Picking the Right Riding Crop: When and How to Apply It

Whips and crops are useful instruments for efficient communication, but not all riders need them. Many riders use only leg, seat, and vocal cues to effectively communicate with their horses. A riding crop is a kind of short whip without a lash that is used as a help when riding horses. Although cropping has a poor reputation, when done appropriately, it may be a helpful tool for communicating with your horse.

A Riding Crop: What Is It?

A riding crop, often known as a whip, is a device that the rider can use on the ground or while mounted to support their aids. A crop, used appropriately, can promote sideways or forward movement in the horse, boost involvement, and accomplish other goals. Modern crops typically have a shaft coated in leather, cloth, or another material that swells towards the end to form a handle. They might have a lash—a leather strip that aids in gripping the crop shaft—and a keeper—a slender end that keeps the crop from coming into touch with the horse's flesh. Usually, riders hold the crop with their dominant hand (right hand, for example). To prevent unintentionally poking themselves in the chest or face, kids should hold the thick end of the crop just below a knot or button that rests just below the handle.

When to Use a Riding Crop

Riding crops, as we all know, has a bad reputation, but when utilised as a reassurance aid for your legs rather than in a hostile or angry manner, they are a valuable instrument for effective communication with your horse. They work well on horses that refuse to move forward when you try other approaches, such leg aids. Make sure the riding crop you chose is comfortable to hold and light in your hand. Without having to move your hand to go to your horse with the crop, you should be able to hold it in the same hand as your reins. Riding crops are available in various lengths to suit various riding styles, including as dressage and leisure riding, showjumping, and hunting. Choose a specialist crop with a longer padded keeper, called a jumping bat, for jumping. Additionally, these crop bats meet BSJA leaping requirements.

Using a Riding Crop: A Guide

Misuse can give whips and riding crops a terrible name, but when used properly, they're valuable training tools. They assist in conveying subtle indications to the horse and serve as a backup and reinforcement for the rider's leg aids. To stimulate the horse to move forward and give more engagement, use light taps on the barrel, shoulder, and perhaps even the hindquarters. The handle, the keeper or flap at the end, and the shaft make up the three main components of a standard riding crop. Cane, bamboo, or, more recently, carbon fibre can be used for the shaft, while the handle is built for comfort and frequently has wrist loops for a solid hold. A lash that runs the length of the shaft is another tool some riders employ for more control and leverage. Specialised crop bats with longer, padded keeper ends are available for jumping, adding an extra layer of safety and preventing horse damage from the whip.

Carrying a Riding Crop: A Guide

A riding crop should be carried correctly by placing your palm immediately below the knot or button end. This stops the crop from sliding downhill while you ride, which could injure your wrist if it is not gripped firmly enough. To further secure your crop in place, you can slide the loop on the handle over your knuckles if it has one. Although they can have a negative reputation as punishment weapons, riding crops are useful instruments in equestrianism for efficient communication and connection with horses. They can provide accurate and delicate signalling that doesn't impede the horse's gait or balance by supporting the rider's leg aids. To stimulate forward motion or other desired activities, gently tap the horse with the keeper end of your crop while you are riding. Use caution when tapping; vigorous tapping can irritate the horse and cause resistance.