Frequently asked questions about Dressage Whip
Depending on the intended use, different whips and crops are available. On the one hand, there are the so-called riding crops, which are commonly used by beginning riders and are often equipped with a hand strap for fastening. Experienced riders, on the other hand, use dressage or jumping whips. The sizes vary: jumping whips up to 0.75 m are used for show jumping, while dressage whips up to 1.30 m are used for dressage. On the other hand, there are lunge whips which can be up to 5 m long and are used as an important aid for ground or lunge work. There are also ground work whips, which are usually between 1.40 - 1.60 m long.
The choice of the right whip or crop depends on its intended use. In dressage, for example, longer whips are used than in show jumping. The right whip should be comfortable to hold and act as an extension of the rider's hand so that the horse can receive the rider's aids. For this purpose, there are non-slip whips that have a so-called full-grip handle and therefore fit perfectly in the hand. In addition, there are variants that have an ergonomically shaped handle which makes them easy to hold. We also recommend choosing a whip that is light in weight. A light model prevents the arm or hand from tiring too quickly.
According to the current regulations of the German LPO (september 2022), the maximum permitted length for dressage whips with a lash is 1.20 m, whereas for jumping whips with a lash the maximum permitted length is 0.75 m. However, it is advisable to take a look at the respective country-specific guidelines before each show season. This way you are always up to date and can prepare well for the competition.