Here are some general facts about jockeys and their height and weight limitations, licensing, and horse ownership:

• All jockeys must have a riding license in the state in which they compete. A jockey must be at least 16 years old before he or she is eligible for a jockey's license.
• Jockeys own and are responsible for their own riding equipment, including saddles, pants, crops, helmets and boots, etc.
• As a rule, jockeys cannot own the horses they ride. Jockeys are independent contractors who are employed by owners and/or trainers to ride their horses. In turn, the owners and/or trainers hire jockeys through the jockeys' agents.
• Jockeys are not subject to height limits - only weight limits. A rider can be of any height if he or she still can make the assigned weight, but it is generally limited to fairly short individuals because of the limits on a person's body.
• The average jockey has a light but athletic build, and body weight is anywhere between 108 to 118 pounds. The weight assigned for the Kentucky Derby is 126 pounds (including jockey's body weight and equipment).
• Jockeys typically range from about 4'10" to 5'6" in height.