We’ve never had much to do with the race track scene or jockeys- bought a few horses off the track, and know some race trackers & jockeys- but no real inside type knowledge- but our daughters all barrel raced and the youngest still does- you are right that the horse is the key & the main athlete- but I will argue the point that the jockey doesn’t just sit there- whether going down the track or around three barrels. Successful races are definately a team effort and we have known many great horses that never reached their potential due to the rider. Some riders can ride a horse far beyond what that horse’s expected level is also. I know at least at our house when our daughters are racing- they stay fit themselves to get every advantage; I consider them athletes when they are competing, but I know many don’t.
Those who don't have never done it. They are riders, not sitters.