Weighing Solutions to Jockey Problem
Re “Fed Up With the Hunger,” July 21: We do not want to encourage our jockeys to heave and sweat, nor do we want to have weak jockeys riding racehorses. We also do not want to risk further injury to our horses by raising the weights. They are not growing larger to accommodate larger jockeys.
The only solution is to limit the size of the jockey. Grant licenses to those whose bodies fit certain measurement guidelines of height, bone and muscle mass, so they can make the weight without endangering the health or safety of all riders and horses.
If a man is simply too big to ride, then deny him a license.
Kathy Harty
Arcadia
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If racehorse owners are so anxious to have jockeys who are small in weight and stature, why aren’t they hiring women?
Male jockeys are starving themselves to get to 113 pounds, but for a petite woman, 113 is a healthful weight.
Please don’t tell me the owners believe that there aren’t any women who are capable of riding horses.
Linda Williamson
Granada Hills
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