Evidence from simulated whip use indicates that, when used in accordance with current racing whip rules, padded whips have less potential to cause pain and damage than conventional whips. However, there is no evidence to indicate that they cause no pain or damage. Both types of whips cause indentation in the area of impact: the degree of indentation varies with the force of the strike and is likely to be greater with conventional whips than padded whips.

Where the un-padded shaft of a padded whip comes into contact with the horse, this section of the whip will cause a similar level of pain as occurs with a conventional whip.

Repeated striking with a whip (of any type) in the same area of the body has the potential to cause localised trauma and tissue damage, the extent of which will increase with the force of the strike and the number of repetitions.

There are therefore three main ways to reduce the pain inflicted by whips: to use a design that has shock-absorbing characteristics; to limit the force applied in striking the horse (through limiting the height and angle of the jockey’s arm); and to limit the number of times a horse can be struck.

Finally, if the intention of using the whip is to signal to the horse to accelerate, then the horse must be given time to respond before the signal is re-applied. Repeated application of the whip when a horse has accelerated will merely confuse the horse or will be interpreted as a signal to decelerate.