whips

one more quick question if any one knows the answer
if the new whips don't cause the horse any pain then why are they restricting how many times they can be used on a horse?

they are better than the old ones. i got cracked on the leg with one and smarted a bit!!

There is scientific evidence that the whip causes no pain but there is also scientific evidence that whipping does not make them run faster so take your pick.

I've seen close up these new whips.  I find it hard to believe you could hurt a horse if used correctly, and rightly that's how it should be.

Ask yourself how many trainers and owners would want their horses hurt?

Horses can be lazy and lack focus and the whip helps correct / encourage them / inform them to get on with the job.

They are restricting the number of whips to supposedly clear up previous grey rules.  Unfortunately they seem to have made their decisions based on what the wider non racing public think which is based on zero knowledge.

How many jockey's,since the inception of these whips,have been referred to the BHA for marking and thereby injuring a horse? Does anybody know.

does this scientific evidence involve a horse talking...if not , then i'd take it with a pinch of salt.

3duckeggs
if not causing pain then how do they work?
after all the horse is still being hit with something

James, it has been proven that asking a horse to jump an obstacle at speed could result in the horse losing its life. So along the sames line, is it now time to ban jump racing? Why just stop at the whip, eh?

As far as I'm aware, no horse is likely to die from being struck with an air-cushioned persuader.

i agree george - there is inherent risk in every sport
i know nothing about whips having never even picked one up
just try to understand everyones point of view and the reasons behind them

Anyone who's ridden a horse would surely agree that horses skin is incredibly tough and I find it hard to believe when used correctly they could inflict pain.

Try riding a horse bare back and your ar*e and legs will not thank you the next day!

I've already answered your question really like I say it's too help an animal (they are not like human athletes and many need some encouragement) concentrate and tell them when maximum effort is required.

sorry - i meant i'm trying to understand everyones point of view and the reasons behind them
no offence intended

The BHA's own scientific investigations have shown there to be no welfare issues so long as the whip is used correctly. The reason for the changes would appear to be 100% perception.

Yes I know, non taken I think this issue will run and run sadly.

I agree George.

i agree it is about perception
but a counterpoint may be that whips should be done away with
if a horse has bags of ability but is lazy then maybe it shouldn't be winning races.Or if one jockey uses a whip more than another it may be providing an unfair advantage
doing away with the whip will level the playing field for both horses and jockeys

Jamespatel i am in that camp and i am sure it will happen but they must get this issue sorted out.

You could do that if your happy to end up with more horse racing fatalities through jumping errors and horses running into each other, as whips are not just used to make a horse run faster.