New Mexico Register / Volume XIX, Number 22 / December 1, 2008

Explanatory Paragraph: This is an amendment to Section 13 of 15.2.5 NMAC adding toe grabs no greater than four millimeters for Quarter horses and no greater than two millimeters for Thoroughbred horses as equipment and stating the penalty for a violation. Effective 12/01/08.

15.2.5.13 RUNNING OF THE RACE:

A. EQUIPMENT:

(1) No whip shall weigh more than one pound nor exceed 31 inches in length, including the popper. No whip shall be used unless it has affixed to the end a looped popper not less than one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inches in width, and not over three (3) inches in length, and be feathered above the popper with not less than three (3) rows of feathers, each feather not less than one (1) inch in length. There shall be no holes in the popper. All whips are subject to inspection and approval by the stewards.

(2) No bridle shall exceed two pounds.

(3) Toe grabs with a height greater than four millimeters worn on the front shoes of quarter horses and two millimeters worn on the front shoes of thoroughbred horses while racing are prohibited. The horse shall be scratched and the trainer may be subject to fine.

(4) A horse's tongue may be tied down with clean bandages, gauze or tongue strap.

(5) No licensee may add blinkers to a horse's equipment or discontinue their use without the prior approval of the starter, the paddock judge, and the stewards.

(6) No licensee may change any equipment used on a horse in its last race without approval of the paddock judge or stewards.

(7) All jockeys and exercise riders must wear a fastened protective helmet and fastened safety vest when mounted. The safety vest shall weigh no more than two pounds and shall be designed to provide shock-absorbing protection to the upper body of at least a rating of five, as defined by the British equestrian trade association (BETA).