Dressage Whips Tested

A good dressage whip is essential. They shouldn't be too soft or too hard, as to not give the aid too early or too late. The handle should lie nicely in the hand without slipping or being sticky. Large bulky handles often restrict proper rein aids and too skinny handles cause your hand to tighten too hard, which in return makes your arm and upper body stiff. This is all easier said than found and the search for the perfect whip can sometimes take years. Bummer if you yours at a competition.

We tried to make it easier for you to find your perfect whip and road tested a few.

The Fleck Dressage Whip Collection

Available at Stirrups Equestrian, the range starts from NZ$11.00. Fleck Whips are made in Germany and the range is extensive. From Bamboo Showing Canes to Driving and Hunt whips, Fleck has it all. We tried the Economy Dressage Whip for $11.00 and the Fleck Dressage Whip 03036 for NZ$66.85. Both whips very nice to hold and a good grip. The Economy Whip is slightly more bendable but the horse did not notice the difference. The more expensive whip had a nicer design but other than that, the difference was not much. Both whips did more than satisfy and were very good to use. It doesn't matter which one of the Fleck range you'll buy, they are of excellent workmanship and quality and sure to satisfy!

Roma Leather Wrap Dressage Whip

Available at various tackshops and priced about NZ$19.95. The whip is nice to look at and looks a bit fancier then the price suggests. It lies well in your hand and the handle provides adequate grip. Used on a horse, the whip was lacking a few things. It was quite hard and therefore caused it to collide with the riders leg before actually touching the horse. The aids were therefore slow to arrive and the horse seemed rather confused. It is sufficient for groundwork and leisure riding but not recommended for professional schooling.

Edward Goddard Dressage Whip

Available at TheTackshop.co.nz and priced about NZ$39.95. A good looking whip if red is your colour. The whip wasn't available in any other colour which is not nice if you are riding a chestnut or want a low key coloured whip to compliment your competition clothing. The whip held nicely and is well balanced. The whip was ever so slightly too hard but that is probably down to what you prefer in the end. All in all a good useable whip that satisfies.

Supaflex Dressage Whip

Available at Clareville Saddlery for NZ$19.95. As the name suggest, the whip is very flexible! Almost too flexible. It bounced off the horse and back onto it, giving it the same aid twice which the horse did not understand and got very cross about. The whip is average and although cheap, doesn't justify the price unless you like very flexible whips.

The Fleck range is by far the more superior as it offers whips at every price range for all tastes and uses. You will certainly be able to find "your" whip in the collection. The other whips were good to mediocre but since they didn't come in many varieties, we would not recommend them if you are looking for perfection.

Happy whip hunting!

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