HOW TO JOIN THE Shetland Pony Grand National team in 2026

How to become a jockey with The Shetland Pony Grand National

Criteria Required

Jockeys must be have reached their 8th birthday on 1st January 2026 and not to have reached their 14th birthday on 1st January 2026.

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, 5 years old or over but under 22 years of age. Their birthday is their birth date in their passport rather than 1st January. Ponies will be measured at Trials Day and if they are not within the height criteria will not be able to take part in the Trials Day.

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

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.

We also advise you to read and understand our rule book prior to attending the trials day (available on our website via the following link https://shetlandponygrandnational.co.uk/rule-book )