I should add that I've avoided all whip usage (except the lunge whip) since I got him, because he appears to have an adverse reaction to riding crops and dressage whips. He's definitely had the crap beaten out of him at some point in his life. He does handle the lunge whip fine now, and my trainer/BO says she's been carrying a crop when she rides him, just to get him used to the idea. Gawd knows, he needs no help with the concept of "forward"...life for him is all about GOING. NOW. GOGOGOGOGOGO!

image

Speaking of going, I'll be going out to the barn a little later; I'll have a try with a crop as y'all described and see what happens. Maybe he'll park, maybe he'll stare at me in amused indifference, maybe he'll trot off backwards. Ya just never know with him. I'll post results.

Thanks, all!