Newbie exercise rider - advice?

[ashcowgirl]

Hey guys. I'm sixteen and I think I've just secured my first job.
I've taken lessons since I was three and have shown Paint horses competitively since I was eight. Showing in western pleasure, english pleasure, equitation, horsemanship, and showmanship. I ride with a respectable trainer and show horses that his clients are trying to sell and put youth points on them.
However, Paint shows and the race track are worlds apart, to say the least.
There is a small racing stable in my town. He's looking for an exercise rider and I'm going to go meet with him on Friday. I've already talked to him on the phone.
Do you guys have any advice for me? What is it like to be an exercise rider?
I'm not going to lie and say I know all about exercise riding. But, I'm dedicated and if someone will teach me, I'll learn. I'm about 5'4" and 95 pounds. Surely I'm tiny enough.
During my job hunt I've realized my talents and skills all involve horses. And, the list pretty much ends there.
Any insight is much appreciated!

 

[rabbithorsegirl]

well you should know everything about riding and obeying the owner and trainers EVERY command but riding a racehorse is nothing like a bomb proof show horse make sure you have experience with horses that haven't had evrything trained out of them.

 

[Caz]

It all comes down to balance really when your perched up there. If you've been riding since you were three i'd say you grew up with that. If you can ride well at a flat out gallop bareback than you'll be fine it's no different. Just takes a bit of getting used to. I only exercise rode for 6months when i was young, not very long, not long enough. The horses are usually pumped and trotting on the spot, but you do get sluggish ones. Most important thing is to ride to the trainers commands and it is easier said than done with some horses but once you get to know each horse it gets easier.