02/02/2022

A 2020 study shows that whipping a horse is completely useless for "performance". Yet in Italy...

The Svensk Galopp, the Swedish racecourse authority, has announced a ban on the use of the whip from the reopening of racing in April. Jockeys will be allowed to hold the whip, but only to avoid dangerous situations and not to incite the horse to go faster.

In Italy, on the other hand, in gallop races, in the last 200 metres of the race, up to 7 lashes are allowed on the horse (8 in obstacle races).

However, the fact that whipping a horse is just a useless and violent tradition is not only said by animal welfare associations but also by scientists. In a study published in 2020 and lasting three years, it was shown that the use of the whip does not improve the horse's driving, does not increase safety and does not improve race times.

(photo: Svensk Galopp)