Rules On The Use Of Whips Whilst Competing

Dressage Whips are allowed during training and some competitions but typically not in tests above a certain level. When permitted, they're usually limited to a specific length and should be used minimally and appropriately.

Even if you are not affiliated to British Dressage many competitions are run under their rules and so even when competing at a local show you might need to be aware of the rules on whips.

The British Dressage Rules On Whips For 2025 is explained in Rule 87.

Rule 87. Whips (page 126) Summary: Maximum length of whip introduced at all competition.

Riders may carry one whip, para riders with dispensation may carry a whip(s) appropriate to their dispensation certificate in all classes.

• Whips may be no longer than 1.20m to include the full length of the handle, shaft, and any flexible tip.
  
  
• For riders on ponies, whips may be no longer than 1.00m to include the full length of the handle, shaft and any flexible tip.

In British Showjumping, only padded batons, also known as jump whips, are allowed

Only one whip may be carried and no substitute for a whip may be carried. A whip, if carried, must be held in the hand by the handle with the handle at the top.

British Showjumping Rules On Whips

1. The maximum length of the “Whip” is 70cm and must be no less than 45cm.
2. There must be no “binding” within 17 centimetres of the end of the “Pad”
3. The minimum diameter for a “Shaft” is 1 centimetre and the “Shaft” should run through the entirety of the whip.
4. The overall weight of the “Whip” must not exceed 160 grams and the weight should be evenly distributed throughout the full length of the “Whip”.
5. The “Contact area”, is considered to be 2/5’s (two fifths) of the overall length of the “Whip” and must be covered with a “Pad”.
6. The “Pad” must be smooth, with no protrusion or raised surface, and be made of shock absorbing material throughout its circumference such that it gives a compression factor of at least 6mm.There is to be no wording, advertising or personalisation of any kind on the “Pad”.

Definitions

The “Whip” - The singular term for the equipment in its entirety.
The “Shaft” - The term for the central core of the equipment.
The “Handle” - The term for the riders contact area.
The “Contact Area” - The term for the area that will contact or may potentially contact the horse.
The “Pad” - The term for the padded area that covers the shaft. 
The “Binding” - The term given to the threaded area between the “shaft” and the “pad” that joins the two together.

Use of the Padded Baton / Jump Whip with British Showjumping

1. The Jump Whip may only be used as an aid to support the natural aids in encouraging the horse forward, the Jump Whip may be used to support the shoulder to encourage the horse in the desired direction.
2. The Jump Whip must not be used to discipline or punish the horse/pony nor to vent an Athlete’s temper. Such use is always excessive.
3. If a Horse’s skin is broken or marked, as a result of the use of the Padded Baton, this is always considered excessive.
4. The Padded Baton must not be used more than 3 times in total whilst in the arena.
5. The Padded Baton is not to be used immediately after Refusal, Run Out or Elimination in either the competition or practice arena.
6. The arm must not come above the shoulder and the Padded Baton should contact behind the riders leg to reinforce the leg aid.
7. Where the Padded Baton is used to support the shoulder. The rider must retain both hands on the reins and apply contact and or direct pressure with the Padded Baton down the shoulder. No more than three contacts are allowed on the shoulder whilst in the arena.
8. Misuse of the Padded Baton in the arena, practice arena or anywhere on the show ground will result in disciplinary action being taken.

In Summary In The Use Of Riding Whips With British Showjumping 

• The padded baton can be used in two places on the horse; behind the rider’s leg to encourage the horse forward, and on the shoulder to encourage the horse to move in a particular direction.
  
  
• Can be used up to a maximum of three times while in the competition arena..