Whips are not allowed to be used in Norway
Their thoroughbred racing industry remains healthy

..amended whip rules for france..from feb1
..the maximum number of strikes with the whip will be reduced from 8 to 6

I personally think that they should ban it nationwide, then there is no advantage and jockey's can showcase their riding skills, i do understand how the whip is used to control a runners direction but can this also just be done using rider skill?

An International approach would be even better
Yet another different rule for Ireland
Determining a breach of the rules for too many strikes is at the discretion of the stewards
Around 12 strikes usually gets their attention

this seems to be a popular solution, starting with the 2yo's

"The whip may be carried, to be used forward of the saddle, slap down the shoulder with both hands on reins, or waved at the horse forward with the hand coming off the rein, but never used behind the saddle."

..might have read the same article
..start with the 2yo's..stage 1
..followed by the 3yo's..stage 2
..then the remainder..stage 3

Does that means that 3yo could be at a disadvantage during stage 2, if they were to race against older horses

..possibly

I'm guessing this ban may assist the front runners more than those back in the pack? Interesting to see how things pan out

I think these are the up-to-date rules for Swedish harness

The driver must have one rein in each hand during the entire race; the whip cannot be used with both reins in one hand. The whip may not be used from the side, not be used on the sulky or on the horse's equipment. Several fast whippings one after another are forbidden.