What Is a Riding Crop?

A riding crop is another name for the short whip used by horseback riders. It can be switched from hand to hand and used when necessary. When not in use, it is held in one hand along with the reins.

  1. Types

    • Those that ride in the English style, including jockeys in horse racing, generally call it a crop, stick or whip, while Western style riders tend to call it a quirt or bat.

    Identification

    • Riding crops tend to be 1 to 2 feet long and comprised of a flexible core such as hollow plastic or willow and then wrapped with leather or similar material. The end or "popper" is a thick flattened piece of natural or man-made leather.

    Function

    • Ideally, a riding crop is used as a means to extend the leg aids (use of the legs to cue the horse what to do). It is meant to be used sparingly and lightly behind the saddle girth or along the horse's flank.

    Consideration

    • In some horse sporting events, the specific rules may require a rider to carry a riding crop. According to "The USDF Guide to Dressage" by Jennifer Olsen Bryant, some dressage events require a rider to carry a whip, even though the whip is never used on the horse.

    Other Uses

    • Riding crops and quirts are also used by riders to help move aside branches and shut gates.