Minnesota Administrative Rules

7883.0170 RACING EQUIPMENT.

A.

Equipment.

(1)

No bridle shall weigh more than two pounds.

(2)

All riding crops are subject to inspection and approval by the stewards and the clerk of scales.

(a)

Riding crops shall have a shaft and a flap and will be allowed in flat racing including training, only as follows:

i.

maximum weight of eight ounces;

ii.

maximum length, including flap, of 30 inches;

iii.

minimum diameter of the shaft of three-eighths inch; and

iv.

shaft contact area must be smooth, with no protrusions or raised surface, and covered by shock-absorbing material that gives a compression factor of at least one millimeter throughout its circumference.

(b)

The flap is the only allowable attachment to the shaft and must meet these specifications:

i.

length beyond the end of the shaft a maximum of one inch;

ii.

width a minimum of 0.8 inch and a maximum of 1.6 inches;

iii.

no reinforcements or additions beyond the end of the shaft;

iv.

no binding within seven inches of the end of the shaft; and

v.

shock-absorbing characteristics similar to those of the contact area of the shaft.

(3)

Horseshoes are subject to the following specifications:

(a)

For Thoroughbreds, toe grabs, other than wear plates with a height no greater than two millimeters (0.07874 inches), bends, jar caulks, stickers, and any other traction device worn on the front shoes of Thoroughbred horses while racing or training on all racing surfaces are prohibited.

(b)

For Quarter Horses, toe grabs, other than wear plates with a height no greater than four millimeters (0.15748 inches), bends, jars, caulks, stickers, or any other traction device worn on the front shoes are prohibited. Toe grabs greater than 6.35 millimeters (0.25 inches) from the ground surface side of the hind shoes are prohibited.

B.

Once inspected and approved by the stewards, no changes may be made in the equipment covered by this part, without subsequent approval of the stewards.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 240.03; 240.13; 240.23; 240.24

History:

18 SR 886; 33 SR 8; 34 SR 1135; 36 SR 10; 40 SR 29; 49 SR 1123

Published Electronically:

April 16, 2025