whip whop??

cob&onion

cob&onion

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As some of you know i have recently backed my cob. She does get *stuck* sometimes and i have to use my leg a fair bit before she goes forwards from a standstill (shes fine going into trot from a walk with a voice command and a slight squeeze) obviously i don't want to be using lots and lots of leg to get her forwards, so after reading through a few books (richard maxwell) he suggests using a "whip whop" basically a bit of heavy soft rope to swing over the horse(meant to be visual) to get them to move forwards, (not to cause pain or anything) so his theory is voice command - little bit of leg - (still no response) - whip whop over the shoulder, horse moves forward. so eventually the horse should go first time off the leg.
Thoughts please?
 
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I use a leadrope instead of a whip for hacking on my mare as she doesn't 'do' whips really.

I have it clipped onto a D ring at the front, it is half length leadrope with a knot in the end and she gets a slap behind my leg if she ignores a leg aid.

Works really well and seems to get horses going without resisting as they can against a whip or a strong leg aid.
 
I use one sometimes when my boy is being lazy in the school. It usually has the desired effect. Some key points to remember:

1. Use it gently at first, and in a safe environment. If possible, make sure the horse is comfortable with the sensation of the rope swinging over their withers, unless you want to disappear into the sunset at speed!

2. Remember to take your reins in one hand before using it. Swing it in a rhythmical one-two-three motion at first.

3. Make sure you're sitting back and allowing with your hands when you do, you may get some "big" transitions!
 
Just a thought- if you only want to use it on the shoulders, can't you just use the ends of your reins?

My instructor calls it the 'John Wayne' movement and it is also very effective!
 
I wouldn't with a baby. You want to build trust. Just make sure you have heaps of patience and, ideally, a riding or walking companion to give a lead the first few times you have to pass something scary.

By using the whip whop you're teaching horse to be scared of that, not teaching horse to be brave about whatever made it stop if you see what I mean.

Bribery usually helps too...

(Former Arabian spook-machine rider here...)
 
Yes, i have used one on quite a few just backed youngsters when first hacking out, much better than keeping on with the leg, and accepted much nicer than a whip.

Dont use reins unless you have to, they have a buckle on the end:eek:
 
I up my energy and use the third(Lead) rein,I ride in a rope hackamore.I think Malaga just likes to see me hit myself as that is the phase before using it on your ride:D
The main thing is to give an insentive to move in the first place so we did pleanty of point to point first and now I'm usually in the first phases (Look,up energy and raise my reins)...cobs are just mild mules ;)
 
You could always get a pair of clip on split reins these will give you far more length so you can back up behind your leg and no buckle.
 
My pony will plant his feet in the school so I carry a schooling stick and when he's naughty I use it to tickle his bum and then he shoots forward. He is usually well behaved after than, till the next time! If I was to actually tap him with it he would through me on the floor!
 
Headpiece said:
Yes, i have used one on quite a few just backed youngsters when first hacking out, much better than keeping on with the leg, and accepted much nicer than a whip.

Dont use reins unless you have to, they have a buckle on the end:eek:
Click to expand...

Agree with this. Works quite effectively and as Headpiece says, better than nagging with the leg.
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Headpiece
Yes, i have used one on quite a few just backed youngsters when first hacking out, much better than keeping on with the leg, and accepted much nicer than a whip.

Dont use reins unless you have to, they have a buckle on the end
Agree with this. Works quite effectively and as Headpiece says, better than nagging with the leg.


Yes, this is why i don't want to use my reins with the buckle, and no i don't want to be nagging her all the time.
Will try one, shes a very quick learner so hopefully wont need it for too long before she gets the message :)
 
The other useful thing about the whip whop being longer than your reins, is that you can use it to flick yourself (better if you have a rustly jacket on!) to make a noise - that alone is often enough to get some forward motion without even touching the horse. If you give a little left and right around your torso or thighs, the horse will also see the movement in his peripheral vision which can also encourage him on.
 
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