A short whip consisting of a slightly flexible shaft with a handle at one end and a tongue or a thin cord at the other. Typically between 65 and 75cm in length (approx. 30 inches). It can be used in addition to the rider's own aids and is generally used to encourage the horse to go forwards. Hunting crops have a handle with a hooked end to enable the rider to open and shut gates from the horse' back.
Crops and whips should not be used with great force or repeatedly as they may cause injury to a horse. Punishing or discipling a horse with a whip or a crop is unlikely to modify a horse's behaviour in a constructive way and may have welfare implications. See also schooling whip.