I’m looking for a dressage whip that’s best suited for arthritis and weak/sore hands …something not too thick that will impede or hinder my grip on the reins which is already not great and not easy to keep my fingers closed .
1 Like
Try one with a gel handle. I have the Dublin one and while it isn’t a thin handle you hand sinks into it and it almost holds itself.
2 Likes
A silicon wrap like Sealtex might help build up the handle, but also know that just hitting your boot might work just as well. You may not need to actually articulate your hand around to hit your horse.
3 Likes
My coach had me try a whip like this over the summer https://www.dressageextensions.com/fleck-flapper-whip/p/X1-14111/
Because it’s flexy and has a popper you don’t need to do a lot to get it to do the job of a quick “pop with the whip”. It’s lightweight and the handle is thin and has a cap- whoever thought a whip with no cap was a good idea?? You have to hold it so tight you tense up.
So you don’t have to grip hard, and it makes it’s point without much effort from you.
1 Like
I wrapped the handle of my whips with a couple layers of hockey tape. Adds some grip and is waterproof.
2 Likes
My absolute fave is the fleck carbon in the shorter size i think 110? So light.
5 Likes
Whatever whip you choose, you can add a martingale stopper (donut) to the cap end of the handle so you can hold it more loosely and it won’t slip through your grip.
I have rubber stoppers on all my whips (dressage and jumping bats) and I love it. I’d rather my focus be on the feel of the reins, and my whip just sort of sit there between my thumb and forefinger with no effort, unless I need to use it.
6 Likes
I have dealt with arthritic hands together Duputryens contractures in both for around 3 decades so far, and I have tried a lot of whips. These five are the ones I currently have. My favorite handling one is actually the least expensive one on the left in the photo. Thin but knobby grip, and just enough of a knob to let me know where my hand is and minimize slipping down and out.
1 Like
I discovered this Fleck through a trainer. One of the easiest whips to hold and so lightweight.
2 Likes
Thank you for all the recommendations and feedback …I will check these out !
A friend with RA ,loves this one too!
2 Likes
Great idea! I drive, have arthritis and “whip slip” is an issue, this might help.
2 Likes
Fleck! I have ankylosing spondylitis, and it has (strangely) spread to my hands, specifically my left hand. I started dropping my dressage whip, and so I bought a Fleck. It has been a game changer for comfort, and I am no longer dropping it.
This is the whip that I own. The “mushroom cap” helps so I don’t drop it: https://www.ridingwarehouse.com/Fleck_SilkTouch_Graphite_Crystal_Premium_Dressage_Whip/descpage-FSTC.html?from=gpmax&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAv628BhC2ARIsAIJIiK-w5c0_3tJj49gZmmz4IcMmLslBuMaAy3BF1gBeS-3tyfywj9MpeSsaAppWEALw_wcB
1 Like
I have done this for decades. Works for anyone, not just for sensitive hands. Slide it up from the bottom so that it’s right at the balance point you prefer, likely just below the handle. You’ll never drop a whip again. And, it’s still easy to switch hand-to-hand. (Sorry, I intended this as a reply to the post above where you slide the martingale stopper up the shaft. And, I prefer Flecks in general – they are generally lighter and very well-balanced.)
