Can para dressage riders use two whips?
Officials' detail · Grades and aids · 1 of 1All riders may carry one whip up to 120 cm; nominated profiles two. Hand holds are up to 10 cm high; hard ones up to 30 cm wide. Looped, ladder and joined reins are allowed within limits, and foot reins for riders who cannot use their hands. One-legged riders may use one stirrup. Straps must release in a fall.
How it works
- Whip: one, 120 cm; two for nominated profiles.
- Hand hold: soft for all, up to 10 cm high.
- Hard hand hold: nominated profiles; 10 cm by 30 cm.
- Joined reins: at least 30 cm from bit to join.
- Foot reins: no hands or arms used with them.
- Stirrups: one for a one-legged rider; two with a prosthesis.
- Velcro: above the knee, 50 square centimetres in all.
- Straps: must release automatically in a fall.
The glossary has the whips (para dressage), the hand holds, the reins (para dressage), the foot reins, the stirrups (para dressage) and the strapping and Velcro.
Tricky cases
How is the whip measured?
Tip to point, not along a curve.
Can a rider with a prosthetic leg ride with one stirrup?
No. They must use two.
Can a rider with foot reins also use the hands?
No.
Is altering a whip allowed?
Only as an approved non-standard aid.
Why the rule exists
Limits keep aids helpful but safe. Straps that release stop a rider being trapped under a falling horse.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All riders | One whip, soft hand hold | 8432.3, 8432.4 |
| Nominated profiles | Two whips, hard hand hold | 8432.3, 8432.4 |
| One leg | One stirrup | 8432.7 |
From the rule book
FEI, Para Dressage Rules, 4th edition (1 January 2026), articles 8416.5 and 8432.3 to 8432.7. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: FEI Para Dressage Rules, 4th edition.