Pennsylvania Code
Title 7 - AGRICULTURE
Part VIII - State Horse Racing Commission
Subpart E - Thoroughbred Rules of Racing (Horse)
Chapter 305 - RULES OF THOROUGHBRED RACING-TEMPORARY REGULATIONS
RUNNING OF THE RACE
Section 305.271 - Racing equipment

Universal Citation: 7 PA Code ยง 305.271

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024

(a) All riding crops are subject to inspection and approval by the Stewards and the clerk of scales.

(1) Riding crops shall have a shaft and a flap and will be allowed in flat racing including training, only as follows:
(i) Maximum weight of 8 ounces;

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

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

(iv) 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.

(2) The flap is the only allowable attachment to the shaft and must meet these 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; and

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

(b) No bridle shall exceed 2 pounds.

(c) A horse's tongue may be tied down with clean bandages, gauze or tongue strap.

(d) No licensee may add blinkers or cheek pieces to a horse's equipment or discontinue their use without the prior approval of the Starter, the paddock Judge, and the Stewards. Any request for a change must be stated at entry. Blinkers and cheek pieces may not be utilized at the same time.

(e) No licensee may change any equipment used on a horse since its last race in this Commonwealth without approval of the paddock Judge.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Pennsylvania 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.
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