The riding crop is a short aid, used intermittently, generally to briefly reinforce a leg aid. Its compact shape and reduced length often require a slight movement of the arm or wrist to intervene. The dressage whip, longer and thinner, is designed to act as an extension of the rider's arm. Its length allows for supporting the aids without altering the position, intervening more discreetly and precisely, particularly on the horse's hindquarters or flank. The difference between the two therefore lies in both their use and their shape, size, and the manner in which the aid is transmitted.

No. Dressage whips are specifically designed for use while mounted.

No. They are optional and should always be used with discretion.