Send your questions to usponyracing@gmail.com, so we can post the answer here for everyone!
Do I need to wear silks?
No, you do not need to wear silks, but it is kinda fun! You can find used silks on ebay fairly inexpensively. If you would like to have silks made, you can contact USPR for suggestions of companies that make them. Silks start around $100 and up as intracacey of design increases. The front and back of your silks must match
Can I just show up and race?
Unfortunately, no. Entries for races typically close around noon the Monday prior to the race. US Pony Racing operated races must be paid in advance, no refunds if not scratched by noon the following day. Entries must be paid for to be accepted and make it into the program.
I do not have a race pony, where can I find one?
Guess what? About 98% of the ponies that run in races have other jobs! USPR promotes the use of sane, controllable multi-use ponies. Riders are encouraged to have a fun time, regardless of how fast or slow your pony can go. It’s very rare in the United States that you find a pony that only races.
What is required for me to participate in a race?
You have to have not had your 16th birthday as of January 1st. So if you are 16 on Dec 27th, you have aged out. There have been riders as young as 6 years old participate in the open pony races. All riders must be approved on their pony by a USPR official. USPR takes into consideration the maturity of the rider, the ability of the rider and the ability of the rider to follow directions. The rider must be able to maneuver pony in a group safely and the pony must be controllable and well-behaved. The pony must also be at least 5 years of age. Same goes for horses in junior and young rider divisions. All riders of all divisions (except lead line) must be approved on the mount they will ride. This goes for over fences, as well as on the flat. If you have been approved on the flat, you are not necessarily approved over fences. Always check with USPR to make sure you have been approved.
Do I need jockey pants and a race saddle to participate?
No! Most riders use the same take they would horse show or go hunting in with the addition of a yoke or neckstrap and an overgirth. Likewise with what the rider wears, with the addition of a protective vest and make sure your helmet is approved by the NSA or meets ASTM/SEI standards. If you just don’t think you can live life without wearing white pants, you can always use your white breeches or some riders have used baseball/softball pants. Regardless of what you and your mount are wearing, you should practice in everything you will use on race day in advance, so you know how it fits and how it will feel. Ask a professional to help you if you are wanting to use real racing gear. USPR does not encourage the use of racing undergirths for ponies, use your regular girth instead.