Understanding the purpose of the whip through science and good horsemanship
In Pony Club, we’re here to learn, grow, and ride with kindness. That applies to how we use our voice, our legs—and our equipment.
Let’s talk about the whip.
What the whip is for:
The whip is a training aid, not a punishment tool. It can be used lightly to reinforce the leg aid, such as a gentle tap to encourage the horse to move forward. This is a form of negative reinforcement: the horse learns to respond to the rider’s leg in order to avoid the follow-up tap.
When used correctly, a whip:
- Encourages a horse to respond to a light leg aid
- Helps clarify a rider’s request
- Can back up communication when timing and consistency are right
But—here’s the important part—whips must be used gently, never in anger.
What the whip isn’t for:
The whip must never be used to vent frustration, strike a horse, or punish after the fact. This is not only against Pony Club policy—it’s ineffective and unfair to the horse.
Why? Because horses don’t learn through punishment the way people do.
Equitation science tells us that horses learn best through clear, consistent signals and timing. Punishment doesn’t work unless it’s delivered the moment an unwanted behaviour occurs. Even then, it usually causes more harm than good.
Punishing a horse:
- Confuses them (they don’t understand why they’re being hit)
- Increases fear and anxiety
- Damages trust and the horse–rider partnership
- Increases the risk of dangerous behaviour or accidents
In short, punishment makes horses fearful—not obedient.
A Note for Parents and Supporters
If your child is still developing the emotional maturity to stay calm when things go wrong (as many young riders are), it may be best not to give them a whip just yet. Whips must never be used in frustration or anger, and it’s our shared responsibility to make sure horses are handled with fairness and kindness at all times.
Talk with your child about why a whip is used and how to use it correctly. If you’re unsure, ask a Pony Club instructor for guidance—they’re there to support you too.
Breaches of the Horse Welfare Policy
Pony Club Australia considers it a breach of the Horse Welfare Policy to:
- Use a whip in a way that causes pain, injury, or visible marks
- Use any method that deliberately inflicts pain
- Strike a horse overhand or with the reins, especially in anger
- Use a whip as punishment
- Instruct someone else to use equipment in a harmful way—including parents, supporters or coaches
What happens if there’s a breach?
If a Pony Club coach or official observes a breach of this policy, they have the authority to:
- Immediately withdraw the rider from the activity
- Eliminate the rider from a competition
- Refer the matter for investigation
All breaches are subject to the PCA Conduct and Disciplinary Policy, and in serious cases, may be reported to external welfare authorities (listed in Appendix A of our Horse Welfare Policy).
Ride with empathy. Train with science.
Good horsemanship is about understanding how horses learn. That’s why PCA teaches equitation science—not outdated traditions. Using the whip appropriately means using it sparingly, gently, and always in the horse’s best interest.
Kindness is not weakness. It’s knowledge in action.
Read more: PCA Horse Welfare Policy
