A few weeks ago, a Kentucky governor passed a regulation against using steroids on racing horses. Today, Kentucky is taking another step to improve their Horse Racing scene. This time they are taking a humane route by regulating the type of whips used in Horse Racing. They may also ban several whipping techniques used by jockeys to make their mounts go faster.

A Kentucky welfare and safety panel took to voting last Monday – September 15. The group came to the agreement that they will be outlawing certain whips used by horse racing jockeys. The panel will also ban Riding crops that have snappers at the end. These types of crops are considered inhumane because they leave welts on the body of the horse. One-handed whipping will also be banned and jockeys are advised to keep their hands in front of their bodies during the race.

Approval of the following restrictions is up to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The commission is to reconvene on September 22. Some members of the commission are positive that the regulations will pass and that these restrictions are long overdue. One commission member Alan Leavitt had this to say:

“The perception on the part of the gamblers was if the horse wasn’t really beaten, they weren’t getting their money’s worth. But most of the great drivers will tell you it doesn’t affect the way a horse races.”