Do I have to be a member of the AJA to ride in Amateur races?

Yes, for the majority of races confined to Amateur Riders you are required to be a member of the AJA. The exceptions are Hunter Chases and also when riding against professionals.

How do I join the AJA?

A membership form is downloadable from this website.  Just click the link on the left marked AJA Membership Form.  Weatherbys are the membership administrators of the AJA.  A membership form is also available from Linda Tripp who can be contacted on 01933 304778.  Linda is based at Weatherbys, Sanders Road, Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 4BX.  Fax:  01933 304779.  You can pay by debit or credit card over the phone to join immediately, but if you prefer to use a cheque or pay via your Weatherbys Account, this is also possible.

How can I pay the membership fee?

You can either pay over the phone by credit or debit card, or send a cheque with the application form to Linda Tripp (made payable to Weatherbys Group Ltd) or have your Weatherbys account debited with the fee.  Current cost is £75 for a full 12 months.

Why do you require a new application form completed each year?

It is important that details such as your address and contact telephone numbers are kept up to date. Also information on the numbers of winners you have ridden is important as the AJA is often contacted by trainers for amateurs who have ridden “less than 25 winners” for example. By keeping our records updated, we can often find opportunities for riders that otherwise may have gone to a professional.

What benefits are there to AJA membership apart from being able to ride in Amateur races?

• FREE OF CHARGE! Category B courses now offered to 25 amateur riders per year who have had 15 completed rides over obstacles under Rules or 20 placed point-to-point rides or a combination of these.
• automatic worldwide insurance for all AJA members against temporary injury whilst riding out or handling a racehorse or point-to-pointer.  incapacity benefit of £100 per week payable after the first 30 days of injury for up to 104 weeks.  NB:  This cover does not include any capital benefits (such as death or permanent injury).  Please note: You do not have to be a jockey to be a member!  Anyone can join to benefit from this insurance! Upper age limit: 70.
• improved racecourse insurance from weigh out to weigh in against injury, with incapacity benefit of £250 per week payable after the first 28 days of injury for up to 104 weeks, together with cover against medical expenses, permanent injury, death and dependants, as well as many other benefits. 
• Help and advice on all matters concerning amateur race riding such as medical issues, licences, jockey sponsorship, insurance and Rules of Racing.
• Inclusion in the Riders Directory on the AJA website.  This is useful for trainers seeking amateur jockeys. 
• Automatic membership of FEGENTRI, the international organisation which co-ordinates amateur races worldwide.  To be eligible, you need at least 5 winners under Rules and/or Arab racing and/or point-to-pointing, ride at 9 stone (ladies) or 10 stone (gentlemen) and be available to travel abroad over much of the summer.
• AJA Newsletter sent out quarterly giving AJA news and HRA Notices.
• Entitlement to various trade discounts.
• Social events: Northern Dance & Cheltenham Champions Christmas Craic.
• Opportunity to join AJA committee and voice your views and concerns.

Can I join the AJA on the day I am due to ride and do I need to show my membership card when I ride?

No, your details are stored on Weatherbys database and when you are booked to ride your membership status is automatically checked. However, you are required to be a member of the AJA by 1pm on the day of overnight declaration of the horse.  It is not a problem if you want to join immediately if you have a credit or debit card.

If I join the AJA at the end of the year do I have to pay again in January?

No, not any more.  We have improved our membership system so that you now have best value for money with a rolling system which allows you a full 12 months membership whenever you join within the year. 

How can I express my views on the AJA and amateur racing?

There is a ‘contact’ section on this site that enables you to gives us your views. You can of course call or email any of the Association’s officials on the numbers shown on the contacts page.

Are there any social events arranged by the AJA?

The AJA arrange a Northern Dance in November as well as a Championship Christmas Craic in December every year.

What about insurance?

One of the main benefits of AJA membership is the all-inclusive worldwide insurance which covers all members for riding out and/or handling a racehorse.  This is fantastic value for money, as an individual quotation usually costs around £300 per person.   You are also able to take out your own personal insurance in addition if you like.  You cannot be over-insured!  You are also insured from weigh out to weigh in on the racecourse proper under your licence to ride.  (If you ride in point-to-points, your point-to-point licence insures you from weigh out to weigh in on the point-to-point course.)

Advice for amateur riders at the races

• Remember you are an ambassador for the sport of amateur racing.
• Do not leave your saddle unattended once you have weighed out.  This is now a Rule of Racing!
• DO NOT use your mobile phone from 30 minutes before you arrive at the racecourse and not until after you leave.  You can obtain special permission to use the telephone in an allocated area within the weighing room but please check or this is a punishable offence with £250 on-the-spot fines!
• Always look tidy and respectable.
• Never leave the weighing room in your colours to walk around the course without wearing a jacket or blazer over the top of them (except when leaving for the race itself!)
• Have good protection on your calves - you will notice the difference when you first race ride after the comfortable saddle and clothes that you wear for riding out!
• Always walk the course before you ride and familiarise yourself with the route to the start.
• Make sure that you leave the weighing room when called to go into the parade ring. Don’t be late into the paddock!
• Try not to do overweight - but don’t make yourself feel ill by trying to do light.  Be sensible so you feel fit and well.