LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) – The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approved a statewide ban on certain kinds of whips in harness racing.

The commission on Monday unanimously approved the ban on whips and riding crops that have strands of material at the end called a snapper. Snappers have been known to leave severe welts on horses.

The ban does not apply to thoroughbred racing.

Also Monday, the commission placed new restrictions on the way in which standardbred drivers can strike the horse. One-handed whipping now would be banned.