Harness whip rules

[Messenger]

Watching Kerryn win the 5th at Hamilton today.
She may be able to argue that she is only using wrist and elbow but there is no way that it is the required 'flicking motion'

[KTQ]

What do you think? What effect will it have? Do you agree?
http://www.harness.org.au/news-artic...?news_id=31814

[aussiebreno]

Wtf?

[Messenger]

http://www.harness.org.au/news-artic...?news_id=31814

Mr Want said many drivers were concerned that control over a horse would be curtailed without a whip, especially when horses shy (leap sideways) or back up. He said HRA Executive accepted the challenges the ban presented for ensuring safety was maintained for drivers, people, horses, trainers, stablehands, and people nearby.
“Between now and the implementation of the whip ban, we will consult widely in the industry, especially with drivers and trainers, and with animal welfare advocates, such as the RSPCA,” Mr Want said.
“Whatever tool evolves from this process it will only be allowed to avoid or guide a horse out of a dangerous situation to itself, other horses, drivers or anyone nearby."

Australia’s leading driver – and 11-times winner of the national drivers’ championship – Chris Alford said he supported the ban.
“Drivers are very sensitive to their horses and appreciate and support moves to ensure high standards of animal welfare that are aligned with community expectations,” he said.
“We also know that a shying horse is a danger to itself, drivers, people and other horses nearby. I fully support the decision to ban the whip, plus maintain safety for all involved”."

http://www.harness.org.au/news-artic...?news_id=31814

[DRUIDRACING]

bye bye harness racing its nearly over............

[Jimbob]

What does this do to the breeding? It is the biggest game changer ever! Some stallions careers will be over in 9 months time. More horses getting turned to dog meat as they wont try. Less horses to make it to track. how can this be a good thing? I have 9 months left with one of my horses of racing as she doesn't try without the whip. she will be retired when ban comes in. What happens to track records? New records without the whip? What a dumb decision to please the people who don't support the industry!

[DRUIDRACING]

Everywhere we turn the governing bodies make decisions for the industry. every year it gets harder!!! ..........they dont name the sources of there studies ? or are they what a chosen few think will be good and and excellent speech writer attempting to get the participants to believe what is said.

Turnover ? Horses ? all going to be improved ? doubtful..............As other threads have said in the past there are fewer horses bred............fields are smaller (I have no Evidence) but it seems i could make a study up to reflect this.

We the Industry Participants need to see this evidence and now before this great sport disapears.

[trish]

Taking the whip away from drivers is like taking the whip away from Madame Lash in her sado masochistic dungeon . Its just not going to be the same.

[Danno]

One would hope that a sensible, well thought through, new set of rules for whip use is where we are going, this announcement displays a want for diplomacy, a want for consultation, a want for a sensible way forward and it seems a want to please the RSPCA rather than a want to learn some half decent problem solving skills.


What I want to know is who wants Want? damn sure I don't.

[eliteblood]

Taking the whip away from drivers is like taking the whip away from Madame Lash in her sado masochistic dungeon . Its just not going to be the same.

That would just be going too far Trish :-)