What is an appropriate way to use a whip or crop on a horse that refuses to move?

Answer 1

---- * You should always use a crop behind your leg, never on the shoulder. The crop is meant to be an extension of your leg, so it should be used right behind it. * Your progression of force should be voice and leg together, kick and then whip. I find it also helpful to use the crop in conjunction with your voice, then you can slowly ween off the crop and replace it with your voice. Then work on using your voice and leg and weening off your voice. It is never good to just whip or kick a horse, this will not teach them what the proper response is, just to fear a sudden punishment.

* Work on anticipating what is actually causing your horse to have these problems. If you know that he will progressively slow before a jump, ride more strongly out of the turn instead of waiting for him to slow. If he always slows in a certain corner, ask for a movement right before it to get his focus on you. Look at why you are needing the crop before you go straight to using it. This will also be helpful if you plan on showing, where hitting your horse with a crop will surely get you out of the ribbons. * The crop is a painless way of getting your horse to wake up, but should only be used if necessary to get the horse moving. It is only an aid, and should not be used all the time, just when your horse is refusing. Whipping is a way of telling a horse you're in charge if it is being stubborn. The whip should lie dormant when not being used, held beside the saddle, on the inside rein (nearest to the centre of the arena you're riding in.) Use it by giving your horse a light tap on the rump, and if it does not listen, harder. Kick and co-ordinate as you do so and your horse should ride along smoothly. * Never HIT your horse with the crop or whip. Just tap them enough to get their attention. Never actually hit them hard enough to cause pain.