Sunshine Tour Whip Rule for Show Jumping and Eventers Classes
We have updated our guidance for riders who carry a whip for jumping classes:
A whip, if carried, must be held in the hand by the handle with the handle at the top. The whip must be “padded” and comply with the current British Showjumping rule (BS Members Handbook, full wording is available to view online at www.britishshowjumping.co.uk
The key points of that rule are as follows:
- The maximum length of the whip is 70cm and must be no less than 45cm.
- The contact area is considered to be 2/5s (two fifths) of the overall length of the whip and must be covered with a pad.
- There must be no binding within 17 centimetres of the end of the pad.
- The pad must be smooth, with no protrusion or raised surface, and be made of shock absorbing material throughout its circumference such that it gives a compression factor of at least 6mm.
- There is to be no wording, advertising or personalisation of any kind on the pad.
- Before buying any whip, please check with the retailer that it is BS compliant.
At all times, the whip must only be used:
- For a good reason, as an aid to encourage the horse forward.
- At an appropriate time, namely when the horse is reluctant to go forward under normal aids of seat and legs.
- In the right place, namely down the shoulder or behind the leg but never overarm.
- With appropriate severity.
- No more than twice for any one incident.
Excessive or inappropriate use of the whip anywhere on the showground may result in disqualification:
- Use of the whip to vent a competitor’s anger.
- Use of a whip which causes injury e.g., broken skin or a weal, is always excessive.
- Use of the whip after entering the competition area, before the start of the round.
- Use after elimination or retirement.
- Use on a horse’s head, neck etc.
- Using the whip from the ground after a rider fall or dismount.
- If the rider’s arm comes above the shoulder when using the whip.
If you do not have a BS compliant whip, we will have some for sale at the Show Secretary’s office.