Virginia Law

Equipment must be used consistently on a horse, and a trainer must obtain permission from the paddock judge to change the use of any equipment on a horse from its last previous start. The paddock judge shall maintain a list of the equipment worn by each horse and inform the stewards immediately of any change in its equipment. The following provisions shall apply to equipment:

1. A horse's tongue may be tied down with a clean bandage or gauze;

2. No Thoroughbred may race shod in anything other than ordinary racing plates, e.g., bar shoe, mud calks, without the permission of the stewards and the public being informed through appropriate means;

3. No Thoroughbred may race in a bridle weighing more than two pounds;

4. Use on a horse of other than an ordinary whip either in a race or workout including any goading device, chain, spurs, electrical or mechanical device, appliance or any means which could be used to alter the speed of the horse is prohibited, except spurs may be used in steeplechase races pursuant to 11VAC10-160-150; and

5. For Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses and Arabians, an ordinary whip shall weigh one pound or less, be 30 inches long or less and have not more than one popper. No stingers or projections extending through the hole of a popper or metal part on a whip shall be permitted.