# How Racing Works

Races are scheduled events on the SMP.

For the full guide, see [Racing With Your Horse](../horses/15-racing-with-your-horse.md).

## Scheduled Races

Races take place at specific times and are announced in-game.

Before a race begins:

- announcements tell players a race is coming up
- a join window opens
- players can enter with `/joinrace` while mounted on an eligible horse

## Entry Requirements

A race may require:

- a ModN Equine horse
- permission to race that horse
- enough horse energy to enter
- Speed XP within the race's allowed range
- Jump XP within the race's allowed range
- a required Riding Crop or Pro Riding Crop
- a required player rank

## Join Timing

Joining closes **10 seconds before the race starts**.

A countdown begins **5 seconds before the race starts**.

## During the Race

Stay mounted and keep the required crop in your main hand until the race ends.

If you need to leave, dismount from your horse. You will be returned to the location where you used `/joinrace`.