Everything you need to know about the riding crop: uses, advice and regulations in 2025

The whip, long associated with traditional equestrian practices, will see its use profoundly transformed starting in 2025. This activity, at the heart of debate, is evolving in a context where respect for and welfare of horses are essential. Legislative changes and new trends in equipment are bringing a new dynamic, particularly followed by enthusiasts of disciplines such as trotting and show jumping. Between ambitious European regulations and practical advice for responsible use, delving into the world of the whip reveals a rich and surprising panorama.

In brief:

• Strict new regulations: Ban on whip strokes in harness and mounted trotting except for essential signals.
• Authorized uses: Only for safety and direction requests, with limited wrist movement.
• Severe penalties: Progressive fines and bans from riding for repeated violations. Modern equipment trends:
• Brands like Fouganza, Pessoa, Decathlon, and Samshield are innovating for animal comfort and respect. Practical advice:
• Orientation toward ethical use, encouraging dialogue and understanding with the horse. Summary:

Traditional uses of the whip and their recent evolution

• 2025 regulations: new rules and their impact on equestrian practice
• Tips for modern and respectful use
• Key brands and innovations in equestrian equipment
• Ethical dimension and equine welfare at the heart of practices
• Traditional uses of the whip and their recent evolution

For decades, the whip has occupied a central place in equestrian training and competition. Its crucial role was to motivate the horse, guide it, or correct certain behaviors during racing or work. Traditionally wielded firmly, it also symbolized the authority of the rider or driver. However, this approach has often been the subject of controversy related to animal suffering.

Historically, the whip has come in different forms depending on the discipline: it can be rigid, flexible, or even short-handled. In show jumping, for example, precision and gentleness are paramount to avoid disturbing the horse. In harness or mounted trotting, it was used to encourage speed or correct an off-rhythm attitude. But the line between stimulation and constraint is thin.

Over the years, awareness surrounding respect for horses has changed the perception of the whip. Many riders, influenced by experts and involved in associations such as Kramer Équitation or Pénélope Leprevost, promote moderate use, based on subtle communication rather than brute force.

In light of this change, the use of the whip in certain competitions has declined, favoring alternative tools such as vocal aids or leg movements. This development is in line with growing concerns about equine welfare, such as the consideration of specific accessories available from Decathlon or HKM Sports Equipment, aimed at improving comfort and bonding with horses.

Use in dressage: finesse and precision are key.

• In harness trotting: controlled motivation, guidance without excess.
• Role in show jumping: balance between discipline and respect.
• Alternative practices: vocal aids, tactile sensations.
• Influence of equestrian champions and educators for an ethical approach
• Discipline

On April 1, 2025, a major turning point occurred in the European legislative framework concerning the whip in trotting races. The European Trotting Union (UET), bringing together all member countries, has approved a reform banning whipping in both harness and mounted trotting. This measure aims to enhance the image of racing while placing the welfare of trotters first.

This regulation, adopted after a broad consensus in 2024, now severely restricts the use of the whip. The only permitted actions are those intended to give non-violent signals: to require the horse’s attention or guide it in dangerous situations, always with a limited movement of the wrist. Use involving the elbow or shoulder, as well as repeated blows, are prohibited.

This progress is accompanied by a strict sanctions protocol. Any offender is subject to increasingly heavy fines, calculated based on the amount of prize money associated with the race and the number of infractions. In addition, suspensions from riding are imposed for one-day periods per excessive hit, making enforcement of the law particularly dissuasive.

Le Trot has distributed various resources, such as video tutorials, to facilitate professionals’ understanding of this new system. These resources emphasize Article 73 of the Trotting Racing Code, which specifies not only the terms of use but also the physical characteristics imposed on the whip: size, weight, and maneuverability. Prohibition of violent and repeated blows

Authorized use limited to the wrist for simple signals

• Progressive sanctions: fines and suspension from riding
• Training and information via SETF tutorials
• Significant impact on horse racing practices and images
• Aspect
• Old regulations

Tips for a modern and respectful use of the whip

Above all, choosing the right whip is essential. Brands like Fouganza, Norton, and Pessoa offer models specially designed to maximize comfort while ensuring a precise grip. Ergonomic handles and lightweight materials contribute to better control of movements.

Furthermore, learning alternative training techniques that foster complicity is an essential investment. Studying the horse’s reactions, combined with consistent and patient work, reduces the need to use the whip as a tool of punishment. In this context, drawing inspiration from the equestrian equipment recommendations offered by Decathlon or Samshield can be a good idea. These brands also offer complementary accessories that contribute to ethical and effective training. Training sessions, often given by experts such as Éric Thomas, allow you to further develop these methods.

Favor lightweight and ergonomic whips

Rely on teaching and patience

Avoid sudden blows in favor of gentle signals

• Complement your equipment with suitable products (gloves, protection)
• Train regularly with recognized professionals
• Brands
• Type of whip
• Main feature

https://dimensionenatura.eu/cravache-paddle-accessoire-bdsm , which, although focused on other fields, offer valuable insights into the ethical and respectful management of similar accessories. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsPmxfm0ZGY Essential Brands and Innovations in Equestrian Equipment The world of equestrian equipment has seen remarkable innovations in recent years, notably thanks to the involvement of leading brands such as Fouganza, Norton, and Pessoa. These players combine tradition, technology, and respect for the horse to offer products that are both high-performance and ethical.Fouganza, for example, offers a range of flexible whips designed to transmit only precise signals without jarring the horse. Norton and Pessoa rely on durable materials that ensure longevity while remaining lightweight. In the same spirit, HKM Sports Equipment has shifted its focus to products incorporating modern technologies that promote ergonomics.

The constant quest for innovation also requires careful attention to environmental impacts. Several brands now combine sustainable materials and eco-responsible processes to offer equipment that respects the planet while maintaining maximum efficiency.

Focus on lightness and ergonomics

Use of sustainable and recyclable materials

Design combining aesthetics and functionality

Complementary accessories for comfort and safety

• Collaboration with experts to improve performance
• Brand
• Key innovation
• Primary use
• Target audience

https://dimensionenatura.eu/accessoires-bdsm-intimite-2025

and

Complete Guide to the Best BDSM Toys to Spice Up Your Relationship in 2025

which offer original insights into respect and ethics surrounding the handling of control objects. Consideration of animal welfare in regulations

Gentle and respectful methods favored

Support for professionals committed to an ethical sport Promotion of accessories adapted to responsible practice Sustainable transformation of the equestrian world towards greater respect Criteria Before 2025

• Situation in 2025
• Attitude towards the horse
• Sometimes brutal use
• Respect, subtle communication
• Penalized actions

Le bien-être du cheval est prioritaire lors de l’utilisation de la cravache. Son usage doit permettre une stimulation précise, sans douleur ni traumatisme.

• Observer les réactions du cheval
• Adopter des gestes doux et contrôlés
• Ne jamais utiliser la cravache comme punition excessive ` }, “respect”: { titre: “Respect du cheval”, contenu: `

  Le respect est au cœur de l’éthique équestre. La cravache ne doit pas porter atteinte à la dignité du cheval.

  • Éviter l’usage systématique
  • Prendre en compte l’humeur et la sensibilité de chaque cheval
  • Privilégier des méthodes alternatives si possible ` }, “usage”: { titre: “Usage éthique”, contenu: `

    L’usage éthique de la cravache se base sur la connaissance et la formation de l’utilisateur.

    • Respecter les limites légales et morales
    • S’informer régulièrement sur les bonnes pratiques
    • Ne jamais infliger de souffrance inutile ` }, “sanctions”: { titre: “Sanctions réglementaires”, contenu: `

      En 2025, la réglementation est stricte pour protéger le cheval. Les abus sont sanctionnés sévèrement.

      • Peines prévues en cas de maltraitance
      • Amendes et interdictions d’exercer possibles
      • Inspections régulières et sensibilisation renforcée ` }, “innovations”: { titre: “Innovations équipement”, contenu: `

        Les nouvelles technologies améliorent la conception des cravaches pour allier efficacité et confort.

        • Matériaux légers et ergonomiques
        • Technologie anti-douleur intégrée
        • Adaptabilité selon la morphologie du cheval ` } }; const contentEl = document.getElementById(‘content’); const btns = document.querySelectorAll(‘.category-btn’); // Fonction pour afficher le contenu selon la catégorie sélectionnée function showCategory(key) { // Mise à jour du contenu principal const cat = data[key]; contentEl.innerHTML = `

          ${cat.titre} ${cat.contenu} `; // Mise à jour des attributs ARIA et styles des boutons btns.forEach(btn => { const selected = btn.dataset.key === key; btn.setAttribute(‘aria-selected’, selected ? “true” : “false”); btn.tabIndex = selected ? 0 : -1; btn.classList.toggle(‘bg-blue-600’, selected); btn.classList.toggle(‘text-white’, selected); btn.classList.toggle(‘bg-gray-300’, !selected); btn.classList.toggle(‘text-gray-800’, !selected); btn.classList.toggle(‘hover:bg-blue-100’, !selected); }); // Focus sur contenu pour lecteurs d’écran contentEl.focus(); } // Initialisation : afficher la première catégorie showCategory(‘bien-etre’); // Gestion des clics et claviers sur les onglets btns.forEach(button => { button.addEventListener(‘click’, () => { showCategory(button.dataset.key); }); button.addEventListener(‘keydown’, e => { // Permet navigation clavier entre tabs avec flèches gauche/droite if (e.key === ‘ArrowRight’ || e.key === ‘ArrowLeft’) { e.preventDefault(); let currentIndex = Array.from(btns).indexOf(e.target); let nextIndex; if (e.key === ‘ArrowRight’) { nextIndex = (currentIndex + 1) % btns.length; } else { nextIndex = (currentIndex – 1 + btns.length) % btns.length; } btns[nextIndex].focus(); showCategory(btns[nextIndex].dataset.key); } }); }); /* Exemple d’appel API publique gratuite – pour enrichir l’infographie **/ /** * API utilisée (exemple simulé) : * https://api.publicapis.org/entries * (Cette API liste des APIs publiques mais ici on s’en sert pour simuler une statistique) * * Exemple de réponse JSON simplifié: * { * “count”: 1420, * “entries”: [ * { * “API”: “Cat Facts”, * “Description”: “Daily cat facts”, * … * }, * … * ] * } * * Ici on simule “nombre d’utilisateurs de cravache en Europe” en récupérant arbitrairement le nombre total d’APIs majeures, * pour montrer un exemple d’intégration d’API publique sans clé. * */ async function fetchStats() { const statsEl = document.getElementById(‘stats’); statsEl.textContent = “Chargement des données…”; try { const response = await fetch(‘https://api.publicapis.org/entries’); if (!response.ok) throw new Error(“Erreur réseau”); const data = await response.json(); // Simulation arbitraire de stats const utilisateursEurope = data.count ? data.count * 10 : 12000; const annee = 2025; statsEl.innerHTML = `

          En ${annee}, on estime que ${utilisateursEurope.toLocaleString(‘fr-FR’)} utilisateurs européens pratiquent des activités utilisant la cravache selon des modèles extrapolés.

          * Données simulées issues d’une API publique gratuite pour illustration uniquement. `; } catch (error) { statsEl.textContent = “Impossible de charger les statistiques actuellement.”; console.error(“Erreur lors du fetch:”, error); } } fetchStats(); {“@context”:”https://schema.org”,”@type”:”FAQPage”,”mainEntity”:[{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Peut-on utiliser la cravache librement pendant une course au trot en 2025 ?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Non, depuis le 1er avril 2025, les coups de cravache sont interdits au trot attelu00e9 et montu00e9 sauf pour donner un signal de direction ou de su00e9curitu00e9 avec un mouvement limitu00e9 du poignet.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Quelles sont les sanctions en cas du2019usage non conforme de la cravache ?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Les contrevenants s’exposent u00e0 des amendes proportionnelles au montant de la course et u00e0 des interdictions de monter, du2019une journu00e9e par coup injustifiu00e9.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Quelles marques proposent les meilleurs u00e9quipements adaptu00e9s u00e0 la nouvelle ru00e9glementation ?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Des marques comme Fouganza, Pessoa, Norton, Decathlon ou Samshield offrent des cravaches ergonomiques et adaptu00e9es aux exigences de 2025.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Comment amu00e9liorer sa relation avec son cheval sans abuser de la cravache ?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”En privilu00e9giant la patience, la compru00e9hension du cheval, et en utilisant des techniques basu00e9es sur les signaux doux et la pu00e9dagogie.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Ou00f9 trouver des ressources supplu00e9mentaires sur lu2019usage u00e9thique des accessoires similaires ?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Des sites comme https://dimensionenatura.eu/conseils-premiere-session-bondage ou https://dimensionenatura.eu/cravache-paddle-accessoire-bdsm offrent des perspectives intu00e9ressantes sur la gestion respectueuse du2019accessoires.”}}]}

          

          Ludovic Monnet