Use of whips in racing and other equestrian events

Policy type: Policy
Reference: 10a
Status: Current
Date ratified: November 2016

Excessive or inappropriate use of a whip on any horse, either in competition or training, is not condoned.

Explanation

The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) recognises the need, in certain circumstances, for a rider or driver to use a whip to control or guide a horse.

The NZVA recognises that the whip is used to make horses perform more competitively, however it is also aware of ongoing research questioning whether whip use will result in improving a horse’s performance (Evans and McGreevy 2011).

The NZVA supports racing authorities and other equestrian bodies in their efforts to eliminate excessive or incorrect use of the whip.

References

Evans D, McGreevy P (2011) An Investigation of Racing Performance and Whip Use by Jockeys in Thoroughbred Races. PLoS ONE 6(1): e15622. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0015622.