Owing to the risk of injury to riders and others, operators are strongly advised to have adequate public liability insurance.

Holding paddocks

A secure holding paddock should be set up within the proximity and sign of the race finishing line and be constructed of hurdles, chestnut fencing or stakes with a minimum of three strands of stakes with a minimum of three strands of rope stretched tightly. The size of the holding paddocks should give the donkeys sufficient room to stand comfortably, allowing human access to each for the fitting or removal of riding tack and any other necessary care and attention. In no case should this be less than 7 yards (6 metres x 6 metres).

The holding paddock must be situated away from shrubs and vegetation poisonous for donkeys, for example:

• Ragwort
• Bracken
• Yew
• Privet
• Laburnum
• Rhododendron

The holding paddock should be cleared of rubbish and must be constructed so as to contain the donkeys and not to cause injury to them.

Provision of drinking water

The organiser must provide an adequate supply of fresh, clean drinking water for the donkeys. It is also recommended that the donkeys are protected from the extreme elements, such as the sun and heavy rain.

Course design

The course should be horseshoe in shape or straight and be 100-150 yards (90-140 metres) in length. The minimum width of the course should be calculated by allowing one yard for each of the donkeys running together in competition plus one yard intervals between each and also between the side barriers and the donkeys running on the side barriers and the donkeys running on the right and left hand extremities of the course, for example:

• 7 donkeys = 15 yards (13.5 metres)
• 8 donkeys = 17 yards (15.3 metres)

Riders

• Riders should be drawn from local pony clubs and riding schools and have some experience of riding.
• Accurate weighing scales are essential - all riders must be weighed before the race.
• As a general guide, riders should be between the ages of 9-15 and weigh no more than 8 stone.
• Novelty races with professional jockeys are acceptable provided that the 8 stone weight limit is observed.
• Other than in the above case, no adult may take part in any races as a rider.
• Publicity photographs of adults riding or sitting on donkeys should be discouraged.
• All riders must wear a proper riding safety hat with fastened chinstrap.
• No rider may be permitted to carry a whip or stick or wear spurs, nor employ any other instrument or artificial means of inducing a donkey to increase speed.

Fitness of the donkeys

It is the responsibility of the organiser to ensure that no unit donkey is allowed to take part in any race or be ridden as a side attraction. All donkeys' hooves must be in good order and properly trimmed. The final arbiter of 'fit or unfit' will be a qualified veterinary surgeon.

Arrangements must be made in advance to ensure that a veterinary surgeon is either in attendance or 'on call' throughout the event.