Section 1411.100 Riding Crops and Other Equipment

Section 1411

Section 1411.100  Riding Crops and Other Equipment

a)         Riding

Crops

All riding crops are subject to

inspection and approval by the Stewards and the Clerk of Scales.

1)         Riding

crops shall have a shaft and a flap and will be allowed in flat racing,

including training, only as follows:

A)        Maximum

weight of eight ounces;

B)        Maximum

length, including flap, of 30 inches;

C)        Minimum

diameter of the shaft of one-half inch; and

D)        Smooth

shaft contact area, with no protrusions or raised surface, covered by shock

absorbing material that gives a compression factor of at least one millimeter

throughout its circumference.

2)         The

flap is the only allowable attachment to the shaft and must meet the following

specifications:

A)        Length

beyond the end of the shaft − maximum of one inch;

B)        Width

− a minimum of 0.8 inch and a maximum of 1.6 inches;

C)        No reinforcements or

additions beyond the end of the shaft;

D)        No

binding within seven inches of the end of the shaft; and

E)        Shock

absorbing characteristics similar to those required by subsection (a)(1)(D).

3)         Although

the use of a riding crop is not required, any jockey who uses a riding crop

during a race shall do so only in a manner consistent with exerting his or her

best efforts to win.

4)         In

all races in which a jockey will ride without a riding crop, an announcement of

that fact shall be made over the public address system.

5)         Riding

crops shall not be used on two year old horses before April 1 of each year.

6)         The

riding crop shall only be used for safety, correction and encouragement

manner consistent with exerting his or her

best efforts to win.

4)         In

all races in which a jockey will ride without a riding crop, an announcement of

that fact shall be made over the public address system.

5)         Riding

crops shall not be used on two year old horses before April 1 of each year.

6)         The

riding crop shall only be used for safety, correction and encouragement.

7)         All

riders shall comply with the following when using a riding crop:

A)        Showing

the horse the riding crop and giving it time to respond before striking the

horse;

B)        After using

the riding crop, giving the horse a chance to respond before using it again;

and

C)        Using

the riding crop in rhythm with the horse's stride.

8)         Prohibited

use of the riding crop includes, but is not limited to, striking a horse:

A)        on the

head, flanks or any other part of its body other than the shoulders or

hindquarters, except when necessary to control a horse;

B)        during

the post parade or after the finish of the race, except when necessary to

control the horse;

C)        excessively

or brutally causing welts or breaks in the skin;

D)        when

the horse is clearly out of the race or has obtained its maximum placing;

E)        persistently,

even though the horse is showing no response under the riding crop; or

F)         striking

another rider or horse.

9)         After

the race, horses will be subject to inspection by a racing official or

veterinarian looking for cuts, welts or bruises in the skin. Any adverse

findings shall be reported to the Stewards.

b)         Other Equipment

1)         No

bridle shall exceed two pounds.

2)         A horse's

tongue may be tied down with clean bandages, gauze or a tongue strap.

3)         No

licensee may add blinkers to a horse's equipment or discontinue their use

without the prior approval of the Starter

oking for cuts, welts or bruises in the skin. Any adverse

findings shall be reported to the Stewards.

b)         Other Equipment

1)         No

bridle shall exceed two pounds.

2)         A horse's

tongue may be tied down with clean bandages, gauze or a tongue strap.

3)         No

licensee may add blinkers to a horse's equipment or discontinue their use

without the prior approval of the Starter.

4)         No

electrical or mechanical device or other expedient designed to increase or

retard the speed of a horse, other than the riding crop approved by the Stewards,

shall be possessed by anyone, or applied by anyone, to the horse at any time on

the grounds of the association during the meeting, whether in a race or

otherwise.

c)         The

giving of instructions by any licensee that, if obeyed, would lead to a

violation of this Section may result in disciplinary action being taken against

the licensee who gave the instructions, as well as the person who took, or

failed to take, the action.