💰 What is the RSPCA’s view on whips in Thoroughbred racing? – RSPCA Knowledgebase

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Whip-free hands and heels races could also be introduced into the racing calendar as they have in other countries. Research examining the effect of whip use on performance in racing has indicated that horses are whipped most during the last metres of the race, in an attempt to make them run faster towards the finish line. What are the animal welfare issues with Thoroughbred horse racing? Whilst whipping continues, horse welfare could be improved by reviewing annual whip breach rule statistics to identify key areas to improve jockey training, regulation and enforcement. Do padded whips cause pain to horses? Was this article helpful? However, the rules have been reworded to allow Stewards to exercise more discretion when determining breaches of this limit. The rules also allow horses to be slapped down the shoulder with the whip an unlimited number of times, provided the hand remains on the reins. One solution to the difficulty in enforcing whip rules would be to end the use of whips as a performance aid all together, a move supported by the majority of Australians. In recent years the racing industry has made a series of changes to the Rules of Racing with regard to whip use. Tagged: Thoroughbred horses Racing animals. Yes No.{/INSERTKEYS}{/PARAGRAPH} What are the animal welfare issues associated with horse jumps racing? {PARAGRAPH}{INSERTKEYS}The RSPCA is opposed to the use of whips for the purpose of enhancing performance in racing due to the pain and distress they inflict on horses. As a result, Racing Victoria has doubled the permitted whip strikes from 5 to A study showed that the whip rules were not being effectively enforced by stewards, and penalties were not acting as a deterrent [ 2 ]. The rules set a limit of five whip strikes prior to the final stage of a race, but there is no limit on the number of times a horse can be struck with the whip during the last metres of a race. The revised rules mean that jockeys who exceed five strikes can avoid being penalised if they do not whip their horse in every stride after the metre mark. The RSPCA supports the introduction of hands-and-heels racing where whips are carried for safety purposes where proven necessary. What happens to horses that leave the racing industry? On a positive note, the rules now ensure that both forehand and backhand strikes are now covered by the five-strike limit. Yet how the horse ran prior to this stage was found to be the most critical factor in racing success [ 1 ]. What are the welfare concerns associated with the use of bits and tie-downs in riding horses? Animals 7 4 DOI How you can help Racing Australia sets the whip rules — if you would like to make your concerns over whip use known, please email racingaustralia racingaustralia. These measures would help to ensure that racing performance is not determined by inflicting pain through whipping but rather by sound breeding, quality training and outstanding horsemanship. What this indicates is that whip use occurs at its highest frequency when horses are fatigued and have less capacity to respond. In jumps racing, State racing authorities can now increase the number of whip strikes prior to the metre mark. Racing Australia sets the whip rules — if you would like to make your concerns over whip use known, please email racingaustralia racingaustralia.