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British racing has banned the trimming of whiskers, bringing the game into line with different equestrian disciplines.
The transfer is amongst a number of rule adjustments that can come into pressure on 1 July.
Trimming of sensory hairs was outlawed by the FEI – the worldwide federation that governs the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian disciplines – in July 2021. British Eventing, British Dressage and British Showjumping have all adopted swimsuit.
“The elimination of sensory hairs (extra generally often called whiskers) will not be permitted, bringing British racing into line with different worldwide equestrian disciplines,” stated an replace from the British Horseracing Authority at this time (6 June), including that this may come into impact on 1 July.
“Except eliminated by a veterinarian on welfare grounds or to permit for remedy, the sensory hairs round a horse’s mouth, nostril and eyes can not be clipped, shaven or eliminated in any method.
“This transformation has been made to assist guarantee a horse’s tactile sensory perform will not be compromised, which may occur if sensory hairs are eliminated.”
The rule updates additionally embody adjustments to the methods by which ice is allowed for use earlier than a race – and bans sure tools from the stables that’s designed to impact a horse’s physique, resembling magnetic rugs and therapeutic massage pads, until accredited by a vet.
“The usage of ice on a horse previous to racing won’t be permitted as soon as the horse has arrived on the racecourse, until accredited by a BHA veterinary officer,” states the replace.
“Beforehand, ice was allowed to be utilized to a horse on a racecourse up till two hours earlier than the beginning time of a race, and inside two hours if approval was granted.
“As ice can be utilized to masks ache, it has now been agreed that ice or different cooling units can solely be used as soon as a horse enters a racecourse if permission is granted from a veterinary officer.”
An addition to the principles, meant to clarify what tools will not be allowed for use within the racecourse stables space, provides: “Except accredited by a BHA veterinary officer, gadgets designed or marketed to impact the horse’s physique system, resembling magnetic boots, magnetic rugs and therapeutic massage pads, shouldn’t be introduced on to racecourse property.”
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Credit score: Future
Credit score: Lucy Merrell
The ban got here into pressure at FEI occasions on 1 July
Library picture.
Credit score: Alamy Inventory Picture
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H&H senior information author
Lucy is an skilled information journalist, reporter and presenter. Since becoming a member of the Horse & Hound group in 2015, Lucy has reported from main international sporting occasions together with the Tokyo Paralympic Video games and a number of European Championships, in addition to Badminton, Burghley and London, to call just a few. She has coated present affairs and sports activities information throughout the total spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, in addition to human and equine welfare, business information and court docket circumstances.
