QUESTION: When you carry a whip, what is the proper way to salute and what do you do with the whip? Also, is it permissible to switch the whip from one side to the other as you change directions?
Answer submitted by Jane Kelly:
This is an excellent question for I have seen some interesting salutes in the show ring! To start with, whips, per the USEF rules, can be no longer than 43.3 inches including the lash.
USEF rules state that riders must take the reins in one hand. It does not address right or left hand. You could salute with whichever one is not holding the whip. It is preferable to just grab hold of the whip with the left hand that contains the reins and always salute with your right (this is also what the majority of riders do). A female rider lets her arm drop along her body and then inclines her head; a male can remove his hat or do the same as a female. Military salutes are only for when you wear a uniform!
When teaching riders the salute, I recommend 5 steps:
1. Take the reins/whip in left hand.
2. Drop your right hand down by your side.
3. Bow your head.
4. Lift your head.
5. Lift your right arm and pick up reins.
This sequence of steps keeps the salute clean and correct just like how you want to ride your test!
Yes, you may switch the whip when changing direction but it can be a distraction to both horse and rider so is usually not done unless needed.
Answer submitted by Kerry Petty:
This is a question that speaks to personal experience as I received an error for saluting while holding a whip! As most people carry their whip in one hand out of habit this is a great question that speaks to all of us. The easiest solution to carrying a whip and saluting the judge is to carry the whip in the left hand so you can salute with the traditional 'right salute'. But if you choose to put the whip in your right hand and you salute with it, it can be done with practice of holding the whip steady with the left hand that is also holding the reins. Remember however, in checking the rule book the ONLY requirement is that one hand is released from the reins - so you CAN salute with either hand. This requirement is showing obedience to the rider. What you can not do and I have seen often is salute with: 1) whip in your saluting hand 2) continue to hold one rein with the saluting hand as you take it to the side or 3) not salute at all.
You should keep the whip in one hand and not change it from side to side though there is not a rule keeping you from doing it. The test is to show the obedience to the rider's invisible aids with a quiet flow to the test with little if any unnecessary movements that interrupt this picture. The changing back and forth of the whip interrupts this picture. My suggestion is to begin now to practice with a whip in your preferred hand so the horse learns to work for you no matter what hand your whip is in. Also try riding with no whip, as well as practicing with a whip and then doing a test with no whip. The more circumstances you anticipate (such as forgetting your whip or dropping it in the ring) the more accomplished you will become in the ring.
Answer submitted by Sue Hughes:
There is no "proper" way to carry the whip as you salute. However, there is room for "common sense!" That is, do not salute with the whip in your hand. Rather there are two solutions. Salute with the other hand, as there also is no "proper" hand with which to salute. The other solution is to hold the whip as well as both reins in one hand while saluting with the other.
I have a suggestion about the salute. It is to take your arm far enough away from your body that the judge can see daylight between your arm and body. It is a point error if you do not salute, so you want to be sure it can be seen.
For a man, the crown (not the hollow for the head) side should be presented to the judge. You do not want to look like you are asking for a coin to be tossed into the opening!
Yes, it certainly is permissible to switch the whip from side to side. Two suggestions again. Do NOT switch the whip during the free walk. That is a coefficient score and the only time the judge sees and puts a score on the quality of the walk. The transitions into and out of that free walk already are difficult enough.
Second suggestion is that since most shows are held out of doors, put the whip in the hand where you are most likely to need it (on the side of the lazy hind leg) and leave it there. There is no rule in dressage about where it goes. So without a wall to rub against and cause a disturbance, just leave it where it is useful.