Several senior jump jockeys have warned they are prepared to take a stand against new whip rules, just weeks before they are implemented.
The changes limit use of the whip to the backhand position only and will bring in stiffer penalties including the threat of disqualification for the worst breaches.
A four week bedding-in period begins from January 9 before they come into force across jump racing from February 6.
But Nico de Boinville warned on ITV Racing that the consequences of stricter rules could be troublesome from the start.
"It is quite terrifying how many bans we will be picking up if we carry on down this road," he said. "There won’t be any jockeys riding in the end because the bans will go up and up and up.
“We will be hitting in the wrong place, which from a welfare point of view is the worst possible scenario.
“We just think it’s been badly thought out and the worst thing is it's badly timed as well.”
The British Horseracing Authority approved a suite of 20 recommendations from an industry-wide group this year, following an extensive consultation process of which jockeys P J McDonald and Tom Scudamore were a part, to address welfare concerns and the public perception of racing.
Jump jockeys, used to riding with the whip in the forehand position, have been trying to get to grips with the new style in recent weeks and have received advice from stipendiary stewards on what will be expected of them.
Many are not happy the rules are coming in when the Cheltenham Festival is on the horizon. Harry Cobden, Sean Bowen and Aidan Coleman are among the jockeys to have spoken out in recent days.
Former champion jockey Harry Skelton said: “A lot of jockeys have been trying to abide by the new rules that will be implemented. It is alarming the amount of bans that will be in place. Some jockeys prefer to use it in the forehand because they feel they can connect with the horse in the right place.
“When the ProCush foam-padded whip is used correctly there is no welfare issue at all. It’s a stimulation aid and is there for correction and encouragement.”
De Boinville added: “The first thing is to engage in dialogue with the BHA and take it from there.
“For a long time we’ve been very quiet in there and we’ve allowed people to speak for us. It’s come to the time where we are ready to speak up and have our voices heard.”
A BHA spokesman said: "The BHA undertook extensive technical discussions following the publication of the recommendations earlier this year by the Steering Group, which itself included two leading, current jockeys.
"Those full and frank discussions were held with representatives of all interested parties and the feedback provided was listened to and considered carefully. Ultimately, what has been agreed upon is a package of measures designed to develop a more considered and judicious use of the whip for encouragement, improving the style and perception of its use.
"We recognise the importance of working with jockeys, which is why we have engaged with them and their representatives to make sure they understand the changes being brought in through communication and education. We will be happy to continue with such engagement prior to the implementation of the new rules and penalties, and throughout the respective bedding-in periods for both codes."
