So you want to be an exercise rider. In the business of horse racing, horses are trained in order to perform well and hopefully win. The exercise rider gets on these thoroughbreds every day early in the morning to get them ready and fit for race day.

In the state of Illinois, there aren’t too many colleges that offer a degree in equestrian/equine studies (which is the study related to the horse family) but among the schools that do offer this are Black Hawk College in Moline, IL, Kishwaukee College in Malta, IL and Highland community college in Highland, IL. The least expensive tuition is at Highland community college for $3,362 including fees. Another option could be Kishwaukee college, but tuition would set you back $9,750 including fees for an associates degree. Some private schools offer students scholarships that reduce tuition. However, my final option is not private; Blackhawk college is a community college. Tuition costs $3,600 including fees. With so many schools to choose from proprietary schools are the ones to avoid.

Marco A. Arellano is a licensed thoroughbred exercise rider currently employed at Arlington International Racecourse and also happens to be my cousin.

Q: Background and how did you get into this business?

A: I grew up in the thoroughbred business. I didn’t start working with horses until I was 16, eventually earned a license to able to exercise ride horses.

Q: Tell me about your job, why did you choose this profession?

A: Like I said I grew up around the environment and I just fell in love with the horses. Watching them race on race day is almost like watching your kids play or perform.

Q: Personal characteristics required for someone to be successful in your job?

A: You must be fearless but also humble and you have to be willing to take a fall. Most importantly, you have to learn to take criticism.

Q: How much job security is there for people in your field?

A: You should have insurance in the case of a bad spill and break a bone.

Q: What other jobs could you do with the skills you gained in this field?

A: There are numerous things you can do in the business when you learn horse behavior.

Q: What do you think the future holds for the people in your job?

A: Working with thoroughbreds can take you anywhere in the near or far future, you never know.

Q: What are the biggest challenges in your job?

A: Aside from handling these 2,000-pound animals and not falling off, I would say keeping a healthy diet and staying fit.

Q: Are there many opportunities in your field? What should someone do to get started?

A: There are plenty of opportunities. I would say a simple way is to just visit a racetrack and contact someone with thoroughbred backgrounds or connections.