Oklahoma Administrative Code
Title 325 - Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission
Chapter 60 - Running the Race
Section 325:60-1-9 - Prohibited use of equipment

Universal Citation: OK Admin Code 325:60-1-9

Current through Vol. 41, No. 13, March 15, 2024

(a) A jockey shall only use a riding crop in a manner consistent with exerting his/her best efforts to obtain a maximum placing that affects purse distribution or wagering pools.

(b) When a jockey will ride without a riding crop, an announcement 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 to any horse at any time on the grounds of the association during the meeting.

(d) The riding crop shall only be used for safety, correction, and limited encouragement, and shall be used in an appropriate, proportionate, and professional manner. However, stimulus provided by the use of the riding crop shall be monitored so as not to compromise the welfare of the horse.

(e) Except in extreme circumstances, all riders shall use a riding crop as follows:

(1) After showing the horse the riding crop, and/or tapping the horse with the riding crop down, giving the horse time to respond before using it;

(2) After using the riding crop up to three (3) times in succession, giving the horse time to respond before using it again. Time to respond shall be at least three (3) complete strides and one (1) of the following actions by a jockey:
(A) Pausing the use of the riding crop on the horse;

(B) Pushing on the horse with a rein in each hand, keeping the riding crop in the up or down position;

(C) Showing the horse the riding crop without making contact; or

(D) Moving the riding crop from one hand to the other; and

(3) In rhythm with the horse's stride.

(f) When deciding whether to review the jockey 's use of the riding crop, Stewards shall consider how the jockey has used the riding crop during the course of the entire race, with particular attention to its use in the closing stages, and these factors:

(1) The manner in which the riding crop was used;

(2) The purpose for which the riding crop was used;

(3) The distance over which the riding crop was used and whether the number of times it was used was reasonable and necessary; and

(4) Whether the horse was continuing to respond.

(g) If there is a review by the Stewards, use of the riding crop may be determined appropriate in the following circumstances:

(1) To keep a horse in contention or to maintain a challenging position prior to what would be considered the closing stages of a race;

(2) To maintain a horse's focus and concentration;

(3) To correct a horse that is noticeably hanging;

(4) To assure the horse maintains a straight course; and

(5) When there is only light contact with the horse.

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

(1) 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;

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

(3) Excessively or brutally causing welts or breaks in the skin;

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

(5) Persistently, even though the horse is showing no response under the riding crop; and

(6) With another rider or striking the rider of another horse.

(i) After the race, horses shall be subject to inspection by a Racing Veterinarian or Official Veterinarian looking for cuts, welts, or bruises in the skin. Any adverse findings shall be reported to the Stewards.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Oklahoma may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.