Are you up to date on the new whip rule for 2027?
Just catching up? Here’s the scoop: This rule has actually been in effect all year, but the transition and grace period before real enforcement begins expires January 1. The rule (Art. 1.2.4) stipulates that any whip used on cross country or in show jumping at an FEI event must be padded. The whip can be up to 75cm long, and the padding itself needs to make up at least 20cm of that length, with a minimum required width of 2.5cm. You’ll also need to make sure no raised binding or other rough edges can be found where the padding ends. Leather padding is not allowed, nor is any additional weight within the whip.
Look at the whip you use for cross country and show jumping now. If the end is a hard popper, a leather flap, or a short pad, it won’t pass after January 1. A legal padded whip has a long, soft, dark pad at least 20 cm long at the business end. If you’re shopping, check those numbers against the spec above. Don’t count on a “padded” label meaning the whip is compliant.
Anecdotally on social media, we’ve seen suggestions for brands such as Ryders Up (available with Nunn Finer), custom options from Arias Whips, and even on Amazon. Make sure you check all measurements before you head to a show next year — officials won’t let it slide from January 1 on.
These equipment rules sit on top of the 2026 rules on how the whip may be used. The whip may only be used to support the natural aids in encouraging the horse forward, and can’t be used as punishment immediately after a refusal, after the last fence, or more than twice per incident. Breaking those rules earns a recorded warning.
[Read the complete updates to the Tack & Equipment Rules]
U.S. Events This Weekend
Majestic Oaks H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]
Fleur de Leap H.T. (LA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]
River Glen H.T. (TN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scores]
Other News & Recommended Reading
- While much attention is paid to the next generation of top riders, there is a large need for a next generation for the countless other roles associated with our sport. The USEA Youth Mentorship Program is one solution to bridging this gap, and this dive into the West coast edition of the program is well worth a read.
- Capt. Mark Phillips reflects on a year marked by tragedy and great success on the world stage, and what’s being done to navigate the prevention of one while encouraging the growth of the other, in his latest column for Horse & Hound.
- World of Show Jumping is publishing a series of interviews with all three FEI presidential candidates ahead of the election at this winter’s FEI General Assembly. You can read Jack Huang’s here and Sabrina Ibáñez’s here, with presumably one from Mark Samuel to come. Each National Federation is awarded one vote in this election.
Coaching Corner
Go Eventing
The one and only Ingrid Klimke on Sinead Maynard’s In Stride podcast:
