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  • Good sportsmanship is encouraged and will be rewarded. Please be kind, considerate and have a great time enjoying these wonderful animals and our open spaces. That is what the long-ear community is all about.

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    Team: one runner + one burro. To remain the same combination for the duration of the race.

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    Runner/racer/person/contestant: these terms are used interchangeably and are used to denote the human half of a team. 

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    The following rules apply to all participants and teams unless otherwise specified. 

    Runners must keep their burros under control. Any team (runner AND/OR burro) that interferes with another team (runner AND/OR burro) may be disqualified.  “Interfering” can include, but is not strictly limited to: intentionally spooking another runner’s burro, colliding with another team, kicking or biting another team, cutting off or weaving directly in front of another team, using a length of rope to block/impede the progress of another team, or otherwise failing to control your animal and/or behaving in a way which is reasonably likely to impede the progress of another team or cause injury to any member, human or burro, of another team. Any team who leaves the course resulting in a collision or near-collision with spectators or bystanders who are not inside the confines of the course will be disqualified. 

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    Teams may receive assistance from other teams on course if assistance is requested. Teams may not receive assistance from spectators, participants who have already completed the race, non-participating family members, unentered herd mates stationed along the course, etc.

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    The runner is 100% responsible for the safe handling and welfare of the burro throughout the entire event. 

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    Runners must be 14 years old or older on the day of the race to participate.

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    The burro must be outfitted with a strap- (leather or synthetic) or rope-style halter.

    The runner may only use a single lead rope, attached to the halter of the burro, which does not exceed 15 feet in length, measured from the end of the rope to tip of the snap. The lead rope may only be connected to the halter tie ring, or tie loop in the case of a rope halter, and may not be affixed to the saddle or to any other part of the burro. Ropes are to be held in the runner's hands. Harnesses or other apparatuses used to tie or anchor the burro to the runner will not be allowed. Any runner who ties, anchors, or attaches themselves to a burro in any fashion beyond holding the rope in their hands will be immediately disqualified.

     

    The runner may lead, drive, or carry the burro. The contestant shall at no time progress except under their own power.

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    No intact jacks shall be permitted to race in a BRAY Burro Race. 

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    BRAY will have a completion of veterinary checks before every race for soundness and general health of the burro and after the race for soundness of the burro. A burro will be disqualified for unsoundness (before, during, or after the race).

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    A negative Equine Infectious Anemia/Coggins test is required for each burro to compete. Certificates must be dated within one year of the day of the race, and must have the current owner's name, and the address of the animal's current residence. Tests with blood drawn at a sale barn will not be considered valid.

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    Any contestant mistreating their animal will be disqualified. No needles, electric prods, narcotics, clubs, or whips may be used. Runners may use only vocal/audible cues, halter/lead rope pressure/guidance, food rewards, and/or physical movement to cue their burro. Additional apparatuses including, but not limited to flags, bags, noise makers, sorting sticks, rattle paddles, rattle cans, etc. are not permitted. Using fear-based techniques as a primary method of gaining forward movement is not permitted. 

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    Jack chains may be used only if used with a pressure-release technique. (A jack chain is a chain or strap which is used to apply pressure over the muzzle or under the chin) Any racer coming across the finish line with nose, eye, and/or chin injuries on the animal resulting from the jack chain will be disqualified. The jack chain is not permitted to be in the mouth of the burro. A race director may prohibit the use of a jack chain by a runner if they feel the chain is being misused. 

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    The race route must be followed. It will be marked by flags/tape, flour,  signs, volunteers, or aid stations. Do not cut the course, such as cutting across switchbacks. Any burro leaving the course must be returned to the course without shortening the distance of the course. Any runner becoming separated from their burro ( burro and runner are no longer racing as a connected team or unit) must return to the place they became separated before continuing the race. Failure to follow these rules will result in disqualification. 

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    During the race, teams must remain a unit from start to finish. No burro swapping.

     

    No assistants will be allowed to accompany any team. If the team becomes separated, the person must retrieve their burro then must return to the point where they became separated and proceed from that point to be considered for prizes and placing.

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    The winning team must cross the finish line as a unit. The person may be leading or following the burro but the burro's nose crossing the finish line first constitutes the winner. Both members of the team must cross the finish line as a connected unit for the course to be considered complete.Should a contestant be disqualified by a race official they may appeal their grievance to the BRAY Board.

     

    The decisions of the board will be final. If a contestant is disqualified due to burro injury or unsoundness, they may not finish the course nor contest the decision.

    In the event of a tie, the prizes, if any, will be equally divided among the contestants involved.

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    Carrying and/or use of firearms will not be permitted.

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    Firearms, starter pistols, or firing blanks will not be permitted to begin a race. Races may be begun with a bell, buzzer, siren, countdown, or horn.

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    If a participant breaks the rules or attempts to bend the rules through a “loophole,” the decision regarding the appropriate course of action will be made by a board of critical thinkers and experts in the equine community (with specific attention given towards the sport of Burro Racing). Your actions are at their mercy.

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    Additional Information

    BRAY STRONGLY recommends runners secure a burro partner before registering for an event. Refunds will not be issued on the basis of a participant's inability to locate a burro teammate in time for the event. To register your burro partner for the event, a participant must select "create a burro" to add your unique, password-protected burro by name. Once a runner has done so they may register under the burro's name as their "team". Runners will not be able to add a burro for which they do not have a password. If a runner needs to switch burros prior to the event, or needs to add their burro's name to their team, they may contact race management to do so.

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    As with all equine sports, for safety and sportsmanship’s sake, BRAY expects all handlers to have a level of competence in safely handling their animal throughout the event. Additionally BRAY expects a level of training be acheived with all participating animals prior to the event. If you are unable to handle and/or control your animal throughout the duration of the event, even after using tools such as starting at a walk at the back of the pack, and remaining in the proper relative location to control your animal (at their head with your rope shortened in your dominant hand) BRAY suggests utilizing the training links under our resources link.

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    The following is the definition of a “burro” and is to be used in selecting such. The word burro comes from the Spanish word meaning donkey. A donkey is defined as being an ass, of the species ‘Equus asinus’. They have chestnuts on the forelegs only, while other animals of the same genus of equus, such as mules or horses, have them on both the hind and forelegs. The tail has short hair, except on its lower portion , which has a brush. A registered veterinarian shall have the authority to disqualify any contestant and animal that does not match the above description, or whose animal is sick, doped (BRAY adheres to current United States Equestrian Federation [USEF] drug regulations), injured, unsound, or mistreated. The veterinarian will check the animal before and after the race. If necessary, the race committee can hold winning burros in a designated area for 30 minutes to allow for veterinarian checks.

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    Each entrant or their sponsor will pay a fee as determined by BRAY for each race. BRAY will have discretion as to how the entry fees will be used; The Entry fee must accompany the entry application and will not be refunded. 

    It is strongly recommended that all participants carry at least one quart of water and food such as gels or an energy bar, and a small first aid kit for themselves and their burro. 

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    While it is a race, remember to slow down and enjoy the beauty of nature and time with your burro. Safety first, competition second.

    Burro Race Rules for BRAY Burro Races

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    • These events are fun and we want everyone to enjoy themselves and make wonderful memories, but remember: safety always comes first. After the safety of humans, ALWAYS consider the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of the burro.

    • If you need help at any time please don’t hesitate to ask a BRAY representative. For more helpful tips and tricks in getting prepared for BRAY races please follow BRAY Club on Facebook and join the Dusty Donkeys Facebook group. Remember: everyone was new to donkeys, and donkey racing at some point; it's better to ask questions than to end up in a crisis.

    • BRAY expects all teams to arrive at the event with a reasonable amount of training. If you haven’t participated in an event before we suggest you meet up with other donkey or horse owners in your area to practice. If you have questions about what is expected of you and your donkey please do not hesitate to reach out to BRAY via Facebook or email at BurrosRock@gmail.com.

    • While you are likely not wearing the typical equestrian footwear of sturdy boots, you should choose closed toed shoes (running barefoot or in sandals is a poor choice) and be cognizant of not just your own burro’s hooves but also the hooves of all the burros around you. 

    • You may choose to use gloves on course. Breathable fabric such as weightlifting, cycling, or riding gloves will likely be more comfortable than leather work gloves. 

    • NEVER wrap a lead rope around your hands, body, shoulders, or around your head or neck. Race volunteers have expressed a general distaste for seeking misplaced appendages left on the trail. 

    • Costumes are best left in the costume class. Many BRAY races will have additional fun and games before or after the main event, if you choose to adorn your burro in their finest marabou boa or tutu please do so in the costume class. Feathers litter the trail and tutus or other costumes can become bothersome for your burro and can lead to kicking, biting, and other sour behavior. Instead express your team spirit with color coordinated or themed halters, saddle pads, panniers, twinkle toes, or livestock chalk

    • Hydration packs with room for basic first aid supplies such as band aids, salt tabs, vet wrap, gauze, a hoof pick, and cholla plucker are encouraged. You are responsible for not only your own health and comfort on the trail, but also that of your burro.

    • There’s a good chance you will be on the trail for longer than you expected. This is the nature of burro racing. Be sure you have plenty of water, nutritious snacks, and possibly some to share with your burro. 

    • Leave it better: do not litter on the trails. If you see trash please pick it up. 

    • Pay attention in the pre-race meeting. If you have questions please do not hesitate to ask them, either publicly in the meeting or by pulling aside the Race director or another BRAY representative. 

    • Read all information on the signup website, including all information contained within links. Read all the information contained within the pre-race email. Be sure to download any PDFs of maps or additional information, and print it out if needed, prior to race weekend. While BRAY representatives and the Race Director will likely have a phone on their person for emergencies, it is unlikely they will have time to check emails and text messages and solve your IT issues while checking in runners.

    General Tips and Tricks

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    • All BRAY races will have a qualified equine veterinarian present before the race for the vet in, and throughout the duration of the race to both vet out donkeys, and to assist should any animal become ill, distressed, injured, or otherwise require veterinary intervention. 

    • All BRAY events require every donkey present to have a current negative EIA/Coggins test, in the name of the current owner. Sale barn Coggins tests are not considered valid. You can present your negative coggins test at the vet in or you may email them to burrosrock@gmail.com prior to the event. If BRAY has previously received your Coggins test for the year, we have the expiration date in a spreadsheet and you need only present the new certificate when the previous certificate expires.

    • The purpose of the vet-in is to ensure all animals are physically sound and healthy enough to race, and are healthy enough to minimize the likelihood of communicable diseases or maladies being spread due to the congregation of animals both at the race and in burro camp.

    • The vet-in consists of a trot for soundness and a visual inspection of the animals to ensure they do not have any outward signs of communicable illness, or issues that would prevent them from safely and comfortably congregating with other donkeys and participating in the event. 

    • The vet has the final word regarding the fitness of an animal to participate in an event. 

    • Pestering, arguing with, harassing, or otherwise being unpleasant to the vet may result in disqualification from the event.

    • The vet out will consist of the vet watching donkeys cross the finish line. If a donkey appears unsound, sick, injured, unseen to, or otherwise unwell the vet may pull the animal aside and deem they have failed the vet out, resulting in a disqualification. 

    • “Unseen to” can include but is not limited to: rocks in hooves that should have been removed causing mild lameness, cholla imbedded in the animal or tack, galls or wounds caused by ill-fitting or poorly adjusted tack, or any other issue that should have been resolved for the safety and comfort of the donkey on the trail. 

    • If your animal becomes lame, unsound, or injured on course, or if they are simply acting as if something is amiss (diarrhea, colic symptoms, general concerning atypical behavior) you may call the race director or send word with another participant to the nearest aid station, and the sag wagon will pick you and your donkey up at the nearest vehicle access point with the veterinarian in order to assess your animal.

    Veterinary Miscellaneous:

  • The start of the race can be hectic and, if you’re not prepared, dangerous. Here are some tips to make sure you, your burro, and your fellow teams stay safe and make it onto the course in an orderly fashion.

     

    Before the Race:

    • Arrive on time. Be sure to have plenty of time to find parking, tack your burro, warm up, and walk to the start. If you are borrowing a burro be sure to ask the burro’s owner when and where you should meet up with your burro. 

    • Be reasonably adept at driving your truck and trailer, including backing and parking. If you are not confident driving your trailer please consider carpooling with someone who is. 

    • Mandatory meetings are mandatory meetings. If the race has a meeting beforehand, or if your burro owner has a meeting beforehand, make sure you attend. At BRAY events bibs will be handed out at the conclusion of the pre-race meetings. If you aren’t present you don’t get a bib. If you don’t get a bib you don’t run.

    • If you see a burro with a red ribbon on its tail or a red line on its tail BEWARE! That burro kicks. Give the burro extra space at all times. 

    • If you have a burro who kicks please be sure to have them appropriately marked with red ribbon, chalk, dye, yarn, etc. Red yarn is always available at the BRAY check in booth. 

    • Check your tack and equipment before the start. 

      • Make sure your halter is appropriately snug, and all straps and tails are in their keepers. 

      • Check your pack to make sure it’s in the correct place, and your cinch is snug, but not too tight. A good rule of thumb is you should be able to fit three fingers, laid flat against the burro’s side, snuggly between the cinch and the animal. Burros are notorious for puffing up when you tack them, letting out their breath when tacking is complete in order to keep the cinch loose. Be sure to check, and if needed tighten, your cinch 2-3 times prior to the start. You may also need to check and adjust your tack on course.

      • If you have questions about your tack, ask a BRAY representative. It is best to do this, if possible, the day before the race, if not earlier. Don’t forget: you can always race without a pack if you’re unsure of how to comfortably tack your donkey.

      • If your tack is incorrect or incorrectly adjusted in a way that is likely to cause discomfort or injury to your animal and there is insufficient time to correct it before the start, the race director or vet may determine your tack needs to be pulled and set aside. Examples of this include: no saddle pad, a standard mule sawbuck on a mini donkey, cinches too large to be appropriately tightened, leg wraps or boots that do not fit, etc.

     

    Start Corrals:

    BRAY runs will have four corrals at the start. They are as follows, please be realistic about your speeds and abilities when choosing your corral:

    • Elite Runners: this corral is toes-on-the-start-line. These runners will be fast off the block and may have some sassy asses as they jockey for the front of the pack heading onto the trail. 

    • Runners: these teams are expecting to run the entire distance of the race. You should be able to at least do a trail run at the distance you are signed up for without stopping to walk if you’re in the runner’s corral. 

    • Run/Walk: this is the ideal corral for first timers who are expecting to run the course. Most teams in this corral will run at the start and slow to a run/walk within the first 1-2 miles

    • Hikers: walkers and hikers on the course to enjoy the outdoors at a stroll and spend quality time with your donkey should go here. Perfect for short course walkers, groups of friends, young or old burros, and first timers. If you have a particularly strong burro who may be difficult to handle at the start, you should likely start in this corral and calmly walk your burro until such time as the pack has thinned out and you can safely jog off without losing control of your animal.

     

    And They’re Off! 

    • Don’t crowd other teams. Burros can become very excited at the start of a race and may bolt or kick; allow for one burro length behind the burro in front of you, and 3-4 feet from the burros beside you

    • Your lead rope should be held in both of your hands, with your right hand 2-6 inches below the snap for a standard or mammoth burro and your left hand holding the remainder of the rope, folded, so as not to create a trip hazard. If your partner is a mini donkey you want to ensure light contact through the leadrope but be sure to continually check in with your donkey to ensure the halter has not rotated in such a way that it's bothering their eyes. If your donkey is too strong you may choose to  grab ahold of the halter at the chin.

    • If they get too strong, slow down.

    • If your burro is pulling you or you are losing your footing STOP.  You may choose to make your way to the edge of the course, in a controlled manner, and stop and stand with your burro until the rest of the field has passed. Proceed on at a walk until you are comfortable your animal is under control before asking for a trot.

    • Do not start the race behind your burro. You will have the most control of your animal by positioning your body near their head or neck. If you begin the race behind your burro and they are not trained to run holding a straight line, it is very likely they will swerve in front of the rest of the field and you will be disqualified for interference.

    Race Starts

    • Allow faster runners to pass you. Move off the trail or to the side if you are able.

    • Use your words. If you wish to pass a team, let them know with a friendly “on your left” or “on your right!”

    • If you see someone near you struggling to control their animal or losing control of their animal, the kind thing to do is to stop and stand until such time as they regain control of their animal before proceeding once more. As herd animals donkeys may rush to catch up with others on the trail, causing a loss of control. 

    • Do not block the trail or impede other teams. We understand sometimes your burro unexpectedly puts on the brakes, or you need to put on the brakes for the sake of controlling your burro, but if you are choosing to stop to adjust gear, check hooves, take photos, strip layers, etc, please move aside so others can pass.

    • If your gear needs adjusting, move off the trail, stop, and adjust it. Things can shift and move throughout the duration of a race and may need revisiting. Any animal coming across the finish with galls or soreness from ill-fitting or poorly adjusted tack will fail the vet-out and be disqualified.

    • Always ask before urging another runner’s burro.

    • If your burro is moving forward at an acceptable pace it is not necessary to continue to urge them on using voice cues, it becomes problematic for those around you who use the same voice cues for their burro.

    • Do not “wrap in” or otherwise anchor the burro to your body with the expectation of the burro pulling you along. This is not only against the rules, but it is physically detrimental to your burro.  

    • When going downhill it is safest to slow your burro to a walk and keep them behind you.

    On The Dusty Trail

    • While it is a thrill to finally cross the finish line, be sure to continue on beyond the immediate area of the finish so as not to impede other runners. 

    • If you wish to greet family members, give your donkey a pat, take a celebratory selfie, adjust your tack, or other post-race undertakings, please do so at least 10-20 yards beyond the finish line. 

    • If you’ve finished the race at a speedy pace you should walk your burro until their respiration rate slows to around normal. If you need to walk out, they need to walk out.  

    • If your burro has a pack it is kind to loosen the cinch/girth one or two holes upon completion of the race.

    • When your burro is walked out and cooled down, untack them (if necessary), pick their hooves, and return them to their pen for rest, water, and feed. They have put in a lot of work for you at this point, and would appreciate some downtime to recover. Do not tie them to structures, signs, benches, etc around the finish area, or expect them to wait on the street or at the trailer while you partake in post-race refueling, celebrations, and libations.

    Trail's End

Burro Racing

What is burro racing? Simple: it is an enrichment activity for donkeys and their two-legged teammates! Burro racing is an in-hand trail race, open only to donkeys (burros) and one human handler teammate; riding the donkey is not allowed. Burro racing has roots in Colorado, with the first Pack Burro Race in Cripple Creek, Colorado in 1931. Most pack burro races in Colorado operate under a different rule set, with a key difference being the requirement of a pack saddle and mining paraphernalia carried for the entire race on the pack saddle or in the panniers.

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Burro Racing has been in Arizona since at least 1958 - which was the inaugural year of the Apache Junction Burro Derby (started by the Apache Junction Lions Club and now run by BRAY and Apache Junction Parks & Recreation). Historically, Arizona burro racing does not allow pack saddles, a precedent set by the 1958 Burro Derby. Modern Arizona burro racing, however, allows pack saddles to be used but they're strictly optional at all BRAY races.

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