Are there any special considerations I should follow when purchasing a Dressage whip? I have been given the go-ahead from my trainer to get one. So I'm going to mosey on over to Dover Sadderly and look at these things pretty soon.

Thanks for any advise.

The only rule I know from memory is that in a recognized USEF/USDF dressage show the total length of the whip including lash cannot be longer than 43.3 inches/110cm.  Other than that I know that there are a lot of options and you need to handle each one and see how it feels to you.  I personally don't like the really flexible ones.  I find I have less control with them.  Also see how the whip balances in your hand as you move it.  A few that I tried felt really unbalanced.  The funny thing was that the one I bought was one of the less expensive in my price range.  Oh yeah,  there is also a huge price range.  Good luck.  Not sure it is something I would want to purchase on line until I had handled a few of them and knew how I felt about each one.  Kind of like jeans, they fit each person differently.

I'd also suggest getting one long enough (if you are not planning on using it at shows where the length rule DD mentioned would apply) that will reach "around" your leg without having to move your arm/hand too much.

I bought a dressage whip so I could work on getting more immediate responses to leg aids, and so I wouldnt have to drop my rein to use a crop behind my leg. The one I bought is maybe a hair short b/c I still find myself having to move my hand back a bit more than I'd like to. So rather than a quick flick of the wrist, I have to move my hand out and back a couple inches.

I'm sure it will be an adventure just picking one out that feels right. Thanks for your advise.

I'm thinking that I will have to use this at shows, just for complience to leg aids. I'm seeing a real problem with my legs running out of steam. I know that using this will take some time to get used to using one. I'm so glad my trainer gave me to go ahead to get one.

It will take some getting used to but can be a very handy aid when used correctly.  I also remembered that you may receive some dispensations in the classes you ride.  Make sure that whip length is the same for your classes as all the other USEF/USDF classes.  I would hate to be steering you wrong if your whip can be a few inches longer or something.  Just something to check out.

I know crops are permitted at the TRAV show. I've seen whips being used. I would most likely have to get dispensation. I have to get a waiver about sitting trots too, that's another thing.

where did you come up with 75cm and under for a dressage whip?

Agree DD - that sounds like a crop as opposed to a dressage whip!

PR - you need to check the rules in regard to the length of whip you can use and purchase accordingly - I agree with DD too - the feel and weight in the hand is all important.

With the use of the whip I have found a lot of the time just slapping it against my boot gets a good response from my horse without having to actually tap him with it, also its good for tapping on the shoulder, after all it is only a reinforcement of the aid not a punishment, you ask once and reinforce the question after that.

Good luck with it.

A

dressagedude:

It will take some getting used to but can be a very handy aid when used correctly.  I also remembered that you may receive some dispensations in the classes you ride.  Make sure that whip length is the same for your classes as all the other USEF/USDF classes.  I would hate to be steering you wrong if your whip can be a few inches longer or something.  Just something to check out.

Perchrider, glad you found a whip that you like at such a reasonable price.  Hope it helps you with your riding.  Looking forward to hearing about your rides this season.!!!