13/02/2026
Inte så konstigt… 😢
I just read this article with interest, as the movement towards a deeper understanding of equine training, riding and interactions, behaviour, gains rightful momentum.
Do we use whips here at Cumbrian Heavy Horses?
Absolutely we do, but appropriately, only ever as an extention of an aid to encourage listening, to avoid horses learning poor habits, and to avoid horses being kicked in the ribs all the damn time.
A tap of a crop to encourage momentum is the only use of a crop in our eyes, and anyone riding here will know that.
I'm going to share a conversation with you, 100% true.
I was taking a beach ride a few years ago and as usual in the pre ride briefing we discussed riding styles, use of the leg, gentle hands, etc. I said a squeeze not a kick please, alongside our full Safety Brief.
On the beach one of the lovely ladies was riding next to me, as you do, and said "I loved your briefing particularly regarding not kicking the horses sides.
I'm a vet and during our studies we dissected a pony. We did the usual, skin, fascia, muscles, internal organs then got to the skeleton. Three of the 'floating' ribs had fused together. Our lecturer asked us why we thought that was, we suggested an accident, injury, genetics, potentially breed specific, but were not sure.
Her reality shocked us all.
'This pony comes from a riding school, he was kicked, by children, so many times in the ribs that they fused together.'
We were all so shocked."
As was I.
I've never forgotten that conversation.
It is infinitely better to back a leg aid up with the tap of a crop, reinforcing the leg aid, than 'kick on'.
I hate the phrase. I hate riders presenting to us like that. I hate the adverts for 'kickalong' ponies, I loathe a system that thinks its OK to persistently teach our children to boot a pony in the ribs so hard you can hear it echo in the poor animals ribcage.
I've said this to many parents, children and adults over the years.
If you attend a Riding Centre where you hear an instructor say 'kick it, kick it again, harder, he has to know you mean it' please question the methodology. Speak Up!
Some centres dont like to encourage children to use a crop, but teach them to boot horses in lessons. Consistently.
Really??? Why??????
Surely it is better to teach correct and appropriate use of aides, than kicking on.
In this day and age I advocate strongly for our horses with a mixture of common sense, not anthropomorphising, old fashioned proper horsemanship, and building decent respectful relationships with our horses.
Horses love 'doing stuff' they thrive on it, our relationships with horses come virtually from the dawn of our time on earth, and should continue unabated. Our hearts do well around them (even if our bank accounts do not!).
Anyhow, where Im going with this is, correct and appropriate use of a crop has huge value and should be taught. Not kicking.
I hope this has given some folk food for thought. Enjoy the article....and a pic of gorgeous Di**le to make you all smile!😍
https://www.horseandrideruk.com/news/should-you-carry-or-use-a-whip/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAP4F8RjbGNrA_gXNWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHk5udJpbfVlbAT2f2H4RRoHGgXbfkSBLlahnbF88AVDqRXzRXX4geRaVapzE_aem_FgU_9i4cxPyf-8DJdYdxcA
