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SARGA.CO – Horse racing is a sport that relies on speed, strength, and tight cooperation between jockey and horse. But behind the high stakes on the track, an important ethical question arises: how many times is a jockey allowed to whip the horse during a race?
This question is not just technical—it touches on the broader issue of animal welfare, a growing global concern in any sport involving animals.
No Official Limit on Whip Strikes Yet, But…
According to Muhammad Danang Eko, Secretary of the Racing Commission at PP PORDASI (the Indonesian Equestrian Sports Federation), there are currently no detailed written regulations on the maximum number of whip strikes allowed in a race.
“There’s no explicit rule saying how many times a jockey can use the whip. But the main point is clear: jockeys are prohibited from harming the horse, especially in ways that are excessive or dangerous,” Danang explained.
This prohibition aligns with the principle of animal welfare, which is a core value in every horse race held in Indonesia.
While there’s no specific count like “a maximum of five whip strikes per 100 meters,” PORDASI emphasizes that jockeys must prioritize the horse’s safety and comfort.
Whips may be used to give direction or encouragement—but not to force the horse brutally.
Race stewards and officials closely monitor competitions to ensure there are no signs of abuse, coercion, or use of unauthorized equipment.
Other Countries Have Set Clear Limits
Countries like the UK and Australia have implemented strict limits—typically allowing five to seven whip strikes in the final stretch, depending on the race’s length and type.
Indonesia is also reviewing similar regulations, especially as public attention to ethics in sports continues to grow.
With the rapid development of Indonesia’s horse racing industry—and the rising economic value of racehorses, some worth tens of billions of rupiah—there is increasing demand for more professional regulatory standards.
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