So I have a Hyperbike and have been using a regular dressage whip for driving. What I'm wondering is whether it would make a big difference to switch to a purpose-built driving whip? There are ones made specifically for the Hyperbike that have a shorter shaft and a shorter lash, like this:
https://chrysalisacres.com/shop/HyperBike-Drop-Lash-Whip-w-Silver-p147886383
My horse is VERY sensitive to whip cues, almost over-sensitive, and I think there might be some negative history there for him. With the dressage whip it is a bit hard for me to give cues on his sides without making it a harder tap than he likes/needs, or also contacting the side of his rump, without switching hands each time. My question is, will the drop lash make it much easier for me to give him cues on his sides without offending him or moving my hands on the lines unnecessarily? Please understand that I am a complete fumbling idiot with my hands at this point so there is going to be a massive learning curve for me to gain control of the little dangly part and make it do what I want! But, practice. I already struggle with floppy hands/opening fingers/inconsistent contact with the bit (a problem carried over from riding) so anything that would help me keep my hands in place would be good. It's on my to-do list to make a rein board and take Andy Marcoux' class on contact! But that's sort of a separate issue from the whip, I just don't want to make things any harder for myself than they have to be. TIA!
https://chrysalisacres.com/shop/HyperBike-Drop-Lash-Whip-w-Silver-p147886383
My horse is VERY sensitive to whip cues, almost over-sensitive, and I think there might be some negative history there for him. With the dressage whip it is a bit hard for me to give cues on his sides without making it a harder tap than he likes/needs, or also contacting the side of his rump, without switching hands each time. My question is, will the drop lash make it much easier for me to give him cues on his sides without offending him or moving my hands on the lines unnecessarily? Please understand that I am a complete fumbling idiot with my hands at this point so there is going to be a massive learning curve for me to gain control of the little dangly part and make it do what I want! But, practice. I already struggle with floppy hands/opening fingers/inconsistent contact with the bit (a problem carried over from riding) so anything that would help me keep my hands in place would be good. It's on my to-do list to make a rein board and take Andy Marcoux' class on contact! But that's sort of a separate issue from the whip, I just don't want to make things any harder for myself than they have to be. TIA!