HOW TO JOIN THE Shetland Pony Grand National team in 2026

Jockeys must be have reached their 8th birthday on 1st January 2026 and not to have reached their 14th birthday on 1st January 2026. ** New for 2026 **. Jockeys who have turned 8 between 1st January 2026 and on or before Trials Day (29th March 2026) are now eligible to attend trials day as long as they are riding a pony that has successfully raced for at least one season with Shetland Pony Grand National. Please ensure that your jockey is capable of cantering and jumping in a group.

Jockeys must be below 5 foot (152cm) in height on the day of the Trials Day. If any jockey is deemed 'just under' 5 foot on trials day, the management team reserve the right to exclude them from the trials day and from racing with SPGN. We measure throughout the season and once they reach 5 foot in height, they will no longer be able to continue racing.

Jockeys & Shetland‘s must be able to canter & jump safely in a group , and able to show suitable control whilst racing and during the lap honour.

Own/Ride a Shetland Pony registered with The Shetland Pony Stud Book. The Shetland must be between 38 and 42 inches in height, they must have obtained their 5th birthday but not obtained their 22nd birthday before 1st January in current year. Ponies will be measured at Trials Day if they are near to the height limitations and if they are not within the height criteria will not be able to take part in the Trials Day. This rule can only be over-turned by a current JMB Height Certificate.

Jockey & Shetland combination must participate in and pass the trials day held in March each year to enter races.

Jockeys must be suitably mounted according to height/weight and size of pony. The SPGN management have the right to refuse any combination that they deem not suitably mounted.

Please keep an eye out on our social media pages for the trials day updates. 2026 Trials Day is to be held on Sunday 29th March at Keysoe International. Please go to The Trials Day area of our website to pre-register.

Please ensure you have read and understood our rule book prior to attending the trials day (available on our website via the following link https://shetlandponygrandnational.co.uk/rule-book )