Carrot Stick: An extension of your arm for groundwork with horses

Carrot Stick: clear signals from the ground

A carrot stick is a stiff stick that acts as an extension of your arm. It helps you create distance during groundwork, indicate direction and get your horse used to being touched. Unlike a schooling whip, it is not meant for driving your horse forward but for pointing and touching. In our range you will find carrot sticks on their own or with a string attached, which carries your signals further when working at a distance.

What the stick is used for

Many horse people use the carrot stick in desensitising work. You stroke it over your horse's body and legs to show that being touched is nothing to worry about. In leading exercises and on the circle, the stick indicates direction or creates space when your horse comes too close. It is also helpful for lateral work in hand. A string on the end makes your movements more visible and gives you extra reach.

Working calmly and fairly

A carrot stick is only as good as your timing. Use it with small signals and only increase the pressure if your horse does not respond. As soon as it yields, lower the stick straight away. Many horses need to get to know the stick first, so let your horse look at it and sniff it. It is a communication tool and never a means of punishment.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a carrot stick and a whip?
A carrot stick is stiffer and usually shorter than a lunge whip. It barely flexes, which makes it well suited to calm pointing and touching. A riding whip is more flexible and is mostly used as a driving aid when riding.

My horse is scared of the stick. What should I do?
Start by holding the stick still and let your horse sniff it. Then stroke it gently over the shoulder and neck before moving on to the legs. With lots of short, positive repetitions the stick usually loses its scariness quickly.

Do I need the string on the carrot stick?
For close work the stick alone is enough. The string is useful when you move your horse at a distance or want a signal to be visible from further away. That is why many riders use both.