The Rules Governing Horse Racing in Alberta are AMENDED as follows:
Chapter 3: General Horse Racing Rules, Part 2 Race Meetings \ Division 4 Apprentice Jockeys, Jockeys and Jockey’s Agents
The following rule is AMENDED to read:
210t Use of riding crops
(1) In a *race in which a *jockey will not ride with a riding crop; an announcement of that fact must be made over the public address system.
(2) Although the use of riding crop is not required, any jockey who uses a riding crop during a race must not apply to a *horse:
(a) On the head, flanks, or on any part of its body, other than the shoulders or hind quarters;
(b) During a post parade;
(c) Excessively or brutally, so as to cause welts or breaks in the skin;
(d) When the horse is clearly out of the race has obtained its maximum placing
(e) Persistently, even though the horse is showing no response under the riding crop.
(3) Correct uses of the riding crops are:
(a) Showing horses, the riding crop before urging them,
(b) Using the riding crop in rhythm with the horse's stride,
(c) Using the riding crop as an aid to maintain a horse running straight.
(d) Jockeys may use the riding crop on the hindquarters to activate and focus the horse a maximum of six times during a race. The six permitted uses shall be in increments of two or fewer strikes. The rider must allow at least two strides for the horse to respond before using the riding crop again.
(e) Jockeys may tap the horse on the shoulder with the riding crop while both hands are holding on to the reins and both hands are touching the neck of the horse.
Rule 210 t Use of riding crops currently states:
(1) In a *race in which a *jockey will not ride with a riding crop; an announcement of that fact must be made over the public address system.
(2) Although the use of riding crop is not required, any jockey who uses a riding crop during a race must not apply to a *horse:
(a) On the head, flanks, or on any part of its body, other than the shoulders or hind quarters;
(b) During a post parade;
(c) Excessively or brutally, so as to cause welts or breaks in the skin;
(d) When the horse is clearly out of the race has obtained its maximum placing;
(e) Persistently, even though the horse is showing no response under the riding crop.
(3) Correct uses of the riding crops are:
(a) Showing horses, the riding crop before urging them,
(b) Using the riding crop in rhythm with the horse's stride,
(c) Using the riding crop as an aid to maintain a horse running straight.
(d) Jockey may not apply the riding crop more than three (3) times in succession without giving the horse a chance to respond.
Dated in the City of Edmonton
in the Province of Alberta
this 04 day of March 2024.
Kent Verlik, Chief Executive Officer
HORSE RACING ALBERTA