Understanding Jockey Whip Usage During Horseback Riding Practice

Question
Hello sir, yesterday was a gate practice session.the groom led the horse upto gates riderless. While the horse was being walked near the gates, the jockey came walking upto the gates. the moment he mounted on the horse, he whipped the horse twice which made the horse get spooked and started trotting in a circle very fast.when the start was effected, this horse took a slow jump, which made the jockey whip him again twice.sir may I know why did the jockey whip the horse when he mounted onto it?

Answer
hi-- i have no idea why the jock would whip the horse when he got to the gates. in the us  you can not whip the horse behind the gates a rule here. that makes the horse very excited and they get too nervous and then you have all kinds of problems loading them. the gate crew will help load the horse at the gates. hope that helps you thanks Ed Hess