Mich. Admin. Code R. 431.3300

Current through Vol. 24-10, June 15, 2024

Section R. 431.3300 - Riding crops

Rule 3300.

(1) All riding crops are subject to inspection and approval by the stewards and the clerk of scales. Riding crops must meet all of the following requirements:

(a) Riding crops shall have a shaft and a flap and shall be allowed in flat racing, including training, only if all of the following specifications are met:

(i) Maximum weight of eight ounces.

(ii) Maximum length, including flap, of 30 inches.

(iii) Minimum diameter of the shaft of 3/8 inch.

(iv) Smooth shaft contact area with no protrusions or raised surface, and covered by shock absorbing material that gives a compression factor of at least 1 millimeter throughout its circumference.

(b) The flap is the only allowable attachment to the shaft and must meet all of the following specifications:

(i) Length beyond the end of the shaft a maximum of 1 inch.

(ii) Width a minimum of 0.8 inch and a maximum of 1.6 inches.

(iii) No reinforcements or additions beyond the end of the shaft.

(iv) No binding within 7 inches of the end of the shaft.

(v) Shock absorbing characteristics similar to those of the contact area of the shaft.

(2) Use of riding crop is subject to all of the following requirements:

(a) 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.

(b) In all races where a jockey will ride without a riding crop, an announcement of such fact shall be made over the public address system.

(c) 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 race meeting, whether in a race or otherwise.

(d) Riding crops shall not be used on two-year-old horses before April 1 of each year.

(e) The riding crop shall only be used for safety, correction, and encouragement.

(f) All riders should comply with the following when using a riding crop:

(i) Showing the horse the riding crop and giving it time to respond before hitting it.

(ii) Having used the riding crop, giving the horse a chance to respond before using it again.

(iii) Using the riding crop in rhythm with the horse's stride.

(g) Prohibited uses of the riding crop include, but are not limited to, striking a horse in any of the following manners:

(i) On the head, flanks, or on any other part of its body other than the shoulders or hind quarters except when necessary to control a horse.

(ii) During the post parade or after the finish of the race except when necessary to control the horse.

(iii) Excessively or brutally causing welts or breaks in the skin.

(iv) When the horse is clearly out of the race or has obtained its maximum placing.

(v) Persistently even though the horse is showing no response under the riding crop.

(h) The riding crop may not be used to strike another rider or other horse.

(3) After the race, horses are subject to inspection by the official veterinarian looking for cuts, welts, or bruises in the skin. Any adverse findings shall be reported to the stewards.

(4) 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 such instructions.

Mich. Admin. Code R. 431.3300

2021 MR 6, Eff. 3/26/2021