The Rules Governing Horse Racing in Alberta are AMENDED as follows:
Chapter 3: General Horse Racing Rules \ Part 3 Horse Racing Misconduct \ Division 2 Rule Violations
The following rule is AMENDED to read:
209 t Riding Crop and Spurs Requirements
Riding Crop Requirements:
(1) No riding crop may weigh more than ½ pound.
(2) No riding crop may be used in a *horse race unless;
(a) A cushioned riding crop with a soft popper, no less than 6 inches
(b) There is no stitching on the end or sides,
(c) It is made of leather, or other material approved by the *stewards board,
(d) It is not less than 1 ¼ inches in width,
(e) Unaltered from original manufacturer.
(3) No riding crop may exceed 30 inches in length.
(4) Must be approved by the Board of Stewards.
Spurs Requirements:
(1) The use of spurs by exercise riders is permitted solely for the purpose of providing clear, refined guidance to the horse. Spurs are prohibited in a race. Stewards may prohibit the use of spurs by an exercise rider if, in their opinion of the outrider or race official, such use is unsafe or inappropriate.
(2) Spurs must be of a blunt, smooth design and must not contain sharp edges, pointed tips, or serrated/rotating rowels.
(3) The shank of the spur shall not exceed one (1) inch (3cm) in length as measured from the back of the boot to the furthest tip of the shank.
(4) Rowels: Traditional spinning wheels or rowels are prohibited.
(5) Altered Equipment: No person shall alter, sharpen, or modify a spur in any manner.
(6) Improper fit: Spurs must be worn in the traditional manner with the shank directed rearward and downward.
(7) The “No marks” Standard: A rider shall not use spurs or any other urging device (including crops) in a manner that results in physical trauma, including but not limited to broken skin, welts, swelling, or visible spur marks.
(8) Indiscriminate Action: The use of spurs on a horse that is exhausted, non-responsive, or in the opinion of the stewards is in distress is a violation of the Rule.
Riding Crop Requirements:
(1) No riding crop may weigh more than ½ pound.
(2) No riding crop may be used in a *horse race unless;
(f) A cushioned riding crop with a soft popper, no less than 6 inches
(g) There is no stitching on the end or sides,
(h) It is made of leather, or other material approved by the *stewards board,
(i) It is not less than 1 ¼ inches in width,
(j) Unaltered from original manufacturer.
(3) No riding crop may exceed 30 inches in length.
(4) Must be approved by the Board of Stewards.
Dated in the City of Edmonton
in the Province of Alberta
this 13th day of April 2026.
Kent Verlik, Chief Executive Officer
HORSE RACING ALBERTA