Gulfstream Park makes changes to riding-crop rule

Following an agreement between Gulfstream Park, the Jockeys’ Guild and the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Gulfstream Park will institute new house rules regarding the usage of riding crops.  

The implementation of the new crop rules went into effect on Friday. 

Among the notable details:

-- Use of the riding crop is allowed in the overhand fashion for a total of six times from the 3/8th pole to the finish line. It can be used only two times in succession and then the horse must be given a chance to respond. 

-- The crop may be used in a backhanded fashion on the hindquarters from the 3/8th pole to the finish line. This use will not be counted toward the use of the crop six (6) times in the overhand fashion.

--Tapping the horse on the shoulder with the crop in the down position, while both hands are holding onto the rein sand both hands are touching the neck of the horse, is allowed.

You can read the full Gulfstream Park riding crop rule here.