By Sejal Mandal via SWNS
Meet the 10-year-old training to become a jockey – using a bouncing ball.
Reo first fell in love with horses after winning a plush toy at an arcade and now dreams of racing professionally.
Despite not yet receiving formal jockey training, Reo practices everyday at home using a bouncing ball to strengthen his core and perfect his balance.
His training includes core workouts, horse riding lessons and sessions on an equicizer – a mechanical horse used for training.
Reo, from Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, said: “I started training when I was nine.
“I haven’t received formal jockey training but I do core training using the ball and also use an equicizer.”
Reo’s passion for horse riding grew stronger when he attended a small riding club in his hometown.
With the help of his father Manabu, 45, Reo incorporated a bouncing ball in his training, which he uses to master the technique required to be become a jockey.
Manabu films Reo’s progress over the weekends, documenting his dedication to becoming a jockey.
Manabu, who works in the manufacturing industry, said: “The goal for my son is to compete on the world stage one day.
“Reo has not participated in any competition yet due to lack of sponsorship.
“Having a sponsor would allow us to take more actions and explore more opportunities and focus on training to become a jockey.”
