RUNNING OF THE RACE

1. (a) All riding crops are subject to inspection and approval by the Stewards and the clerk of scales.

   1. (1) Riding crops shall have a shaft and a flap and will be allowed in flat racing including training, only as follows:

      1. (i) Maximum weight of 8 ounces;
      2. (ii) Maximum length, including flap of 30 inches;
      3. (iii) Minimum diameter of the shaft of 3/8 inch; and
      4. (iv) Shaft contact area must be smooth, with no protrusions or raised surface, and covered by shock absorbing material that gives a compression factor of at least one-millimeter throughout its circumference.

   2. (2) The flap is the only allowable attachment to the shaft and must meet these specifications:

      1. (i) Length beyond the end of the shaft a maximum of 1 inch;
      2. (ii) Width a minimum of 0.8 inch and a maximum of 1.6 inches;
      3. (iii) No reinforcements or additions beyond the end of the shaft;
      4. (iv) No binding within 7 inches of the end of the shaft; and
      5. (v) Shock absorbing characteristics similar to those the contact area of the shaft.
2. (b) No bridle shall exceed 2 pounds.
3. (c) A horse’s tongue may be tied down with clean bandages, gauze or tongue strap.
4. (d) No licensee may add blinkers or cheek pieces to a horse’s equipment or discontinue their use without the prior approval of the Starter, the paddock Judge, and the Stewards. Any request for a change must be stated at entry. Blinkers and cheek pieces may not be utilized at the same time.
5. (e) No licensee may change any equipment used on a horse since its last race in this Commonwealth without approval of the paddock Judge.