Inequality between horses is of more immediate concern to two female trainers than any inequality between genders.

Barbara Joseph from Canberra and Jenny Graham from Port Macquarie are thrilled with Michelle Payne's Melbourne Cup success and the message it sends to female jockeys that they too can achieve their dreams in the sport.

But speaking to AAP about the upcoming TAB Highway Handicap at Canterbury on Saturday, they highlighted another issue they believe could improve the industry.

"A lot (of country horses) don't go to the city because we basically don't think the horses are good enough to be carrying an equal weight to what the city horses are carrying," Graham said.

"Our class of races aren't to the class of (city) horses."

A city horse with a rating of 70 is superior to a country horse with the same rating, and yet they are given the same weight, Graham said.

Joseph believes that disadvantage contributes to reduced field sizes in many city races because bush trainers don't think it is worthwhile making the trip.

"Bring the rating down to make the field bigger," Joseph said.

Graham seconds that: "At least it gives you a weight reduction to be competitive."

The city-country divide extends to the gender issue too.

Joseph says there are more female jockeys in the country and she has been to race meetings where all the jockeys were women.

"A lot of horses run for them better," she said.

But female jockeys tend to drop out of the industry sooner.

"They get a bit disillusioned at the end of the apprenticeship, or they get married or have a family."

Joseph does feel the industry is more open to females than it was 40 years ago when she took out her licence.

"Look at Gai (Waterhouse). Gai's been fantastic for women," she said.

"It was very good she came along after me."

Jenny Graham knows better than most how difficult it can be for a female rider to pursue a career in the sport as her daughter, Melinda, is a jockey.

"Trainers have stuck with her and given her the opportunities for sure, but it is hard work," she said.

"The (trainers and owners) that she rides for have mostly stuck by her - not all the time."