Authority: IC 4-31-3-9

Affected: IC 4-31

Sec. 13. (a) In all pari-mutuel and qualifying races drivers will be allowed whips not to exceed four (4) feet plus a snapper not longer than six (6) inches. Drivers must have control of their horses at all times and handholds must be adjusted so as to be taut with the elbows in front of the chest.

(b) Whipping action shall be limited to wrist action with minimal elbow movement. Any exaggerated arm or body motion shall be considered a violation.

(c) The whip may strike above and between the shafts only. Whipping below the shaft in the stifle area may result in disqualification.

(d) The following actions shall be considered as excessive or indiscriminate or both:

1. (1) Whipping of a horse during post parade or after the finish.
2. (2) Continuous use of the whip without pausing to give the horse a chance to respond.
3. (3) Striking any part of the whip under the tail or between the legs.
4. (4) Whipping a horse not advancing through the field or that is out of contention.
5. (5) Causing visible injury.
6. (6) The use of any sharp object or stimulating device.
7. (7) Any part of the whip may not be used for jabbing.

(e) Drivers shall keep a line in each hand from the start of the race until the finish of the race.

(f) Violation of any of these rules may result in a fine or suspension or both or commission referral.

(Indiana Horse Racing Commission; 71 IAC 7-3-13; emergency rule filed Feb 10, 1994, 9:20 a.m.: 17 IR 1162; emergency rule filed Feb 13, 1998, 10:00 a.m.: 21 IR 2409; emergency rule filed Jun 8, 1999, 9:31 a.m.: 22 IR 3132, eff May 26, 1999 [IC 4-22-2-37.1 establishes the effectiveness of an emergency rule upon filing with the secretary of state. LSA Document #99-108(E) was filed with the secretary of state June 8, 1999.]; readopted filed Oct 30, 2001, 11:50 a.m.: 25 IR 899; emergency rule filed Mar 27, 2002, 10:25 a.m.: 25 IR 2537; emergency rule filed Jan 21, 2004, 2:30 p.m.: 27 IR 1919; emergency rule filed May 10, 2005, 3:20 p.m.: 28 IR 2750; readopted filed Mar 23, 2007, 11:31 a.m.: 20070404-IR-071070030RFA; emergency rule filed Mar 12, 2008, 1:53 p.m.: 20080326-IR-071080191ERA, eff Mar 11, 2008 [IC 4-22-2-37.1 establishes the effectiveness of an emergency rule upon filing with the Publisher. LSA Document #08-191(E) was filed with the Publisher March 12, 2008.]; emergency rule filed May 12, 2008, 1:29 p.m.: 20080521-IR-071080353ERA; emergency rule filed Mar 19, 2009, 11:07 a.m.: 20090401-IR-071090195ERA, eff Mar 12, 2009 [IC 4-22-2-37.1 establishes the effectiveness of an emergency rule upon filing with the Publisher. LSA Document #09-195(E) was filed with the Publisher March 19, 2009.]; emergency rule filed Mar 23, 2010, 1:27 p.m.: 20100331-IR-071100170ERA; readopted filed Nov 26, 2013, 11:25 a.m.: 20131225-IR-071130345RFA; emergency rule filed Mar 30, 2016, 12:18 p.m.: 20160406-IR-071160138ERA; readopted filed Aug 28, 2019, 1:23 p.m.: 20190925-IR-071190319RFA; emergency rule filed Mar 2, 2021, 3:10 p.m.: 20210310-IR- 071210076ERA; emergency rule filed Dec 9, 2021, 2:22 p.m.: 20211215-IR-071210525ERA; readopted filed Jul 6, 2023, 1:50 p.m.: 20230802-IR-071230371RFA; readopted filed Aug 3, 2023, 12:49 p.m.: 20230830-IR-071230428RFA)