Minnesota Administrative Rules

7884.0230 RACING EQUIPMENT.

Subpart 1.

Sulkies.

Sulkies will be permitted only if they are of the conventional dual-shaft and dual-hitch type as follows:

A.

they have two shafts that are parallel to, and securely hitched on each side of the horse;

B.

no point of a hitch and no part of a shaft of the sulky is above a horizontal level equal to the lowest point of the horse's back;

C.

they are equipped with mud guards when so required by the stewards; and

D.

they are equipped with plastic wheel discs on the inside and outside of each wheel with such discs being either clear or of a solid pastel color.

Subp. 2.

Head poles.

No horse may wear a head pole protruding beyond its nose.

Subp. 3.

Helmets must be worn.

All persons must wear a protective helmet approved by the Snell Foundation or the United States Department of Transportation with the chin strap properly fastened at all times when racing, jogging, training, or when warming up a horse on the grounds of an association.

Subp. 3a.

Safety vest.

A driver must wear a safety vest designed to provide shock absorbing protection to the upper body when participating in an official or qualifying race. The safety vest must equal or exceed a minimum shock absorption rating of five according to the specification established by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA).

Subp. 4.

Time limit for equipment changes.

No major equipment change may be allowed after 10:00 a.m. on the day of the race without the consent of the stewards, and all such changes must be posted and announced.

Subp. 5.

Broken equipment.

All broken equipment must be reported by the driver to the outrider or starter, who must then report it to the paddock judge and the stewards. The paddock judge shall make an examination to verify the allegation.

Subp. 6.

Warm-up equipment.

All persons driving a horse must wear silks and white pants when warming up a horse prior to a race. Such horse shall have the proper head number and saddle cloth for the race in which it will be racing.

Subp. 7.

Drivers' colors.

Drivers must wear distinguishing colors that include white pants. These colors must be registered with the USTA, Standardbred Canada, or equivalent associations in foreign countries. Drivers shall not be permitted to drive in a race or other public performances unless they are properly dressed, their driving outfits are clean, and they are well-groomed. During inclement weather conditions, drivers must wear rain suits or winter suits either of distinguishing colors or made of transparent material through which their colors may be distinguished.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 240.03; 240.13; 240.23

History:

9 SR 2527; 11 SR 2201; 31 SR 1277; 33 SR 8; 40 SR 29

Published Electronically:

July 20, 2015