Rules

WPBA Race Rules 

The WPBA is not a governing authority and works to support the sport of pack burro racing. The individual races may require deviations from these recommendations. These guidelines are to provide some manner of consistency across the growing number of races. Races that utilize WPBA race recommendations are prioritized in advertising and promotion. 

Participant Waivers/Release of Liability

The Race Directors will address the participant waivers and liability concerns within their race registrations. 

Definition of a Burro and Pack Burro Race

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. They have chestnuts on the forelegs only, while other animals of the same species, such as mules or horses, have them on hind and forelegs. The tail has no hair, except on its lower part, 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, injured, or mistreated. The veterinarian can check an animal before and after the race. The race committee can hold burros in a designated area for 30 minutes to allow for The Race Director’s veterinarian checks. Donkeys under the age of 3 must have approval from the race director to participate. A team consists of 1 runner and 1 burro. 

The runner can only drive or provide instructions to their own donkey, unless safety is a concern and does not provide an unfair advantage, or a bottleneck that impedes teams from progressing. A Bottleneck refers to a situation where a team(s) are at an impasse and their location prevents any possible progression of runners behind them.” (ie: a narrow bridge)

The race route must be followed. It will be marked by signs, people, or aid stations. Do not cut the course as it is intended. 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 (i.e. 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. Sportsmanship is defined as an understanding of and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity, and general goodwill toward an opponent. Failure to follow these rules will result in disqualification as decided by the race director or designee. 

A Pack Burro Race is defined as any distance where the burro is required to carry the required equipment. 

Runners are responsible for securing their own burro for participation in the event. This burro can be one that the runner personally owns, referred to as “owner”. A donkey that is not owned by the individual will be referred to as a “borrower”. If an individual(s) provides their donkeys for use in the race by another individual, they are referred to as “renters” It is recommended that any borrowers attend a training run, read a manual provided by the renters, and read the race rules in their entirety. 

Required Equipment

Each burro will be required to be equipped with a lead rope, pack saddle; which includes prospector's paraphernalia:  a pick axe, shovel, and gold pan. There shall be no minimum weight requirement for burros. 

Equipment Loss

Loss of required gear will eliminate the contestant. 

Lead Rope/ Halter

The burro must be outfitted with a strap- (leather or synthetic) or rope-style halter. The halter must fit properly and not obstruct the eyes, be pulled off of a donkey without unhooking, or otherwise be ill fitted in a manner that could cause harm. The runner may hold the burro with a single lead rope that does not exceed 15 feet in length (measured from the furthest end of rope to tip of buckle). The lead rope may only be connected to the halter,and may not be affixed to the saddle or to any other part of the burro. Ropes/leads should be held in the runner’s hands. Knots that bind the runner and donkey together, locking mechanisms, or utilizing a harness or any other apparatus to connect the lead rope to the runner is prohibited. Lead ropes must not contain any tied loops beyond the connection from the buckle that connects to the burro’s halter.

Additional Recommended Equipment

It is strongly recommended that all participants carry at least one quart of water, food (an energy bar), and clothing (such as a windbreaker or rain gear). A communication device and hoof pick could prove invaluable. 

Jack chains

Jack chains may be used only if used with a pressure-release technique, which recommends using a brief amount of pressure to increase the efficiency of the communication between the burro and runner. A jack chain is a chain or strap which is used to apply pressure over the muzzle, under the chin, or through the mouth. The jack chain cannot exceed 15’ when included with the lead rope. A jack chain cannot be used to pull on the burro when the runner is in front. If using a jack chain, it must be disclosed to the race director, and the burro could be inspected before and after the race.  Race directors are encouraged to have responses and resolutions regarding the handling of incidents and allegations.

Control of Burro

A runner must keep their burro under control. If there is a safety concern that is brought to the race director as a result of a burro’s actions, they may be disqualified. 

Veterinary checks

WPBA recommends completion of veterinary checks before every race. Sick or injured animals should not race.

Treatment of Burros 

Any participant mistreating their animal may be disqualified. Nothing other than the lead rope, verbal, or guided pressure from the participant may be used. This includes; needles, electric prods, narcotics, clubs or whips, plastic bags, etc. 

Race Etiquette

Runner and burro starting the race must remain a team throughout the race. No assistants will be allowed to accompany any team.  The winning combination consists of one individual, and a burro, which must cross the finish line as a unit. The man or woman may be leading or following the burro but the burro's nose crossing the finish line first constitutes the winner.

The runner may lead, drive, push, pull, or carry the burro. The contestant shall at no time progress except under his or her own power, which includes no riding.

Appeals 

Should a runner be provisionally disqualified by a race official, they may continue to the finish line. Provisionally disqualified runners may appeal their grievance to the race director. Appeals must be submitted no later than 1 hour after notification of disqualification. If a runner wants to file a complaint against another runner, it must be filed within 1 hour of the runner filing the complaint completing the race. The decisions of the race director will be final.

In the event of a questionable tie, the evidence will be reviewed and decided upon by the Race Director.  

No Firearms

Carrying and use of firearms will not be permitted.

These Race Rules were approved by majority via online vote on 4/23/2023.