While many people think that neck straps are just for jumping, or for riders that need an “oh crap” strap, tell that to Mario Gutierrez! The jockey used one in the Kentucky Derby and Nyquist’s other races. Neck straps are gaining popularity among jockeys in the US (they’ve been used in Europe for awhile). Jockeys find them particularly helpful when leaving the starting gate, but some keep a finger hooked through it for the whole race. I’m a big fan of neck straps and put them on my horses for just about every ride.
