Most people agree that the life of a jockey is a difficult one. There are a handful that rise to the top, and do extremely well out of the Sport of Kings. The vast majority however struggle with their weights, and do their best to avoid and/or overcome injury. Anyone who has ever been pelted off a horse would know that it doesn't tickle! And of course the older you get, the more it hurts! We used to fang around on our ponies, bareback, in headstalls and leadropes, never wearing a riding hat. Completely fearless, and I am sure that on the odd occasion I parted company with my horse, I used to bounce. In fact I rarely used to fall off, unless the horse came down as well, I guess all those years of galloping around bareback meant my balance and ability to swing my body with the horse was pretty good. I'd like to say that I could still ride the same, but age and the maturing mind catches up, and you start thinking of the consequences of 'what if I come off', which
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