Are the changes in racing whip rules good for horse welfare?

One would assume that if the racing whip rules have changed that this would be a positive move for the horse racing industry. However, some Veterinary professionals are branding this rule change as ‘shameful’. This article aims to dive into this subject and explore these recent changes further; after all, who doesn’t love a good ethical debate? 

What changes have been made to racing whip rules?

According to British Horse Racing, the use of a whip is restricted to safety and encouragement during a race. Rules within horse racing are constantly being reviewed and adapted amongst the ever growing sport. In early 2023, there have been recent racing regulation recommendations including restricting the use of a whip to the backhand position only. Other changes include increased penalties for offences when the whip is used above the permitted level. These decisions, along with other rule changes were originally put forward in 2022 by the British Horse Racing Authority (BHA).

However, following opposition from jockeys regarding this new rule change, the whip being used in the backhand position only has since been dropped. This revision means that jockeys can continue as they were before using the whip in the forehand position.

The debate

The original announcement by the BHA stated that jockeys can only use their whip in the backhand position. Following a huge debate and uproar amongst jockeys, the rule has been revised and since revoked. Other recent changes including the increased penalties for overuse of their whip during a race remain in place. 

Many individuals within the Veterinary profession and animal rights/animal welfare supporters are angry that the originally imposed rule stating the sole use of a whip in the backhand position has not been continued. 

Reasons put forward by jockeys who were against the backhand position included their challenges in using a whip this way, particularly by those who have