Note: These are basic rules, additional rules may apply within individual racing jurisdictions and associations.

1. Except where noted, all riders must wear a current ASTM/SEI or NSA approved helmet, a protective vest, yoke or neck strap, overgirth, and safety stirrups (the peacock variety or Arena/Tech variety). Whips, spurs, check reins, grass reins, blinkers, or any other equipment besides a standing or running martingale are NOT allowed
2. All ponies and junior horses  must be at least 5 years old (based on January 1 rule).
3. No STALLIONS or mare more than 5 months in foal.
4. No companion animals in the paddock or on the grounds.
5. MD Steeplechase Association Measurement Certification Cards are valid, if pony does not have a MSA card, a official permanent USEF measurement card is acceptable or USPR will measure any ponies that do not have either and are of questionable size.  SMALL ponies are up to 12.2h, MEDIUM ponies are over 12.2h and under 13.2h, LARGE ponies are over 13.2h and cannot exceed 14.2h.  Any issues with the size of a pony must be handled prior to the pony running.  Ponies must run in their registered name, or their registered name must be noted at the time of measuring.
6. Before being permitted to run, all entries must be pre-screened (all rider/mount combos) by USPR and display ability to gallop and/or jump at speed in company showing control and exhibiting safety.  It is the responsibility of the trainer to be sure an entry is approved before the closing date of the race.
7. Pony and junior horse riders are to not have had their 16th birthday as of January 1st.  Young riders are defined by race conditions, but typically between 15 and 21 years of age, check each race condition for specifics.
8. All owners, riders, trainers, ponies, and horses must be acceptable to the USPR Race Committee.  Results are FINAL after the trophies are awarded.
9. USPR reserves the right to refuse any entry for any reason.
10. USPR officials have the final say on placings and rulings.
11. The parents or guardians for anyone under eighteen (18) years old must file signed release forms complete with health insurance information with US Pony Racing PRIOR to participating in any races. Proof of healthy insurance will be required.  Each race day has a separate release reflecting that meet.
12. Proof of a current coggins test is required and must be available for inspection on race day.  Additionally, a Health Certificate may be required, see individual race conditions for information.
13. Trainers must be at least 18 years of age.  Listed trainer is responsible for the entry and making sure entry fees are paid.  Entry fees are non-refundable.
14. All entries must be able to head to start on their own.  Entries are to be released by handlers immediately after leaving the paddock.  USPR or race course staff may intervene if necessary between paddock and start.  Reasonable assistance for an entry may be requested and will be accommodated if possible.  Race course and USPR staff are the only ones allowed on the race course.  Handlers, parents, grooms, trainers, owners, etc must view race from general public viewing area.
15. Drug testing of ponies and horses may be a possibility.  Entries may be disqualified upon analysis of results.
16. Starts will be modeled after NSA Starts.  USPR race course authorities may intervene at starts and lead any pony for any reason with the intention of giving everyone a fair opportunity  at starting the race.  Typically the highest or lowest number is always led to give the group a lead to where exactly the starter wants entries to line up.
17. No advertising on the race tracks or in the Washington International Shetland Pony Series… please keep all advertising off jockey clothing and pony.  See notices or conditions for each race meet as to their policy on advertising on jockeys.
18. All riders, owners, trainers, and parents are expected to conduct themselves in a sensible manner at the races and respect the decisions of the race committee and USPR staff prior to and during the race day.  Any entry with an unruly member maybe excused from the race or future races.
19. Names of ponies should remain consistent through their career, or it should be brought to the attention of the racing authority (MSA, DVA, USPR, etc) if there is a change in name.
20. NO drones, body cameras or helmet cameras permitted at any US Pony Racing meet.  No photographers on the racetrack without written permission by USPR or the overseeing racing organization (MJC, etc).