How to Properly use the Whip and Spur (The Auxiliary Aids)

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The Auxiliary Aids
The whip and spur are the Auxiliary Aids in Dressage. They are the “supporting” aids to re-enforce your leg aids. Often, the auxiliary aids are over-used, or improperly used, and the horse becomes dull and unresponsive to these aids. When used correctly, the auxiliary aids can be extremely effective to get the horse more responsive to the leg aid and to help the horse understand how to properly react to the leg.
Here are some tips for how to use the Auxiliary aids:
The whip:
The whip should be held at a 45 degree angle to the ground and pressed against the thigh of the rider to hold the whip in place and prevent the whip from accidentally hitting the horse.
In general, the whip is carried in the inside hand at the trot (to influence the inside hind leg) and in the outside hand at the canter (to influence the outside hind leg)
The rider must apply the whip at the moment that the foot is leaving the ground. Ideally, the horse responds by bringing the hind leg more forward and up underneath their belly when the whip is used.
The rider must NOT pull backwards to tap the horse. Instead, the rider must keep their hand in a forward position and the whip should hit the riders thigh and ricochet back onto the horse
Always use the leg aid first, and re-enforce it with the whip. Never use the whip first. Remember you might not be allowed to carry a whip at the show!!
Practice switching your whip smoothly from side to side (watch the video to learn how)
The Spurs:
Before using a spur, the rider must have correct leg position with the knee into the saddle and the toe pointing forward before wearing a spur.
Consider the length and sharpness (ie. blunt end, sharp end, or rowel) that is best suited for you and your horse
Always use your upper leg and calf first WITHOUT using the spur! The spur IS AN AUXILIARY AID
If you need to use the spur to get a reaction, be sure to repeat the aid until you get the reaction without using the spur.
The spur can be used either as a “pressing” aid or as a quick kick depending on the reaction that you want from your horse
Hopefully these tips are helpful! If used correctly, the auxiliary aids can be very useful in getting your horse even lighter and more sensitive. The whip especially can be used to “talk” to the horses’ hind legs and to shape their hind end and pelvis under. Just remember to always ask nicely first before re-enforcing with the auxiliary aids or you may make your horse even more dull!!
Happy Riding!
Amelia
#auxiliaryaids #whip #spur

[@melberry5929]

I recently returned to riding after over 20yr break. I was never taught correct use of such aids, so I’m really grateful for such clarification. Thankyou

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad you are back riding!!

[@ennante3502]

I am so happy that you made this video, especially since I was the one asking about it. Now I know I don't use my whip efficiently :D But now it will change. Lately I read a great sentence that I feel also belongs to equestrian world - “Do the best you can. Once you know better, do better”. And thanks to your videos I am doing so much better lately. Big, fat THANK YOU!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

That is a great quote! Thank you so much for sharing :-)

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

🐎🐎🐎 Was this video helpful to you? Do you have any other questions about the auxiliary aids? Happy riding!😁❤️

[@terimurtha7581]

Thank you so much! This was excellent. I never wanted to use spurs because I didn’t want to use them inappropriately. This explained meticulously the proper use of both the whip and spurs. I will feel more confident and practice using them this way. I am definitely the rider who reaches back and crack the whip! You are an amazing teacher!

[@Lynne2106]

Ooooh. Thanks! With all the lessons I’ve had, this is the first clear explanation I’ve seen. My horse is super sensitive so I rarely use either. This will help me to avoid misusing these auxiliary aids.

[@lucacaofeller8787]

Can you show us, how to use whip for punishment? Or maybe if you want, you can add me on fb and tell me there

[@asia5285]

Amelia, thank you for your videos they are so helpful! I have a question about spurs, there are so many different types of them, what do your prefer? What is better for the horse? Cause I see so many people now use rowels but they seem to be quite sharp or am I wrong?

[@lisawalls1863]

"If I hit him too hard, he's gonna be offended." 😂🤣

[@marogers01]

Loved the tips on the timing of the whip.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnbeasley4211]

Your posts are great. I like this one not only for the master class on using a whip, but also for your reminder to praise at every opportunity.

[@michellebannon674]

I like the education on the spurs without the use of judgmental language. Very informative, thank you.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marycullen5750]

I learned a new skill here! I like using the whip as a timing reminder and a tickle , but! I’ve been using the whip in canter on the wrong side. Can’t wait to ride tomorrow and carry my whip in canter on the outside. Love your videos! And you ❤️

[@worththewait8349]

I never knew about switching my whip to the outside for the canter :)

[@lindsay3917]

Great video! Don Carlos looks so offended, lol

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

I know, right? He's so sensitive!!! 🐎🐎🐎

[@dawneendostert3576]

I grew up on a Quarter Horse reading books and doing 4-H to train him from a two year old stud. He became a gelding shortly though as I was only about 13. I didn’t have a trailer so we worked in the field doing figure 8’s, roll backs against the fence, etc and eventually I could do flying lead changes by simply shifting my hips. I used spurs because cowboys did, lol. In the 1990’s I got into endurance and bought a green five year old Polish Arab. That two swirl gelding never did become bombproof so I rode with a whip like in your demonstration. I held it in my right hand tapping it against his shoulder or occasionally on his hip. It was a mild corrector never to punish. Now i 20 year old Tennessee Walker mare who can go down the trail for miles. I discovered she could go down the trail very well but when we got stuck on a narrow switchback trail she moved the wrong end. I needed her to pivot on her hindquarters but the pivot came with the rear moving around and started going over the edge. It made me realize “just going down the trail” horses are fine if you are on a nice wide trail with no cliffs and no “monsters” are hiding as large rocks. Back to school for us.

[@bonnybraepets]

Thank you! I'm preparing to teach my granddughter the correct use of whip and spurs . Your dialog was organized and concise, and the shots of spurring and switching the whip were very easy to follow. I have watched SO many videos. Yours is the only one that has given ne exactly the information I meed! One crazy little thing though. Aux-il-ir-ary is not a word. It should sound like aux-il-ary. Seriously though, thank you!

[@michelekanefsky7511]

This was so helpful! This is the first time anyone has ever showed me how to use a whip! I just started carrying one and it’s made a huge difference with my horse going forward & keeping a nice cadence. . I rarely have to actually use it! 😁👍

[@teebrown3666]

This is so helpful! My trainer never taught me how to use the whip!

[@silkiennedvora7879]

This is great. For someone like me (I don't have an ACL and wear a leg brace except while riding), I can't close one leg much at all so I keep the whip on that side 80 percent of the time. The biggest trick is to know when and how to use it. You kept saying tickle, but I'm not sure folks really understand you can get a response when it's applied that lightly. Timing is everything!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@petrinawhite1970]

So many good tips! And so concisely explained. Thanks for the video!

[@juliefranck8510]

It really helped me to learn which side to use the whip at the different gaits. I'm going to watch this a few times to get that timing at the canter for the little jump. My mare, an Arabian, has a very long mane, and so I don't get the mane flipping up! I wish I could take lessons from you in person. 😊

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Amarillosusan]

I love the way you described using the wipe and when!!! 💕

[@lauraestey6071]

This is a great video! Now I know much better how to control the whip: from holding it against my thigh and hitting it on my thigh, to timing it correctly and how to do a smooth change. Thank you!! :)

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay! Great!!

[@kristinemcclain9028]

Loved that idea using the mane.❤️

[@tracyblack1509]

Sure enjoyed this info. I always learn something from you. I’ve had spurs, and never put them on, because I didn’t know how to use them correctly or what the difference was, other than the harshness.

[@angelahamond-fenton497]

Thanks so much Amelia, will put these tips in to practice x

[@lali7839]

really enjoyed this video, nicely explained and executed

[@egipatskiguster]

I love this video Amelia....I usually never use whips or spurs because I think if you can't control your horse without a whip or spurs that doesen't mean that you are a good rider....that means that you can just wave with a plastic stick...this is my opinion on whips...I never used spurs before in my life...but I know I will have to use them someday.... Anyways stay safe...sending love from Bosnia and Herzegovina

[@danw6014]

I've never used a whip, but I have done work with a flag. I will use it to direct the horse I am riding, direct another horse in a round pen or move livestock. The horses can get to separate out what is for them and what is not. When I need free my hands up I'll place the flag between my butt and the cantle. If things are going south I'll tip my horse's nose to side the flag is on and ditch it. Playing with some of these things is a lot of fun and taught me a lot. Great video.

[@chandorequestrian]

LOVE your videos!

[@mshorselover77]

Very useful video. Thank you!

[@joannarodriguez4319]

Helps a lot❤❤

[@spaziocasainterioare1656]

Hello! Thank you so much for your videos!! Very interesting and useful!! Lots of important details! Actually, in this video you mentioned to use the whip on the inside at trot, while using it outside during canter gait. I was wondering why? 😁😊 hope to read your answer soon 🙏 you indeed rock 😎 thank you again 🐴🦄🐴

[@monhorze2725]

very helpful，thanks a lot

[@sabinelloyd8532]

This was very helpful thank you. I am wanting to add a pair of spurs to my tool kit.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thanks Sabine! Glad you found it helpful! By the way, I'm giving a free webinar on the Dressage Training Scale, you will find it really helpful with your journey! You can sign up at the link below! I would love to see you there! But if you can't make it, sign up anyway as we can send you the recording! www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/trainingscalewebinar

[@No1forWebsiteDesign]

Brilliant video, thank you so much.. I love your channel, it is so helpful. 👏👏👏

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@simonarizzi9042]

Love this video!! So useful!! As usual actually ✨💫🐴👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@myhorse3]

👍👍Great video and great lesson review, thank you very much !!!! Barbara from Italy

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You are welcome!

[@marklloyd-fox2228]

Congratulations Amielia. Fantastic video which I shared on Facebook commending your explanation. All too often I see people contradicting the message to the horse by restricting and pulling back on their reins to use the whip which sends a mixed message. Worse still I see people who are afraid of the surge forward that can often happen when we ask them to move more actively off the leg when using the whip or spur then on the one hand asking the horse to go forward while employing a severe restriction which renders the action more of a punishment rather than a request for more expression. Excellent advice Amelia, I just signed up for your newsletter so greetings from South Africa. Mark

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hi. Mark! Thank you for sharing my video on Facebook! It really helps me out!!

[@yvetterose6314]

HI Amanda, I love your videos! Can you do one on how to ride a perfect 20m, 15m circle? How many steps in each quarter of the circle?

[@falizianme5846]

Always great content! I like the idea of changing to different spurs... my guy is a bit lazy... but maybe thars my fault! 🙄 thanks!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes! For sure changing it up keeps them guessing 🧐

[@jillellis2146]

May I suggest that you show how to use these methods when you are sitting still because it is hard to see when you are moving. I still am confused on how to use them as I could not see what you were explaining.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hi Jill, Good idea, I will se what I can do.

[@minderellafox7906]

Thank you, i wear a long balled spur, coz I have a long leg, and my horses are round barrelled. I keep getting asked why my spurs are so long 🙄. I love this pony 😊

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes!! Makes perfect sense in this situation.

[@juliefranck8510]

Thanks Amelia, I liked learning that if I ask for more forward, I should reward my horse even if she gives me more than I expected! For me that could just even be letting her go on with out correcting her. Right?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes! For sure just let them go forward But then bring them back to the speed that you initially wanted :-)

[@flipflopcat1754]

I go to riding school, I’m shot so I ride a lot of ponies and most of them are dull to the whip do to children not being taught how to use it

[@simonesilvestri7596]

Amelia, I noticed your horse has the tongue slightly to the left side (e.g., see min. 3:05). My mare does the same. Do you have any idea why? Thank you so much for your videos!!!

[@margerytortora5625]

Will you ever be holding a clinic in the east coast ? In Connecticut.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

I'm not opposed to it, but its expensive for clinics because it's two full days of travel

[@michellecooper5753]

Thanks, Amelia. Q. My trainer does not advocate or allow the use of spurs. Can you just use spurs as a training aid initially and then stop using them (only reintroducing in the future as needed). Do you ever train your dressage horses without them?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Great question! Yes. For sure sometimes I do not ride with spurs. But you are required to wear spurs at the FEI level. I got disqualified ones from the Prix St. George For not having spurs on!

[@mariapantaliao7318]

I feel rlly bad bc my horse has rlly soft skin and whenever I use to much spurs he gets a mark but without the spurs he won’t move :/

[@user-du8ts5oi3t]

The horse that I ride is somewhat overweight and also very lazy, so a simple tap of the whip doesn’t do anything at all. My dressage trainer tells me to hit her hard, but I dont know how to hit her hard behind my leg without moving my arms back or out, can someone help?

[@tenapus]

Why do you use two bits like that?

[@jandavison7288]

It's a double bridle for more advanced aids

[@flipflopcat1754]

Where do you get your shirt?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Kastel Denmark

[@equinebesties9681]

For some reason, I could smell the horse smell through the screen. Someone explain. 😂

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

😂😂😂

[@adelinenicholas7075]

Whips may have a purpose but spurs??????? Not humane. EVER.