Horse Riding Whips & Crops

Whips, crops, and bats are riding aids or tools used to encourage a horse to be more responsive when used in a kind and fair manner. They should not cause pain or punishment.

They are often called “whips” in a general catch-all term, but they are categorised by their type, however, there are some nuances around how manufacturers will name them. Dressage horse whips or schooling whips are the longer, often narrower type, which is an aid mainly used in dressage. A dressage whip is usually no more than 130 cm. These longer riding whips are considered slower than a riding crop due to their lightness, along with its increased length and flexibility and to be used as a subtle aid.

The longest whip is a horse lunge whip with a much longer shaft, typically 200 cm, and includes a flexible lash, making the total length approximately 1.8 m. Lunge whips are used when you are on the ground to encourage your horse when lunging.

Riding crops are basically shorter versions of the longer dressage whips. They are lightweight whips that the rider holds to enhance the rider's aids. A typical length for a horse riding crop for show jumping is under 70 cm.  They usually consist of handle, the main whip body, along with either a small leather or nylon lash at the end. Both the shorter riding crops and dressage/schooling whips are made to be slim and lightweight and allow the rider to keep hold of both the whip and their reins together. They are mostly made from plastic with a colourful nylon outer, but you will also find a number of more fancy ultra-light carbon dressage whips from brands such as Fleck. Some whips will come with a handle loop which is there to help prevent dropping your whip. Not an ideal choice if you tend to swap your whip between hands while riding, but it is useful to some.

Horse riding bats are shorter than a horse whip. They were originally designed for use by jockeys, hence the term Jockey Bat. A riding bat is approximately 65 cm long and may feel a bit heftier in the hand. Bats are helpful for use on the shoulder or hindquarters and are mostly used by showjumpers or eventers , but are also very popular as a go to general purpose riding whip. They do vary in design, but basically, they are usually a little sturdier than a crop and have an enlarged end/lash area, sometimes padded, that provides a larger physical contact on the horse which usually makes them less, for want of a better word, less stingy. Although they may feel more substantial than the narrower and lighter riding crop or whip, if used correctly, they will not hurt your horse or pony. Your horse may react better to the larger bat area than they would if using an ordinary whip or crop.

The British Show Jumping Association (BSJA) released new rules for riding whips and spurs. As of January 2020, these rules outline the minimums and maximums for whips, including length, weight, and contact area. These rules apply in the arena, the collecting ring, or anywhere near a showground or competition venue. 

Review the BSJA whip and spur rules here.

Riding Crops from Top Brands

Discount Equestrian has an extensive collection to find your next riding crop whip. Top brands stocked include Dublin®, Elico®, Fleck®, Harlequin®, Hy®, LeMieux®, Little Rider®, MacTack®, Rhinegold®, Roma®, and more. Here are just a few of the bestselling products:

LeMieux® LeGrip Jumping Whip – "Crafted with precision and attention to detail, the ultra-lightweight Polycarbon shaft of this horse whip is complemented by a meticulously finished metal cap, exuding both style and functionality. At a length of 65cm, this jumping whip provides ample reach while maintaining its lightweight construction. Additionally, its counterbalanced soft PU grip handles enhance comfort and ensure superior balance and handling, facilitating a seamless and controlled experience for the user."

HySCHOOL® Leather Cane – "This versatile horse riding whip is offered in elegant black or rich brown hues, allowing you to seamlessly coordinate it with your horse's showing tack for a polished aesthetic. Crafted with showing in mind, this leather riding crop boasts a length of 55cm (approximately 22 inches), making it an ideal accessory for showcasing your horse with finesse and style."

Dublin® Pebble Print Crop – "This horse rider whip is the perfect companion for competitive events and daily riding. Its distinctive design includes a twist handle adorned with a rose gold top, showcasing a stylish pebble print pattern. Available in a single size, this crop measures 65cm long, offering versatility and comfort for riders of all levels and suitable for use as a schooling whip."

Shop our range of BSJA riding whips by clicking here.

Horse Whips – Dressage & Riding Whips

Some riders prefer using longer dressage whips, and Discount Equestrian has many top-quality styles available:

Fleck® Carbon Composite Ultralight Dressage Whip – "Crafted with cutting-edge carbon composite material, the Fleck Dressage Whip embodies ultralight construction, weighing a mere 50g. Its innovative design, featuring a slim, non-slip PU grip and impeccable balance, ensures effortless handling, promoting a relaxed and comfortable ride. Please be advised that this is the best dressage whip. They are specially ordered from Fleck in Germany and may require 2-3 weeks for delivery."

Harlequin® Crystal Schooling Whip – "Introducing the stunning Harlequin Crystal Schooling Whip, adorned with sparkling details to captivate the eye. With a length of 120cm from handle to lash end, it boasts a dazzling crystal handle that adds an elegant touch. Available in an array of vibrant colour options, including black, grey, navy, purple, and red, this schooling whip is an ideal choice for riders who appreciate both style and functionality, making it a perfect gift for the fashion-conscious equestrian."

Elico® S134 In-Hand Show Whip – "The Elico S134 In-Hand Show Whip is perfectly suited for presenting cobs in-hand. It boasts a range of features, including a meticulously crafted plaited leather thong, a nickel cap and collar for added durability, a comfortable leather handle, and a convenient length of 17 inches."

Fleck® Neon Riding Whip – "Measuring 80cm in length, the Fleck Neon Riding Whip comes equipped with a convenient wrist loop for added security and an UltraSoft grip to ensure maximum comfort during rides. The vibrant colours of these whips add a pop of brightness and make them effortlessly locatable in the arena or field when accidentally dropped. Choose from the options of pink, yellow, and blue to match your style and preferences.

Horse Riding Bats

Hunters and jumpers often prefer riding bats as their riding crop for horses, and Discount Equestrian has many high-quality options:

Woof Wear® Jump Bat – "Each Woof Wear Jump Bat adheres to British Showjumping standards, ensuring compliance with regulations. This innovative Jump Bat boasts a full-size TPR rubber grip for optimal handling and control. Additionally, it incorporates a gentle, shock-absorbing padded strike area, prioritising the well-being of both rider and horse."

KM Elite® Cush Grip Jump Bat  – "The KM Elite Cush Grip Jump Bat offers versatility in six vibrant colours: black, blue, green, purple, red, and white. This sleek whip features a 'cush grip' crafted from durable TPU material, meticulously designed to withstand rigorous use while ensuring rider comfort remains uncompromised."

Our Discount Equestrian team, dedicated to promoting equine welfare, recommends that anyone unsure how to use a riding whip safely and correctly contact a local, qualified, experienced riding instructor for advice and guidance.

Please don't hesitate to contact our friendly Discount Equestrian team – we're always happy to help!