WHIP LENGTH RULES
(Effective June 1, 2004)

Article: 320 Use of Whips

Exception: Dressage.  One whip no longer than 43.3 inches (110cm), including lash, is permitted for schooling.  One standard longeing whip is permitted only when longeing.  One whip no longer than 43.3 inches (110cm), including lash, may be carried in all classes where whips are permitted.  Competitors riding sidesaddle may carry a whip no longer than 43.3 inches (110cm) including lash, in U.S. Equestrian/USDF Championships (see Arts. 1920.5 and 1921.9). Exception:  Dressage Sport Horse Breeding (see Art. 1940.4).

Article: 1920.5 Dress

One whip no longer than 43.3 inches (110cm), including lash, may be carried in all classes except U.S. Equestrian/USDF Championships, U.S. Equestrian Junior Team Championships, Championships for 5 year old and 6 year old horses, NAYRC qualifying classes, USET Championships, USET qualifying and sectional trials and observation classes. Exception: Competitors riding sidesaddle may carry a whip no longer than 43.3 inches (110cm), including lash, in U.S. Equestrian/USDF Championships.

 

Article: 1921.9 Saddlery and Equipment

The following whips are permitted for schooling only: One whip no longer than 43.3 inches (110cm), including lash. One standard longeing whip is permitted only when longeing. One whip no longer than 43.3 inches (110cm), including lash, may be carried in all classes except U.S. Equestrian/USDF Championships, U.S. Equestrian Junior Team Championships, Championships for 5 year old and 6 year old horses, NAYRC qualifying classes, USET Championships, USET qualifying and sectional trials and observation classes. Exception: Competitors riding sidesaddle may carry a whip no longer than 43.3 inches (110cm), including lash, in U.S. Equestrian/USDF Championships.

Rules were changed in 2004 to make the USEF rules at all levels compliant with FEI rules regarding permitted length of whip, which became effective 01.01.04.