To enhance your training and sharpen your aids, the use of a whip or crop may prove to be beneficial to your horses training. 

Horse whips and horse crops are carried by the rider as a tool of encouragement rather than punishment. Light bumps on the horse's body are used to support the aids the rider is giving the horse through the use of their legs, therefore encouraging movement forward or sideways. 

Jumping whips or jumping bats 

Whilst jumping, riders typically will carry a horse crop or jumping bat. Horse crops range in length and have a wrist strap to ensure extra security in the rider's hands. Jumping bats however have handles that are designed to give the rider optimal grip and typically have a thicker handle.  The handle of either a crop or jumping bat can be made out of a variety of materials including leather, rubber or plastic. Use what you find most comfortable and secure in your hand. 

Dressage whips 

Dressage whips are a lot longer and thinner than a jumping bat or crop and it is meant to hit the horse near where the rider's leg sits. Dressage whips are typically made out of plastic (or in some cases fiberglass) and are then covered in a nylon like material. Dressage whips, just like crops and jumping bats, come in a variety of colors and styles. The handle of a dressage whip is usually made out of leather or another sort of material topped with a cap so the whip sits perfectly into the hand without it falling through the hand. 

All whips and crops are designed to be used lightly to facilitate and back up the aids of the riders leg. Shop the entire range of whips and crops online at EQ Saddlery today.