Padded whips may only be allowed to back up leg aids – and not to punish the horse – in British Showjumping (BS) from 1 January, in part of rule changes with a “strong focus on equine welfare”.
“As everyone will be aware there is a strong focus on equine welfare and it is the responsibility of everyone who rides, trains or cares for horses to ensure that they are always treated correctly,” a BS spokesperson said.
From 1 January, the padded baton “may only be used as an aid to support the natural aids in encouraging the horse forward; [it] may be used to support the shoulder to encourage the horse in the desired direction.
“The padded baton must not be used to discipline or punish the horse/pony nor to vent an athlete’s temper,” the rules add. “Such use is always excessive.”
The baton may not be used more than three times in total while in the arena, nor may it be used immediately after elimination, or a refusal, run-out in the competition or practice arena.
The rider’s arm may not come above the shoulder, and the baton should make contact with the horse behind the rider’s leg.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
If used to support the horse’s shoulder, the rider must keep both hands on the reins. If the horse’s skin is broken or masked as a result of baton use, this is “always considered excessive”. Misuse of the baton anywhere on the showground will result in disciplinary action.
“The aim is to clarify how the padded baton should be used,” BS CEO Iain Graham told H&H, adding that equine welfare is the driver for the changes. “The aim is for people to use them to back up the leg aid, not for punishment.”
In another change, members will only be allowed to use equipment allowed in the competition arena for the jumping warm-up. This means draw reins are not allowed to be used for warming up on the flat in the same arena as the jumping warm-up takes place. If there is a separate warm-up area for riding on the flat then they can be used there, and they are allowed to be worn in prizegivings.
An additional provision has been added for riders with hidden disabilities, after it was highlighted by the BS equality, diversity and inclusion group
“We are pleased to confirm that it has been agreed to allow members to have a caller at Club and Just for Schools competitions/classes if the athlete dispensation panel has granted dispensation that this member has sufficient medical needs to permit the use of a caller in competition,” the spokesperson said.
“The caller will stand with the course-designer in the arena, and they will only be able to give directions to the rider, no other guidance or instructions will be allowed.
“It has been agreed that a British Showjumping yellow ribbon in the horses tail will be offered for those who have been granted a dispensation, this should alert other riders to give the horse/rider more space in the practice arena.”
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
