Smith: California riding crop rule puts jockeys, horses at risk

Count Hall of Famer Mike Smith among those not happy with California's new rule limiting the use of the riding crop. In a letter penned to the California Horse Racing Board this week on behalf of the Jockey's Guild, Smith contends the rules that took effect Oct. 1 are not safe and have negatively impacted the sport's competitive integrity. 

According to California's new riding crop rule, jockeys must use the crop in an under-handed position with a maximum of six strikes total and no more than two in succession. Additionally, the rule allows jockeys to strike a horse's shoulder without limitations if both hands are on the reins.

Smith and the Jockeys' Guild indicated the rules are not working as a practical matter and are potentially dangerous, noting "we strongly believe that more than one of us will suffer a serious injury, or even  possibly death, from your new rule 1688, which has never been used in the United States, or anywhere else for that matter."

Below is a copy of the full letter sent by Smith and the Jockeys' Guild to the CHRB. 

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Dear Members of California Horse Racing Board,

Please accept this letter on behalf of the Jockeys’ Guild and all of the jockeys in California. I am  writing to you, as well as copying Gov. Gavin Newsom, Sen. Bill Dodd, and Asm. Adam Gray, in  yet another effort to express the concerns of the California jockeys regarding CHRB 1688 Use of the  Riding Crop, which went into effect on October 1, 2020.

Since the consideration to the changes to the Use of the Riding Crop regulations were introduced, we have voiced various reasons for opposition, including our concerns about safety and the integrity of  the sport. In the weeks leading up to the implementation, there were several meetings with the riders at Santa Anita, Golden Gate, and Los Alamitos, including both the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse  jockeys, in which we had discussions on how to move forward.

After the jockeys have attempted to comply with CHRB 1688 this weekend, our concerns have been  reiterated and we strongly believe that more than one of us will suffer a serious injury, or even  possibly death, from your new rule 1688, which has never been used in the United States, or  anywhere else for that matter. In light of the fact that one of our fellow jockeys, Vinnie Bednar, was  recently paralyzed in a racing accident at Los Alamitos, the risks are fresh in our minds. And now,  you have implemented regulations, that many people, including jockeys, owners, and trainers,  believe have created even more safety hazards. The reality is we are very alarmed about the lack of  concern for our safety and well-being. Furthermore, not only do we have a concern for our own  welfare, but also have grave concerns about the risks being created for the horses.

The CHRB stated the intent is to improve the safety and welfare of the horses with the restrictions on  the use of the riding crop. However, as Senator Dodd stated regarding his recently passed racing  reform legislation in California, “the goal is to improve the safety of HORSES AND JOCKEYS.” 

Unfortunately, historically jockeys have not had a voice and have been considered a lower aspect of  racing, both socioeconomically and politically, often times due to race and lack of education. With  regards to the Use of the Riding Crop in California it seems this has continued to be the case. We  have attempted to participate in the rule making process and provide input based on our professional  knowledge and experience. However, for whatever reason, our concerns were not given credence.  Even though, the reality is, we are the people who are risking our lives, balancing on the balls of our  feet, in a very narrow stirrup, going 35-50 miles per hour on a 1,200 pound horse, surrounded by  other jockeys who are doing the same thing.

To restrict the use of the riding crop to the underhand position, as you have currently imposed, is  completely against the technique that every jockey has been taught on the proper use of the riding  crop. It is contrary to our instincts and techniques, which in turn is impacting our balance and  reaction time. We strongly believe that regulation is extremely hazardous and has added an even  greater risk and uncertainty to our profession.

Furthermore, to change to specifications of the actual crops we are using, adds to the difficulty of the  regulation that is being imposed. The jockeys feel that the use current cushioned riding crop is safer  for the equine athlete and does not compromise the horse’s welfare. We were actively involved in  the refinements and the adoption of the current riding crop to reduce the impact to the equine athlete.

When the current cushioned riding crop was introduced, it was strongly encouraged that the horses  be subject to inspection by a veterinarian, either regulatory or official, looking for cuts, welts, or  bruises on the skin, with any adverse finding being reported to the Stewards. Over the past ten  years, when the approved cushioned riding crops were used in the appropriate manner, the welts  and cuts have almost been completely eliminated.

With that being said, we are supportive of any  improvements that can be made to the existing riding crop to create an even more humane crop. However, any rule making on the composition of the crop must be done in a thoughtful manner after  research and input and considerations from the jockeys.

In addition to the increased dangers, there has also been a serious impact on the integrity and  outcome of the races. In multiple races over the weekend, jockeys were limited in the encouragement  they were able to give the horses, which in turn impacted the outcome of the race and jockeys were  unable to maximize placing of the horses. The owners, along with the betting public, both of whom  are the driving force behind our sport, were not afforded every possible opportunity maximize return  on their investment.

Given the penalties and perils you have created, you are imposing great pressures on the jockeys, to  the extent that some are considering leaving California to ride in jurisdictions which are still allowing  for reasonable and responsible use of the riding crop. My home, along with several other jockeys,  many of whom are Latino, is in California. We do not want to be forced to leave. However, the fear  of grave injury and the unreasonable penalties are making many of us reconsider continuing to ride in  California.

As the Guild and the jockeys have continued to say the ultimate goal is to establish a standard that is  in the best interest of the welfare of the horse, as well as the industry as a whole, including those  whose lives are at stake. However, we believe that the new CHRB rule, as adopted, is actually  unsafe and will be detrimental to our industry. As such, we are pleading and implore you to  reconsider the changes that have been rushed through without thorough consideration of the  dangerous implications you have created for us, as well as the horses.  

Sincerely, 

Mike E. Smith