Rule 3769-6-60 | Riding crop restrictions.
(A) Although the use of a riding crop is not required, a 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.
(B) In any race in which a jockey will ride without a riding crop, an announcement of that fact shall be made over the public address system.
(C) An electrical or mechanical device or other expedient designed to increase or retard the speed of the horse, other than a riding crop approved by the stewards pursuant to paragraphs (K) and (L) of this rule shall not be possessed by anyone or applied by anyone to a horse at any time at a location under the jurisdiction of the commission.
(D) A riding crop shall not be used on a two year-old horse in races before April first of each year.
(E) Allowable uses of a riding crop:
(1) The riding crop may be used at any time, without penalty, if, in the opinion of the stewards, the riding crop is used to avoid a dangerous situation or preserve the safety of other riders or the horses in the race;
(2) If necessary, during a race, a riding crop may be used in a backhanded or underhanded fashion from the three-eighths pole to the finish line. This use will not be counted toward the use of the crop six times in the overhand fashion, as allowed in this rule. At no point shall the use of the riding crop rise above the rider's helmet;
(3) Tapping the horse on the shoulder with the crop in the down posiion while both hands are holding onto the reins and both hands are touching the neck of the horse; and
(4) Showing or waving the crop without contact with the horse and giving the horse time to respond before striking the horse.
(F) Use of the riding crop to make contact with a horse to maintain focus and concentration, to control the horse for safety of the horse and rider, or to encourage a horse is allowed, with the following exceptions:
(1) Use of the crop in any manner, other than underhanded or backhanded as set for in paragraph (E)(2) of this rule or tapping on the shoulder as set for in paragraph (E)(3) of this rule resulting in more than six times in the overhanded manner;
(2) Use of the crop and making contact with the horse more than two successive strikes without allowing the horse a chance to respond;
(3) Use of the crop with the rider's wrist above helmet height;
(4) Use of the crop on the head, flanks, or on any other part of its body other than the shoulders or hindquarters;
(5) Use of the crop during the post parade or after the finish of the race except if necessary, to control the horse;
(6) Excessive or brutal use of the crop causing injury to the horse;
(7) Use of the crop causing welts or breaks to the horse;
(8) Use of the crop if the horse is clearly out of the race or has obtained its maximum placing;
(9) Use of the crop even though the horse is showing no response under the riding crop;
(G) A riding crop shall not be used to strike another person.
(H) After the race, a horse shall be subject to inspection by a racing official or official veterinarian looking for cuts, welts, or bruises in the skin. Any adverse findings shall be reported to the stewards.
(I) Use of the crop during workouts shall be permitted so long as such use does not violate any other provision of the rule.
(J) The giving of instructions by any licensee that, if obeyed, would lead to a violation of this rule may result in disciplinary action also being taken against the licensee who gave the instructions.
(K) Only padded/shock absorbing riding crops which have not been modified in any way may be carried in a race.
(L) During a race, if a jockey rides in a manner contrary to this rule, the stewards may impose a minimum suspension of two days, and may impose a minimum fine of two hundred fifty dollars if in the opinion of the stewards, the violation is egregious or intential. Factors in determining whether a violation is egregious include at least the following:
(1) Similar violations within the last two years;
(2) Number of uses over the total and consecutive limits described in this rule; and
(3) Using the riding crop in the overhanded position more than six times.
(M) Riding crops shall have a shaft and a flap and will be allowed in racing and training only if the riding crop meets the following specifications:
(1) Maximum weight of eight ounces;
(2) Maximum length, including flap of thirty inches;
(3) Minimum diameter of the shaft of three-eights inch; and
(4) Shaft contact area must be smooth, with no protrusions or raised surface, and covered by shock absorbing material that gives a compression factor of at least one-millimeter throughout its circumference.
(N) The flap is the only allowable attachment to the shaft and must meet these specifications:
(1) Length beyond the end of the shaft a maximum of one inch;
(2) Width a minimum of 0.8 inch and a maximum of 1.6 inches;
(3) No reinforcements or additions beyond the end of the shaft;
(4) No binding within seven inches of the end of the shaft; and
(5) Shock absorbing characteristics similar to those the contact area of the shaft.
(O) The clerk of scales and paddock judge shall have the duty of checking the riding crop used by jockeys in a race.
(P) All riding crops are subject to inspection and approval by the commission, stewards, clerk of scales and paddock judge.
Last updated May 2, 2022 at 9:42 AM
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