If you carry a whip for jumping, you’ll need to get your hands on a competition legal whip ahead of the season. Now that the majority of governing bodies require riders to carry a baton-style whip, it’s not as simple as finding one that catches your eye – it needs to conform to the rules. We’ve rounded up a selection of competition legal whips that are suitable for a range of disciplines in this guide.
British Show Pony Society (BSPS) are the latest body to bring in the rule that only baton whips will be permitted in certain classes. This rule already stands in British Showjumping, British Eventing, Pony Club and British Riding Club competitions. Each whip in this guide is listed with the length options so that you can ensure it’s legal for your discipline.
Competition legal whips: what are your options?
Woof Wear Stealth Jump Bat
Colours: Black, chocolate, grey or navy
Length: 60cm
This smart jump bat features a compression tested foam strike pad with a branded gun metal end cap. Smart enough for use in the show ring.
Shires ProCush Showjumping Whip
Colours: Red/black, pink/blue or black
Length: 63cm
This whip has a shock absorbing padded end and a rubber grip handle that provides a secure and comfortable grip.
LeMieux Pro Baton Whip
Colours: Black or navy
Length: 60cm (adult) or 50cm (junior)
This whip has a shock-absorbing gel pad that is covered in suede for a sleek look and a generous, comfortable grip. The 50cm size is perfect for junior riders or those who prefer a shorter whip.
KM Elite Cush Grip Jump Bat Whip
Colours: Black, white, green, red, blue or purple
Lengths: 65cm (standard), 60cm (slimline) or 50cm (junior)
Available in three sizes this whip has a cushioned handle and is available in a selection of colours. If have have small hands or struggle with holding the reins and a padded whip look out for the Slimline jump bat it has a slimmer handle making it easier to hold.
Woof Wear Jump Bat Full Grip
Colours: Black
Lengths: 65cm (full), 60cm (slim) or 50cm (junior)
This bat is available in three sizes and has a TPR rubber grip and a metallic spiral on the shaft and padded shock absorbing end. If you have small hands and find some whips too bulky you may be better off with the slim grip bat from Woof Wear the handle is less bulky.
Fleck Delta Pro Jockey Bat
Colours: Black or blue
Length: 60cm
The Delta Pro Jockey Bat from Fleck is a classic bat handmade by experts to the highest standards from the finest materials. The Delta Pro Jockey Bat from Fleck is designed with a fibreglass core, long soft cushion flap and a Delta Pro textured grip. The slim ergonomically shaped and unbeatable grip is designed in a triangular shape to enable optimum hold and handling.
Elico Crystal Jumping Whip
Colours: Black
Length: 50cm
This is a great budget friendly whip with a rubber handle and diamanté braiding on the shaft.
Coldstream Next Generation Hadden Jumping Bat
Colours: Black, grey, navy or burgundy
Length: 50cm or 66cm
This comfortable and colour coordinated grip handle is easy to hold with a shock absorbing pad. Available in two sizes.
LeMieux LeBaton Whip
Colours: Black, burgundy, grey or navy
Length: 57cm
A stylish whip with a shock absorbing gel end pad covered with soft PU leather. Featuring a generous grooved rubber grip handle.
Woof Wear Resolute Jump Bat
Colours: Grey/silver, navy/silver or black/silver
Length: 60cm
This bat is specifically designed to provide a tactile no-compromise grip. Features a compression-tested foam strike area. Finished with a sleek silver metal end cap.
What are the BE/BS whip rules?
British Showjumping bought in the padded baton rule in 2020 and state that “no rider may carry, use or permit to be used a whip other than those detailed below in the arena, the collecting ring or anywhere on or in the immediate vicinity of the showground”.
British Eventing state that, when jumping, riders can carry one whip that complies with the details below.
Whips must comply with the following rules:
- Whips must be no less than 45cm and no more than 70cm (for BS) or 75cm (for BE) in length
- There must be no binding within 17cm of the end of the pad
- The minimum diameter of the shaft, which must run through the entirety of the whip, is 1cm
- The overall weight of the whip must not exceed 160g and must be evenly distributed throughout the length of the whip
- The contact area, which is considered to be 2/5 of the overall length, must be covered with a pad
- The pad must be smooth, with no protrusion or raised surface (such as embellishment or embroidery)
- The pad must be made of shock-absorbing material throughout its circumference, giving a compression factor of at least 6mm
- There must not feature wording, advertising or personalisation
What are the BSPS whip rules?
In 2026, the British Show Pony Society announced a change to its whip rules for working hunter and working sports pony classes. Under the new rules, the maximum length of baton allowed is 75cm.
- To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website
You might also like:
‘Welfare is a priority’: BSPS introduces new whip rule for certain classes
New whip use guide aims to start conversations and improve horse-human relationship
Major change to whip rules made to promote welfare
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
