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Originally Posted by Kasept
Went under the radar, but the KHRC Health and Safety Committee meeting Monday was chock ful o' good stuff...
Ron Mitchell's B-H version:
http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/47095.htm
Lots about the injury reporting system, which is interesting. (I discussed it with Dr. Allday on "Horse Health Today" segment of ATR Tuesday and he agrees with Dr. Northrup.)
But the corker is the testing at KEE of new 'kinder, gentler' riding crops... (Don't say whips anymore... That word is being phased out.  )
The committee also discussed, and will continue to work on, revising rules to mandate safer and more humane riding crops (formerly known as whips) in Thoroughbred racing. Included in the effort will be the review of shorter crops and with more humane "poppers" (padded portion of the crop). During the upcoming Keeneland fall meet, in two races per day jockeys will be equipped with crops that vary in length from 26 to 30 inches and in weights ranging from 6 ounces to 8 ounces. |
There is no way that I will comply with any injury reporting system that requires names of horses. First off what is the cut off line for an injury? a grabbed quarter? A fracture?
Since the welfare and safety of the horse is entirely my responsibility under the absolute insurer rule the state will not be getting any information from me without a subpoena. The idea that the names will be kept confidential is laughable and the potential for legal action against me using information held by the racing commission would be a major concern. Let's say a horse of mine breaks his leg in a race and the jockey gets seriously injured. With this new data system in place wouldnt the health history of the horse now be fair game for a lawyer to put into play? Despite how many horses overcome injuries however minor I am willing to bet that this scenario will come into play eventually.
The riding crop thing is a beauty though. Personally I wouldnt mind if they went to the softer whips but the whole idea that we wont call them whips anymore is either hilarious or frightening depending on the way you look at it.