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Is the ‘Hands and Heels’ series for apprentices still going? If memory serves the whip was allowed to be carried but only to be used for ‘correction’ or some such; presumably if the horse grinds to a halt, veers dangerously, or tries to bite a neighbouring nag ‘n’ jock
Have any worthwhile lessons been learnt from this experiment about the necessity or otherwise of the whip to galvanise and get the best out of a racehorse
An anecdote that is probably irrelevant regarding the racecourse but nevertheless impressed on me the importance of the whip – crop in this instance – for control
Pootling along a country lane I encountered a horse when exiting a blind corner. Stopped pronto and no collision but the horse spooked, reared and twisted, looking likely to either fall across the bonnet of my car and/or throw the rider; but a hard tug on the reins and smart crack with the crop down the car-side shoulder straightened the horse and brought it back to ground, regaining full control
I congratulated the rider and apologised for the near miss. She was fine about it and actually thanked me for my careful driving
A vivid memory
Richard,
Here’s the approved version including the required microchip. Enlarge the r-h picture of four to see what the padded part looks like.
https://www.oldmillsaddlery.com/en/ProCush-Whips-Procush-Flat-Whip-Microchip/m-48873.aspx
I had a conventional riding (not racing) “whip” which would hurt my hand if I struck it.
So when I was a member of the West Berkshire Racing Club we had a talk by someone who brought a pro-cush whip which was handed around the audience… I got some strange looks but wanted to know just how much it hurt and hit my hand with it, at first lightly but increased the strength of blow to as hard if not harder than a jockey. Suppose my hands are harder than the average person – having done a manual job – but much softer than a thoroughbred’s skin… Yes you could certainly feel it but far less than I thought it would, because the cushion prevented any “hurt”… And afterwards my hand was in no way red or sore.
Back in the 1970’s it was a much harsher instrument that deserved the name “whip”.
Nowadays – rightly with all the improvement – including from consulting the RSPCA… It is a totally different instrument which no longer has the fierceness of a “whip”. Therefore – AP is right – every reason for it to be called something else. I’ve said before, the “encourager” is better but may be too long a word; really no need for anything other than what it is – a “cush”.
Value Is EverythingIf the lightweight cush – that used correctly does not hurt the horse – is banned…
Then what is the excuse for keeping those hard, big things that kill horses in National Hunt Racing?
Value Is EverythingHow about “the prompt” instead of “the whip?”
As in prompting a horse that’s it time for maximum effort.
It’s one syllable!
If no one likes it, I will promptly fetch me coat!
I am "The Horse Racing Punter" on Facebook
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It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"What will they change the name to of the office whip round?
oh yeah a collection
The whip can aid a horse to go faster and the winner collects prize money
I’d rename it the collector..
Gaelic Warrior Gold Cup Winner 2026
“Prompt, “Collector,” any more TRF nominations for the new name for the whip/pro-cush?
I am "The Horse Racing Punter" on Facebook
https://mobile.twitter.com/Ian_Davies_
https://www.facebook.com/ThePointtoPointNHandFlatracingpunter/
It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"“If the lightweight cush – that used correctly does not hurt the horse – is banned…
Then what is the excuse for keeping those hard, big things that kill horses in National Hunt Racing?”
I’ve been thinking exactly that.
If perception is so important to them, how do justify making horses jump “dirty great big fences” with “dirty great big ditches” in front of them and how do they justify putting blindfolds on horses in a totally haphazard way and forcing the horses into the starting stalls?Maybe a BHA spokesman could tell us.
“The Prompt”
“The Collector”
“The Magic Wand”
There’s got to be a TRF poll in this once all the nominations are in.
I am "The Horse Racing Punter" on Facebook
https://mobile.twitter.com/Ian_Davies_
https://www.facebook.com/ThePointtoPointNHandFlatracingpunter/
It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"Hurdles and fences don’t hurt when used correctly either 😉
In all seriousness though, thanks for the info everyone. We all have an opinion on the whip but I realised that I don’t actually know a huge amount about the thing. The more informed I can be, the better. Have to say my first instinct would be to give myself a few taps with it if I was presented with one. Does it hurt? There’s only one way to find out.
Perhaps the BHA could set up whipping booths for the public at racecourses. Any takers for staffing them? Nathan?
But I very much agree with all you have said there Richard.
I’d be more than willing to do it free of charge
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females only..
Gaelic Warrior Gold Cup Winner 2026
Motivator
Enforcer
Stimulator
Provoker
Encourager
Propeller
Impeller
Inspirer
Knout
Cat O’Nine TailsTa Roget
Pick your favourite out of your ten, Drone, and I will add it to a forthcoming topical poll.
I am "The Horse Racing Punter" on Facebook
https://mobile.twitter.com/Ian_Davies_
https://www.facebook.com/ThePointtoPointNHandFlatracingpunter/
It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"“The Prompt”
“The Collector”
“The Magic Wand”
“The Motivator”
Any more anyone?
I am "The Horse Racing Punter" on Facebook
https://mobile.twitter.com/Ian_Davies_
https://www.facebook.com/ThePointtoPointNHandFlatracingpunter/
It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"
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