Round Table: Scandinavian Racing Let Go Of The Riding Crop; Here's What Happened Next

Whip use in racing is under scrutiny in Scandinavian countries. The Jockey Club Round Table discussed the issue at this year's event. Sweden, Denmark and Norway have banned whip use. In Sweden the maximum number of strikes was reduced from ten to five. In 2011 the rule changed to restrict use of the crop on the horse's shoulder. Some riders used the extra loop of reins to mimic the action of a whip. 25% of people avoid placing money on racing taking place in countries where they have welfare concerns about the participating horses. 30% believe they had watched an incident in which a horse had been poorly treated.