Getting to Know the History and Use of Hunting Whips
Hunting whips have been used since the early 1900s. According to the size, weight, and length of the whips, they were often offered as ‘ladies’ or ‘gents.’ Because men are larger than females, their whips had longer, thicker handles and heavier grips. Whips are generally divided into two sorts. One of these is a stiff stick that is meant to strike straight to inflict fear, whereas the other is a flexible one that swings in a unique way to instill fear of pain. The hunting whip is a hybrid weapon that combines a stiff stick and a flexible lash.
Even though a rider carries it, hunting whips are not intended for horses. It is used to remind the hounds to keep away from the horses’ hooves and as a communication tool for them. A crop differs from a whip in that the latter’s stock is rigid rather than flexible. The stock is usually composed of cane that has been varnished to give it a darker color, or it may be covered in leather, horsehair, linen, or whalebone. The waterproofing helps you have a better grip when hunting during the rainy season. A steel line is integrated into modern cane stocks to make them more difficult to shatter. On one end, there is a long silk or cord lash, and on the other, a hook. The hook end is used to open and shut gates while hunting by the rider, and the lash color changes from outing to outing.
Thong is an important component of the whip, which allows the rider to keep a tight grip on it. It can be worn around the hand or wrist to keep it from falling off. Thong protects the rider and the horse’s feet from being trodden on, keeping accidents at bay. When not in use, the thong may be draped over the riders’ arms.
The handles of hunting whips are usually fashioned from stag horn, ivory, or silver, which represent the lifestyle of the aristocracy. The contemporary hunting whips, on the other hand, are replacing this with buffalo horn or synthetic handles. Today’s whips are made of different materials than those used to make whips in the past, due to endangered animals and environmental concerns. However, there are numerous hunting whips for sale on the Internet or antique stores for antique collectors.
