.
  • Safely Move cattle from pens as directed.
  • Maintain cleanliness of horse facilities and tack.
  • Act in accordance with all applicable safety animal welfare regulations and company policies.

Harris Feeding Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates are evaluated and selected based on their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decisions on employee's or applicant's citizenship, race, age, color, sex, religion, natural origin, sexual orientation, handicap, or disability, marital status, veteran status, reproductive health decision making, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
Harris Feeding Company participates in E-Verify during the hire process for all new Team Members.
Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Must recognize sick or injured cattle, skillfully pull them out of the pen, and move them to the hospital.
  • Must have good horsemanship skills.
  • Essential to have full knowledge of livestock handling skills.
  • Must be able to count cattle accurately.
  • Excellent verbal communication.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Must work well in a team-oriented environment.
Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Physical Requirements:
  • Requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions

  • Must be able to lift and push 50 pounds at a time.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to airborne particles and outdoor weather conditions.

Harris Ranch Feeding Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates are evaluated and selected based on their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decisions on employee's or applicant's citizenship, race, age, color, sex, religion, natural origin, sexual orientation, handicap, or disability, marital status, veteran status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
Harris Feeding Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates are evaluated and selected based on their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decisions on employee's or applicant's citizenship, race, age, color, sex, religion, natural origin, sexual orientation, handicap, or disability, marital status, veteran status, reproductive health decision making, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
Harris Feeding Company participates in E-Verify during the hire process for all new Team Members.