About Us

WHEN THEY FALL, WE ARE HERE TO HELP THEM BACK UP.

Who We Are

The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) is an independent charitable organization that provides financial assistance to jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. The PDJF was created in 2006 as a collaborative effort of leaders representing race tracks, jockeys, horsemen’s groups, and others within the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse industries. In 2009, the PDJF became a freestanding 501(c)(3) public charity governed by a board of directors comprised of stakeholders from a broad cross-section of the horse racing industry.

What We Do

The PDJF provides much-needed financial support to permanently disabled jockeys who have given so much to the sport of horse racing. Currently the PDJF supports 60 former riders who have suffered paralysis, brain injuries, or both. Since its founding in 2006 we have disbursed nearly $9 million dollars in aid. Many of the jockeys we serve were injured while in their 20s and 30s and face decades of living with a disability. They have lost their income and the opportunity to build a financial cushion sufficient to support themselves and their families.

Our Mission

  1. Promote awareness of the needs of permanently disabled jockeys through public advocacy;
  2. Provide financial support to permanently disabled jockeys to help defray everyday expenses associated with living with a catastrophic injury;
  3. Provide financial support and assistance in obtaining medical coverage for permanently disabled jockeys;
  4. Promote medical research dedicated to reducing catastrophic injuries within the horse racing industry.

Our Need For Permanent Funding

The PDJF has no guaranteed funding from within the horse racing industry and is 100% dependent on donations from people like YOU! The PDJF Endowment Fund is of critical importance to provide long-term, stable funding for many years to come so that we do not have to rely on the charitable donations of individuals and organizations year-to-year. To be successful, the endowment must be supported by all facets of the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing industries. Our goal is to build a self-sustaining, permanent funding mechanism so that our jockeys are never in jeopardy of receiving monthly assistance from the Fund.