News

Indiana Passes Riding Crop Model Rule

(courtesy of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission)

Indiana has become one of the first states to mandate the use of the new shock absorbing riding crop; replacing the traditional jockey’s whip.

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission unanimously voted at its March 12, 2009 public meeting to approve the new Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) model rule on riding crops.

“Adopting the riding crop model rule is simply the right thing to do”, said Sarah McNaught, Commission Chairman. “It addresses the issues of both public perception and the humane treatment of our horses.”

Crop specifications include a maximum weight of 8 ounces; maximum length of 30 inches and, most importantly, requires shock absorbing material covering a minimum of the topmost seven inches of the crop. The model rule also gives guidance to jockeys on the appropriate use of the crop.

The RCI model rule has been supported by nearly every national industry trade association – including the Jockeys Guild. The Commission commends its colleagues at the Delaware Racing Commission who have taken a leadership position by experimenting with various riding crops over the past five years.

The rule is effective immediately and will be enforced at the beginning of the Indiana Downs race meet which opens April 20, 2009.

In other business the Commission passed several other RCI model rules on issues including safety helmets, toe grabs and jockey licensure.

For further information, contact Jessica Barnes at (317) 233-3119 or at jbarnes@hrc.IN.gov.

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