SECTION 313.405. Whips and Other Equipment

(a) The use of a whip is not required and a jockey who uses a whip during a race may do so only in a manner consistent with using the jockey's best efforts to win. The correct uses of a whip include:

(1) showing the whip to the horse before hitting the horse;

(2) using the whip in rhythm to the horse's stride; and

(3) using the whip as an aid to keep a horse running straight.

(b) A whip used in races must be at least 1/4-inch in diameter and have a looped leather "popper" affixed to one end. The whip must have at least three rows of leather feathers above the popper and each feather must be at least one inch long. The popper must be at least 1 1/4 inch wide and three inches long. A whip may not exceed one pound in weight or 31 inches in length, including the popper.

(c) If a jockey is to ride without a whip, the stewards shall ensure that fact is announced over the public address system.

(d) A jockey may not whip a horse:

(1) on the head, flanks, or on any part of the horse's body other than the shoulders or hind quarters;

(2) excessively or brutally causing welts or breaks in the skin;

(3) in the post parade except when necessary to control the horse;

(4) when the horse is clearly out of the race or has obtained its maximum placing; or

(5) persistently, if the horse is not responding to the whip.

(e) A jockey may not ride in a race unless the jockey wears a safety vest meeting the requirements of §311.218 of this title (relating to Safety Equipment). A safety vest may weigh no more than two pounds.

Source Note: The provisions of this §313.405 adopted to be effective August 30, 1989, 14 TexReg 4125; amended to be effective October 11, 1990, 15 TexReg 5704; amended to be effective May 13, 1993, 18 TexReg 2849; amended to be effective September 1, 1993, 18 TexReg 5398; amended to be effective March 4, 1994, 19 TexReg 1215; amended to be effective April 4, 2005, 30 TexReg 1627; amended to be effective October 19, 2015, 40 TexReg 7220