# How to Join a Race

To join a race, you must be mounted on an eligible ModN Equine horse while the race join window is open.

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

## Step 1: Watch for a Race Announcement

Races are scheduled and announced in-game.

The announcement tells players that a race is coming up and gives time to prepare.

## Step 2: Prepare Your Horse

Before joining, check:

- you are mounted on the horse you want to race
- you have permission to race that horse
- your horse has enough energy to enter
- your horse meets the race's Speed XP and Jump XP requirements
- you meet any rank requirement
- you are holding the required Riding Crop or Pro Riding Crop in your main hand

## Step 3: Join the Race

When the join window is open, use:

```text
/joinrace
```

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

## Step 4: Stay Ready

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

Keep the required crop in your main hand until the race ends.

## Leaving a Race

To leave a race, dismount from your horse.

You will be returned to the location where you were when you used `/joinrace`.