The following guidelines are published in order to advise all RIDERS of the proper manner in which the whip should be used.
The NATIONAL BOARD of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY will not allow abuse of the HORSE and consider its welfare to be of utmost importance. The whip should be used for encouragement, guidance and correction. RIDERS are advised to regard the following as appropriate ways of using the whip but the list is not exhaustive:
1. Showing the HORSE the whip and giving it time to respond before hitting it.
2. Having used the whip, giving the HORSE an opportunity to respond.
3. Keeping both hands on the reins when using the whip down the shoulder in the backhand position.
4. Using the whip in rhythm with the HORSE’S stride and close to its side.
5. Showing the whip to keep the HORSE running straight.
6. Using the whip in the backhand position for a reminder.
The following are examples of whip use which may be regarded as unnecessary and/ or excessive in terms of RULE 58.10.2:
a) Hitting a HORSE to the extent of causing injury.
b) Hitting a HORSE with the whip arm above shoulder height.
c) Hitting a HORSE more than three times on consecutive strides.
d) Hitting a HORSE with excessive force.
e) Hitting a HORSE without giving it time to respond.
f) Hitting a HORSE which is showing no response.
g) Hitting a HORSE which is out of contention for a place.
h) Hitting a HORSE which is clearly winning.
i) Hitting a HORSE which is past the winning post.
j) Hitting a HORSE whilst the jockey is dismounted.
k) Hitting a HORSE out of its stride pattern.
l) Hitting a HORSE on the flank.
m) Hitting a HORSE with excessive frequency.
n) Hitting a HORSE on any part of its head.
When considering cases of excessive frequency the STIPENDIARY STEWARDS will consider factors such as:
- whether the number of hits was reasonable and necessary over the distance they were given, taking into account the HORSE’S experience;
- whether the HORSE was continuing to respond and
- the degree of force that was used, the more times a HORSE has been hit the stricter will be the view taken over the degree of force which is reasonable.
It must be noted that the use of the crop may be considered to be proper or improper in circumstances which have not been listed above.
The NATIONAL BOARD of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY will not allow abuse of the HORSE and consider its welfare to be of utmost importance. The whip should be used for encouragement, guidance and correction. RIDERS are advised to regard the following as appropriate ways of using the whip but the list is not exhaustive:
1. Showing the HORSE the whip and giving it time to respond before hitting it.
2. Having used the whip, giving the HORSE an opportunity to respond.
3. Keeping both hands on the reins when using the whip down the shoulder in the backhand position.
4. Using the whip in rhythm with the HORSE’S stride and close to its side.
5. Showing the whip to keep the HORSE running straight.
6. Using the whip in the backhand position for a reminder.
The following are examples of whip use which may be regarded as unnecessary and/ or excessive in terms of RULE 58.10.2:
a) Hitting a HORSE to the extent of causing injury.
b) Hitting a HORSE with the whip arm above shoulder height.
c) Hitting a HORSE more than three times on consecutive strides.
d) Hitting a HORSE with excessive force.
e) Hitting a HORSE without giving it time to respond.
f) Hitting a HORSE which is showing no response.
g) Hitting a HORSE which is out of contention for a place.
h) Hitting a HORSE which is clearly winning.
i) Hitting a HORSE which is past the winning post.
j) Hitting a HORSE whilst the jockey is dismounted.
k) Hitting a HORSE out of its stride pattern.
l) Hitting a HORSE on the flank.
m) Hitting a HORSE with excessive frequency.
n) Hitting a HORSE on any part of its head.
When considering cases of excessive frequency the STIPENDIARY STEWARDS will consider factors such as:
- whether the number of hits was reasonable and necessary over the distance they were given, taking into account the HORSE’S experience;
- whether the HORSE was continuing to respond and
- the degree of force that was used, the more times a HORSE has been hit the stricter will be the view taken over the degree of force which is reasonable.
It must be noted that the use of the crop may be considered to be proper or improper in circumstances which have not been listed above.