As I browsed the aisles of the large pet store and picked up a riding crop, an enthusiastic sales assistant appeared. He started talking about horses, and I didnβt have the heart to tell him I had no interest in the equine world.
My Dominant would be using this riding crop to beat my ass.
If youβve not tried riding crops yet, I highly recommend it, and today, Iβm going to give you the lowdown on how to use a riding crop. I will provide practical advice, step-by-step techniques, and creative scenarios to try.
Saddle up, itβs time to rideβ¦
How to choose the right riding crop
Traditionally used to get horses moving, the riding crop is also a great tool for BDSM impact play.
If youβre in the market to buy one, youβll find theyβre not all the same. Riding crops vary in length and flexibility and have different size tips (also known as keepers).
The keeper flicks the skin, and for a little tip, it can cause a lot of pain. Smaller keepers tend to cause more pain as they strike a smaller surface skin area. Larger tips have less of a sting as they strike a larger skin area, so the pain disperses across a wider area.
As well as different sizes, keepers also come in various materials and textures.
Some are thick and rigid, while others are flexible and soft. A malleable tip moves more, so when you swing the crop, the tip gains motion and delivers a sharp sting. Riding crops with stiff tips donβt bend and wonβt gain momentum when you swing, therefore, the keepers donβt hurt quite as much.
The length of the riding crop also plays a part. Some are on the short side at around 9 inches. Personally, 9 inches seems fine to me; after all, it's above averageβ¦
Oh wait, Iβm confusing cocks with crops! Short crops are easier to transport and hide in your bedroom drawer, so thatβs a bonus, but you might prefer a longer tool.
Long riding crops give you more capacity to swing and hit, but they can be more difficult to handle. If youβre new to using a crop, start with a shorter version to get used to it.
Play it safe with a riding crop
All BDSM activities carry a level of risk, and using a riding crop is no exception.
Youβll need to discuss the planned scenario with your partner before wielding your implement. This involves talking about what you would both like to get out of the play and identifying your limits and boundaries.
Read: Erotic spanking: How to properly spank your partner?
You should also choose a safe word or safe signal to make sure the play is safe and controlled.
Basic riding crop techniques for beginners
Once youβve found the perfect crop, youβll want to get going, but youβll need to practise your riding crop technique before you strike.
How to hold a riding crop and maintain control
Some crops come with a wrist strap at the base of the handle. If your crop has one, make sure the strap goes around your wrist, and then grasp the shaft.
Get a feel for the riding crop by picking it up and wafting it around in the air. Swing it back and forth and up and down so you can get used to the weight.
You can give yourself a couple of trial swats on your leg to see how the riding crop feels and check that your hand positioning is comfy.
Targeting safe areas
Not all areas of the body are ripe for a cropping.
Stick to the fleshier and more muscular areas such as the thighs, upper back, shoulders and ass cheeks for safe play. When it comes to impact, there are particular body areas to stay away from, including the head, neck, and joints.
Some areas are less fleshy than others, and you should never whack the spine or lower back β hitting the kidneys can be dangerous.
Building sensations and intensity
Donβt get carried away with the crop; it might be exciting to pick up your new toy and start playing, but it pays to build up sensations and intensity.
Start with light taps on fleshy areas. Your partner can keep their clothes on if you prefer; this will reduce the level of impact and give you both a chance to get used to the power of the crop.
Advanced riding crop techniques for intense play
Once youβve got the hang of basic cropping, you can up the stakes by teasing and tormenting your partner with more advanced play.
Varying speed, pace, and intensity
Always warm up the skin with a few slaps and light taps, and then try varying the pace and severity of the strikes to heighten sensations.
Tapping different areas of the body can keep the sub on their toes. I get aroused when my Dom lightly taps my naked tits and then randomly strikes my ass with a powerful hit before returning his attention to my breasts.
Combining the riding crop with other BDSM fun
Add to the intensity of the cropping session by combining the riding crop with other BDSM tools.
Read: How to use sex restraints: list, how-to, scenarios
Restrain your sub with bondage rope or handcuffs and watch as they squirm under your firm hand. Sensory play can add to pleasure, too. I love it when my Dom puts bondage masks and hoods over my head or a bondage blindfold over my eyes. I canβt see whatβs coming, but I can hear the swish of the riding crop as it whooshes toward my naked skin.
Creative riding crop scenarios for BDSM fun
Riding crops can be used in all manner of BDSM scenarios, such as to enhance a D/s (Dominant/submissive) dynamic, to provide punishment (or reward), or during role-play.
Power play
I share a D/s dynamic with my partner and have done so for quite some time. Impact play forms a big part of our relationship, and he keeps me in line with maintenance spankings and the threat of a cropping.
Iβm often required to fetch the crop for my Sir, and when I do that, I crawl to our toy box and collect the implement before placing it between my teeth and crawling back.
Iβm forced to kneel and wait until my Sir is ready for me, and then he motions for me to bend over the straight-backed dining chair he has pulled out from the table.
I listen as he reminds me that, as his submissive, I need to obey and that the cropping Iβm about to receive is very much needed. He warms me up with a hand spanking before delivering six stinging strikes to my rump.
Reward and punishment
The riding crop can also be used as a means of reward and punishment, either as part of a D/s dynamic or a fun BDSM scene.
Having the sub hold the crop above their head while you read the riot act for their bad behavior can build anticipation as they await their fate.
The crop can also be used to reward as well as to punish, and itβs not all about inflicting pain. Reward your sub for their good behavior by having them kiss the crop tenderly and then rub it against their genitals.
As they become more aroused, take the crop from them and rub it between their ass cheeks until they are desperate for sex. If youβre feeling kind, you can fuck them, if not use the crop to deliver six stinging strikes and make sure they say thank you for your efforts.
Role play
With so many role-play scenarios to choose from, itβs hard to know where to start. The crop can be an implement of pleasure and pain; use it to tease or torture, and your sub is likely to squeal for more.
The obvious role play scenario to jump out is pet play, and more specifically, horsey play. Put a saddle on your sub, a bit in their mouth, and take them for a canter.
You can lead them around the room and use the riding crop to encourage them to speed up if they get complacent.
Other role play ideas include Master/Mistress and servant. This one plays out well if you have regal attire for the Master/Mistress.
The Dominant takes the lead, ordering their servant to fetch and carry, clean and serve. The riding crop serves as a useful tool to motivate. The Master/Mistress can tap the riding crop against the thigh impatiently to focus the sub and take a swipe when they are not following instructions correctly.
Pick up a riding crop and horse around with your lover
Hopefully, youβll now have a good idea of how to use riding crops.
The key is to have fun with your toy and your partner while playing safe. You can horse around with your crop, setting up scenarios, or incorporate the riding crop into your D/s dynamic.
Frequently asked questions about using a riding crop
Whatβs the proper way to use a riding crop?
Treat a riding crop like a precision tool, not a blunt instrument: ask with your leg or seat first and only follow up with a single, quick tap if thereβs no response. Aim just behind the leg or on fleshy areas such as the thighs or buttocks, stop the instant your partner responds, and use immediate release as the reward. When not in use, rest the crop against your outer thigh so it doesnβt spook or feel threatening.
How do I pick the right crop for bedroom play?
Match the crop to your experience and desired vibe: keeper size affects sting (small tips = sharper, larger tips = milder), flexibility influences momentum and bite (flexible tips = sharper sting; stiff = tamer), and length determines reach and control (short = easier to handle and discreet; long = more reach but harder to control). Try different keeper materials and textures like leather, rubber, or suede, and if youβre unsure start with a short crop and a medium keeper.
Is using a riding crop safe - where can I hit and what should I avoid?
Yes, when you play smart. Stick to fleshy, muscular areas such as the buttocks, thighs, upper back, and shoulders, and avoid the spine, lower back/kidney area, neck, head, ribs, and joints. Prep by discussing limits, agreeing on a safe word or non-verbal signal, and testing intensity on clothing or your own leg first. Warm up with light taps and never escalate from zero to maximum intensity.
How do I hold and swing a crop so I donβt lose control (or look clumsy)?
Keep it simple and confident: slide the wrist strap over your hand but donβt wrap it tight so you can drop the crop if needed, grip a few inches down from the top of the handle with a relaxed wrist, and use a flick of the wrist rather than huge arm swings for accurate, consistent taps. Practice by wafting it in the air and trying a couple of trial taps on your leg to feel the weight before striking your partner.
How do I build sensations, vary intensity, and combine a crop with other play?
Think in terms of contrast and pacing: warm up with light taps and touches, vary speed and pace by teasing with fast light taps then surprising with a deliberate heavier strike, and layer sensations by combining the crop with blindfolds, light bondage, or other sensory play like feathers or ice. Use the crop in different scene types-maintenance cropping, reward-and-punishment, or roleplay-only after clear agreement and negotiation.
Will a crop leave marks and what aftercare should I do?
A crop can cause light redness, temporary welts, or bruising depending on intensity. For aftercare, soothe with a cool compress immediately, then gently massage and apply a calming lotion or aloe once the skin has warmed; avoid applying heat to fresh bruises. Watch for severe swelling, numbness, intense pain, or signs of infection-stop play and seek medical care if those occur-and follow up emotionally with reassurance and appropriate aftercare like cuddles or conversation.