71 IAC 7.5-6-1 Equipment

Sec. 1. (a) All riding crops are subject to inspection and approval by the stewards, their designee, and the clerk of scales. (1) Riding crops shall be soft padded, with a shaft and a smooth foam cylinder, and will be permitted in flat racing including training, only under the following conditions: (A) maximum weight of eight (8) ounces; (B) maximum length, including smooth foam cylinder, of thirty (30) inches; (C) minimum shaft diameter of three-eighths (3/8) inch; (D) shaft contact area must be smooth, with no protrusion or raised surface and covered by shock absorbing material that gives a compression factor of at least one (1) millimeter throughout its circumference; and (E) no binding within seven (7) inches of the end of the shaft. (2) The smooth foam cylinder is the only allowable attachment to the shaft and must meet these specifications: (A) maximum length beyond the end of the shaft of one (1) inch; (B) minimum diameter of eight-tenths (0.8) inch and a maximum diameter of one and six-tenths (1.6) inches; (C) no reinforcements or additions beyond the end of the shaft or the soft foam cylinder; (D) shall be made of shock absorbing material with a compression factor of at least five (5) millimeters throughout its circumference; (E) shall be made of a waterproof, ultraviolet resistant, and chemical resistant foam material that is durable and preserves its shock absorption during use under all conditions; and (F) shall be replaced after reasonable wear and tear is visibly evident. (b) No bridle shall exceed two (2) pounds. (c) A horse's tongue may be tied down with clean bandages, gauze, or a tongue strap. (d) No licensee may add blinkers to a horse's equipment or discontinue their use without the prior approval of the starter and the stewards. Any request for such a change must be stated at entry. Blinkers and cheek pieces may not be used at the same time. (e) The use of Gelocast or like materials, or both, as a racing bandage or the use of Gelocast or like materials, or both, in conjunction with traditional materials to form a racing bandage is prohibited. (f) Any nontraditional material incorporated into a racing bandage must be approved by the official veterinarian, or his or her designee.