Riders
(i) Riders wishing to compete in the Racecourse Pony Racing Series or Point-to-Point Pony Races must be registered annually with The Pony Racing Authority.
(ii) Riders must be aged;
(a)11 – 15 years on 1st January 2010 to compete in the Racecourse Pony Racing Series
(b)9 – 15 years on day of their first Pony Race of the current season to compete in Point-to-Point Pony Races
(iii) Any Rider turning 16 during the Pony Racing Season may continue to be eligable to Pony Race unless Declared to ride in a Point-to-Point race or a race run under the Rules of any recognised Turf Authority.
No Rider may partipate in more than one Pony Race on the same day.
Since 1st August 2009 Rider and Pony must have finished
(a) First to fourth in a Point-to-Point Pony Race or
(b) First to foruth in a Racecourse Series Pony Race or
(c) First to fourth in an Open Pony Club Race Day Race or
(d) Have attended a British Racing School or Northern Racing College Level 3 Pony Racing Training Day
(ii) Riders must either have
(a) Been out with a recognised pack of Hounds, Draghounds or Bloodhounds a minimum four times and fairly hunted or
(b) Have attended at least four working Pony Club Rallies
Riders competing in 138cm & Under races must weigh a minimum 8st. Riders competing in 148cm & Under races must weigh a minimum 8st 7lbs.There is no minimum weight for Point-to-Point Pony Races.
Riders must attend the Official Briefing and Course Walk. Failure to attend may result in the Rider being withdrawn from the race and 10 points deducted from the Pony and Rider. Parents, legal guardians nor any other persons are not permitted to participate in the course walk and their participation in this will result in the disqualification of the Rider from the race. (This Regulation may be imposed at the discretion of the Organiser).
Riders may only compete in the 2009 Racecourse Series Pony Racing Finals on a Pony they have qualified in the current year.
Riders aged 14 and 15 years who have won or been placed (1st - 4th) in five or more Pony Races may ride a qualified Pony not qualified by themself. All Ponies must be qualified by a person eligable to compete in Point-to-Point Pony Races.
Riders must attend the mandatory PRA De-Brief at the end of the day after both Pony Races have been run. Failure to attend, without prior permission from The PRA Steward for exceptional cincumstances, will result in three points being deducted from the Pony.
Any Rider, or their connections, that are deemed to have breached PRA Regulations or acted in an inappropriate manner may have up to 10 points deducted from the Pony they were riding or associated with on the day at the absolute discretion of The PRA Steward and PRA Executive.
Riding Offences
(i) When a pony or its Rider has caused interference
(a) By dangerous riding (81)(iv)(1) in any part of a race the pony shall be disqualified on the day
(b) By careless (81)(iv)(2) or improper riding (81)(iv)(3) or by accident in any part of a race the Pony shall be placed behind the Pony or Ponies with which it has interfered if the Stewards and Officials are satisfied that the interference improved its placing in relation to the Pony or Ponies with which it interfered. If they are not so satisfied they shall overrule the objection and order that the placings shall remain unaltered.
(ii) The Rider of any Pony who, in the opinion of the Stewards and Officials, has been guilty of dangerous, careless or improper riding or unseemly behaviour at any time whilst on the racecourse and whether before or after any race shall be guilty of an offence.
(iii) When in the opinion of the Stewards / Officials any Rider has committed any breach of or been guilty of any offence within these Regulations they shall have the power to recommend to the Executive Members of The PRA to impose a fine to the Rider not exceeding £1000 or to suspend them from riding in PRA Pony Racing for any period.
(iv) When in the opinion of the Stewards / Officials any Rider is guilty of dangerous, carelessor improper riding behaviour they may be referred to the Executive Members of The PRA and asked by them to attend a course at the British Racing School or Northern Racing College. For the purpose of this Regulation the following definitions apply:
1) Dangerous riding - A Rider is guilty of dangerous riding if they cause serious interference by: (a) Purposely interfering with another Pony or Rider, or;
(b) Riding in a way which is far below that of a competent and careful Rider and where it would be obvious to such a competent and careful Rider that riding in that way was likely to endanger the safety of a pony or Rider.
2) Careless riding - A Rider is guilty of careless riding if they fail to take reasonable steps to avoid causing interference or cause interference by inattention or misjudgement, including when manoeuvring for position.
3) Improper riding – whether mounted or dismounted includes forms of misconduct in the course of riding such as riding that would be dangerous as defined above but for the fact that it did not cause serious interference.
4) Unseemly behaviour - when in the opinion of the PRA Steward or an Official Representative a Rider or their connections has been rude aggressive, disrespectful or disobedient to fellow competitors or organisers or who has behaved in an aggressive and unfair manner to their Pony.
(v) No child may be mounted on a Pony other than in the Parade Ring before the race and during the race itself. Failure to comply may result with immediate disqualification.
Failure To Obtain The Best Possible Placing
(i) Every pony which runs in a race shall be run on its merits and ridden to obtain the best possible place.
(ii) It shall be the duty of the parent / legal guardian to ensure that adequate instructions to achieve the best placing be given to the Rider of any Pony in their care.
(iii) Any Rider guilty of contravening Regulation 73(i) shall be disqualified from competing in any PRA Pony Race for a period of no less than 21 days from the day the offence was committed.