Many people choose to hold a lunging whip when they are lunging a horse. When used correctly, it is a supporting aid to your voice and body language.
Think of the lunging whip as an extension of your arm. You will be walking in small circles with your body slightly behind the horse, so they are moving forward away from you.
If you ask the horse to increase the pace or you’d like more engagement of the hindleg and they’re not responding to your voice prompts alone, back it up by lifting the whip.
Some horses may need to see the whip ‘flick’ to be motivated by it. Gentle use of the whip as an aid are key. It must never be used to hit a horse to make them go forward, or to punish a horse who isn’t doing as you have asked.
How to use a lunging whip
The lunge rein will always be in the hand that is aligned with your horse’s head, while the lunging whip goes in your other hand, which is probably holding excess lunge rein too.
On the left rein
If you are lunging your horse on the left rein (this means the direction of their circle is going to your left), the lunge rein will be in your left hand and the lunging whip (plus excess lunge rein) will be in your right hand.
On the right rein
When lunging on the right rein (so now the direction of the circle is to your right), the lunge rein will be in your right hand with the whip in your left hand.
When you are holding the whip correctly like this, it is always behind the horse and never in front.
Shop for a lunging whip
A good lunging whip needs to be sturdy yet lightweight, so that it’s comfortable and easy to hold. If you’re tight on storage space or need to transport it in a car regularly, there are telescopic and foldable designs to save on space.
Woof Wear Telescopic Lunge Whip
This lunge whip has an ergonomically designed handle to enable a comfortable and secure grip. The whip is nicely balanced so that you can focus on your horse.
It has a flexible fibreglass shaft which is housed within a semi-rigid fibreglass outer. With one quick pull, the whip is extended and ready for use.
Colour: Black
Length: 95cm when collapsed/180cm when fully extended
RRP £40
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Shires Lunging Whip
This thread-stem whip has a rubber grip handle and comes in a wide range of colours.
Colours: Black, bright blue, raspberry, red, orange, green
Length: 160cm
RRP £9.99 (US$14.99)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
County Lunge Whip
This durable and flexible whip is suitable for everyday training. It has an easy-grip handle, sturdy braided shaft and thong design.
Colours: Black, burgundy, navy, pink, purple, royal blue
Length: 200cm
RRP £22
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Ships internationally
Dublin Lunging Whip
This whip has a rubber textured grip handle and comes in a variety of colours. The Dublin Brights Lunge Whip is also available in more colours, including hot pink, orange, lime and yellow.
Colours: Black, blue, purple, red
Length: 160cm
RRP £13.25 (US$19.95)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Horze Two-Part Lunging Whip
This whip divides into two parts for easy storage and transport. It has a rubber handle and a long nylon lash.
Colour: Black. Length: 180cm or 200cm
RRP £22.99 (US$19.99)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Telescopic Lunge Whip
This innovative telescopic whip is retractable for easy storage and transportation.
Colour: Black
Length: 200cm (95cm when retracted)
RRP £32.48 (US$43)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Horze Tunis Carbon Lunging Whip
This super-light whip is made of carbon. It is telescopic and folds down to a smaller size.
Colour: Black, blue. Length: 180cm
Buying in the UK? RRP £32.99 Purchase here
Buying in the USA? RRP $49.99 Purchase here
