Do not hold the whip tighter than is absolutely necessary. In fact, when the hand is on the reins the grip may be released altogether for a time, as they will hold it up; this will give the thumb a rest. Holding it loosely also ensures the double thong hanging straight down, as then it will do so by reason of its own weight. It looks excessively bad to see the whip held all sideways, but it will constantly get into that position unless the tyro pays great attention to keeping it straight.
FIG. 26.—RESULT OF HOLDING WHIP IN WRONG POSITION.
|Lash of whip under thumb.| The point of the lash should be just under the inside of the thumb; this will keep it from slipping. Hold the whip where it balances comfortably, the end of the stick close to, and under the forearm, the wrist well bent, and the elbow close to the side.
|Position of whip hand.| When the right hand is not on the reins or using the whip, it should be kept close to the left, the forearm being about horizontal. It can then rest on the thigh, and yet be ready for any emergency.
|Balance of whip.| A good whip should balance well when held at or close to the collar (this should come nearly under the thumb), otherwise it will be found top-heavy and clumsy.
The collar is the plate about ten inches from the thick end of the stick, and is sometimes termed the top ferrule.
FIG. 27.—PREPARING TO CATCH THONG.
|Choice of whip.| In choosing a whip the most essential points are: firstly, that it should balance as above; secondly, that it should be fairly light and springy—springiness being useful, because it renders a whip very much easier to catch; and, thirdly, that it should have some knots near the top, as they materially assist in keeping the thong up, though too many will be found an impediment to getting it out quickly.