Whips in racing
When it comes to the use of whips in horse racing, the RSPCA believes less is more.
In March 2009 the Australian Racing Board introduced new rules to reduce the number of times jockeys can whip their horses in a race. After outcry from jockeys, owners and breeders, these rules have since been wound back twice. Despite fighting for this new, watered-down, version of the whip rules, we have seen continual breaches, from apprentices right through to Australia’s leading jockeys.
Jockeys who flout these rules are doing their entire industry incredible damage. While many jockeys have seemed to adjust easily, it's clear that others need additional training programs to help support this change.
The RSPCA would like to see:
- a commitment from jockeys to adhere to the rules
- a commitment from the racing industry to encourage reduced reliance on whips
- mandatory training programs in place for jockeys to help them adapt
- a ‘hands and heels' series introduced into Australia
The RSPCA is involved in this issue because of the horse. A whip isn't a nudge or a tickle. It hurts and there is no room for the unrestricted whipping of horses in today's society.