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zooscat
Gold Member
 United Kingdom
882 Posts |
 Posted - 15 Jan 2011 : 09:18:55 AM
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When I had Ryazan (RIP) is caried a longish dressage whip to back up leg aids; I only ever needed to do this if he had got into "lost the plot/brain cell turned off/tantrum mode". It didn't happen often to the degree that he wouldn't go forward and was running backwards, and I only carried it if we were going to hack on the road. Otherwise, we would have the space to deal with it without needing a sharp tap with the whip to get him moving forward safely.
With Aragon, I dont need this because we mainly ride off road, and although spooky, he is not dangerously so (yet!)and he is very onward bound and brave (apart from Killer Plastic Bags!)
People on the yard have said I "should" always carry a whip, but that seems mainly so that they can hold it out to the side to prevent cars coming too close, to ward off dogs, and, generally "because I always have done". What do you do and why?
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LYNDILOU
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
13976 Posts |
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Arachnid
Platinum Member
England
1872 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2011 : 09:27:46 AM
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| I dont except sometimes when I'm schooling but its only laziness. A stick is a good tool on the road if your horse is prone to swing his quarters out. Like you I dont really need one to encourage Spider forward as he is also very forward. All the other ladies on my yard carry one. |
   
West Sussex |
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Slave 2 Magic
Gold Member
England
1023 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2011 : 09:36:57 AM
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| When I go out on the road I carry a schooling whip with a piece of hi viz material tied on the end. The cars come by quite fast and it just keeps that bit of extra distance. I don't carry one schooling. |
West Yorkshire
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TAE
Bronze Member
232 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2011 : 09:51:19 AM
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I stopped carrying one years ago when I realised I was dropping and loosing them far more often than I was using it.
Must admit that like slave to Magic I did like to carry a schooling whip to try to get cars to keep their distance and will do this again when my boys ready to ride on road without someone on foot, hopefully later thir year . |
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geegee
Platinum Member
England
3682 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2011 : 09:51:29 AM
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Like Slave 2 magic, I only ever carry a schooling whip when I am hacking out on the roads. It is only there to keep the traffic at a safer distance.
The roads that I have access to are country lanes and there are quite a few inconsiderate drivers around. 
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george
Gold Member
Wales
1353 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2011 : 10:24:05 AM
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| Me too with regards to keeping the drivers at a distance, although I really find the best tabbard is one which says "please pass wide and slow" as it tells them exactly what they should do! I have used others and the difference it makes when wearing this one is very obvious, I don't ride on the road without it now. Back to the whip though (sorry) I use a dressage/training whip when on youngsters as I feel it helps them understand what I want from them, and I agree with Lindilou that they are an extension of you're hand. |
George xxx
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arabianrio
Gold Member
England
1300 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2011 : 10:25:48 AM
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I stopped carrying a whip when I got Rio...he was so forward going and spooky... if he lost he plot no amount of "encouragment" made any difference!I do use one for keeping cars away (as above)and for sometimes schooling as Laddie can be very very lazy. In hot weather I use one but to "swish" flies.I converted an old one by binding some "under the tail" lengths (courtesy of Laddie) to it with electric masking tape.
I have thought for a long time now that my friends hunting whip would be great for endurance to help opening and shutting gates. She uses hers all the time for this purpose.I priced them recently and nearly died of shock! If I had a shred of entrepreuner about me I would have a go at producing a light weight coloured one with the handle at one end and a swish at the other! preferaly with a loop so I don't lose it!! |
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Callisto
Platinum Member
6905 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2011 : 11:43:02 AM
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I don't like carrying a whip, particularly in my left hand as it feels clumsy, however I carry one when I have lessons because the Instructor expects me to so that I can back up leg aids if necessary. I also carry one when I ride Buzz so that I can give him a tap when he decides bucking would be fun, but if I forget it I just tell him off verbally and keep his head up and push him on with my legs, has the same effect.
We have 3 elderly hunting crops, I'm sure Mum used to use one on Harley for endurance - think I'll look mine out for this season, since Lily's height combined with my increasing decrepitude means gates are a bit of a stretch ( Obviously I wouldn't use a hunting crop on a horse)
I like the sound of your invention Sandy - perhaps you should patent it quick! |
  Zahkira (GR Amaretto x Taffetta)
Linda
East Sussex |
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garnet
Platinum Member
2382 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2011 : 12:22:32 PM
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I always carried a whip out hacking - useful to poke gates or hold down shoulder while car passed. I had a friend who used to wave hers at motorists who caused her aggro and say 'Next time you see this it'll be on your ****ing X ray!'
Always carried a schooling whip when having a lesson or doing 'serious' schooling but rarely needed to use it. Once drove home approx. 70 miles from Haydock with one on the roof of the car - is this a record? |
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geegee
Platinum Member
England
3682 Posts |
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alypie
Bronze Member
85 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2011 : 12:38:30 PM
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im pretty much the same as most everyone else on here, i carry one if i think my horse is going ti need it, or if im out hacking to keep cars at a better distance, otherwise i find it gets in the way and is sometimes more of a distraction than an aid |
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Red Rum
Gold Member
England
508 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2011 : 1:35:26 PM
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| Hi I always carry a whip handy if you get dogs chasing you wich has happened to me on several occasions and also if cars get to close you can it can help Mandy |
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Mrs Vlacq
Platinum Member
Wales
3776 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2011 : 2:18:16 PM
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I tend to carry a schooling whip, though it's a short /child length' one with a hooked top, perfect for doing gates etc! I find I usually carry it like a cane, holding below the handle, so it's rarely used but to hand if I need to. As it's not a full length one it's no hassle to carry it and not use it.
When I lunge I take my lungewhip out with me and spend the whole sesion with it tucked under my arm and trailing behind me, but it's there if I need it. Habit I suppose! |
    
- V Khazad - V Calacirya & V Sulime - Quarida(L) - V Boogie Knights - V Hamra Tofiq |
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MinHe
Platinum Member
England
2927 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2011 : 5:42:13 PM
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I'm one of those who carry a whip as an anti-car device! Though I do occasionally find it useful with stallions to give them a tap on the shoulder to remind them which brain they're supposed to be thinking with
Keren |
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Roseanne
Moderator
United Kingdom
6708 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2011 : 5:49:45 PM
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I always carry a schooling whip - a long, bendy one! (I love the idea of some hi viz on the end of it!!). I would feel something was not right if I didn't carry a whip, though I hardly ever have to use it and only ever for aid back-up.
I always teach youngsters to be ridden with a whip from the first time aboard so they accept it just like they do the reins and/or legs. It would be awful for someone else to be caring for/riding the horse and unable to carry a whip.
Schooling a youngster to be sensitive to the leg, reinforced if necessary in the very early stages, requires a schooling whip but you probably never need to use it again once the training's established.
I also find it a useful tool to have alongside the horse's offside in case of shying or 'banana-ing' out into the road around something spooky, or between us and an electric fence. |
Roseanne |
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suyents
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
1651 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2011 : 6:04:11 PM
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never ride with one myself these days, although if i did, i would agree with Lindylou...and i quite like the idea of hiviz material attached...
Still, many years ago now i did bring the end of a schooling whip down heavily onto the roof of a car that was passing me so close to my stirrup that i could have touched the car with my boot....
funnily enough, we were riding in the school nover here last week and a visiting Canadian asked the Director of the stables, Do you ever use whips? and he replied, NO, we use legs.... |
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Lucytoo
Bronze Member
Scotland
174 Posts |
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jasjmm
Gold Member
625 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2011 : 11:39:36 PM
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| No, although I can see why people would carry one for hi vis or dogs. |
    
Bristol |
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Jess.And.Tiger
Silver Member
England
344 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2011 : 12:29:48 AM
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I always carry a whip, probs just the way I was taught... I remember when I hated carrying a whip and joan would make me carry one haha i used to always moan about carrying a cane in shows also haha!!!
I have a range though... I have schooling whips all the way down to tiny show jumping whips and always carry one what ever I'm doing
although I have to say I rarely use it and if I do it's to reinforce leg as he can be lazyyy
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zooscat
Gold Member
United Kingdom
882 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2011 : 07:39:51 AM
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Thanks very much for those illuminating replies; seems like a generalised "yes" for different reasons. Think I will get another dressage whip and bind it with a Hi Viz tape at the end. Re using it with dogs; I had another REALLY scary experience out in the next door "Community Park" where, allegedly "Everyone is welcome to enjoy this lovely place; please keep dogs under close control and on a lead if necessary. Horses welcome. Please do not canter or gallop". Last weekend, I was riding a frinds rather green but calm cob, and my instructor was riding the Wonder Horse, equally calm, but a bit spooky. Both well used to the yard dogs who run around in all shapes and sizes - no problem. An Akita dived out at us - off lead - and not responding to the owner at all ("Come here, Sweetiepie") The dog chased round us biting at the cob's legs. He reared, slid, came down. I was thrown clear but really hurt my back - bruising- and had a very bad bang on the head. Aragon spun and shot off, but calmed and came back immediaely when asked. Owner of Sweetiepie said "sorry - didnt see you!!! Got back on cob, rode off and had a bit of a nerve wracking ride as both horses a bit hyped up but calmed down eventually.
This weekend, went outon Aragon; walked round same park. This time, man with collie and stick with a cup thing on its' end started throwing the ball from the cup over me and Ari; Ari a bit suprised but Ok. I walked away and started to trot slowly off up the hill to get away from this idiot. Collie chased after us, biting at A's legs He shot off, I managed to steady him down, but the collie went into sheepdog mode and started circling us, barking and crouching and diving in for a snap every now and again. Ari began to rear quite badly and spook and swerve and continued rearing and trying to bolt. I really thought I was coming off several times, but was absolutely determined not to, as my back still hurts and I thought Ari would run off with the dog chasing him and get really hurt. I clung on,wedged in behind the massive knee rolls of the Wow saddle, and eventually managed to stop. The dog owner had by then called his dog off. I spoke to him and told him he was very irresponsible and nearly caused a serious accident. He said "F*** off you stupid b****." And walked off, dog still off lead and chasing the ball. Ari continued to rear and plunge at every dog he saw after that until after about a mile of it, he calmed down and we walked alongside several dog owners with their dogs under control.
I dont think a whip would have helped in this situation as it would have frightened A even more, and I couldn't have used it effectively because A was rearing and spinning. Off now to have another "quiet hack" feeling rather anxious! |
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Callisto
Platinum Member
6905 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2011 : 08:55:10 AM
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| Horrible experience for you Zooscat - can you hack somewhere more 'dog free' for a bit? I know what it's like - my welsh x tb was chased out of his field (jumped over 5 bar gate onto road to get away) by fellow liveries dog. After that it was very difficult if a dog ran up to him - basically he would bolt, so obviously dog would give chase - etc. etc. I had a particularly bad experience galloping full speed down a track straight at a metal 5 bar gate - luckily I managed to turn him into an open gateway and circle him to a stop. I found the best thing to do was to turn him to face the dog in question and ride him at it - puts the dog off (a lot less likely to chase something large coming at them). Living at my cousins with their collie did a lot to cure Buzz of his fear. I agree, a whip would not help at all. |
Zahkira (GR Amaretto x Taffetta)
Linda
East Sussex |
Edited by - Callisto on 16 Jan 2011 08:56:21 AM |
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TAE
Bronze Member
232 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2011 : 10:03:50 AM
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| Having also been attacked by dogs, carrying a whip it could be a bit too tempting to use it on the owner!!!!!! |
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MinHe
Platinum Member
England
2927 Posts |
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Arachnid
Platinum Member
England
1872 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jan 2011 : 09:05:41 AM
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| I am not a dog owner so I dont know the answer to this, but why dont people routinely muzzle their dogs? |
West Sussex |
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Goldenmane
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4964 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jan 2011 : 09:16:29 AM
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| Horrible for you Zooscat, hope you had a calm ride. I once had to beat (and I hated doing it) a dog that was hanging onto my horses stomach as owner had run off. Without the stick I don't know what I would have done, but I never used it on my horse, it was for pushing and pulling gates and also (amazingly) thanking some drivers. |
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Do you carry a whip?
