Premium leather riding whips appeal to riders who value traditional materials, refined finishes, and a distinctive feel in the hand. While leather whips are often associated with higher prices, the real difference tends to lie in craftsmanship, balance, and the way the whip handles rather than appearance alone.
This guide looks at a selection of premium leather riding whips chosen for their build quality, materials, and rider appeal. These are not necessarily everyday schooling whips for everyone, but they are popular with riders who want something more refined, whether for competition, presentation, or personal preference.
The whips below have been selected to reflect different approaches to premium leather, from traditional plaited designs to more modern leather-finished options. Each offers a distinct feel and aesthetic, depending on whether you prioritise craftsmanship, presentation, or handling. If you don’t want to read the whole article I have listed the 6 premium leather riding whips below.
Genuine leather whips offer a range of benefits that elevate them above their synthetic or partially leather counterparts. Here’s why investing in a hand-stitched leather riding whip is a smart choice:
Durability: Genuine leather is renowned for its longevity and resilience. Properly cared for, a leather whip can last many years, withstanding the rigors of regular use without losing its integrity.
Comfort: The natural flexibility and breathability of leather make it more comfortable to handle. It conforms to your grip over time, providing a secure, personalised feel.
Aesthetic Appeal: There’s an undeniable elegance to a well-crafted leather whip. The hand-stitched detail and natural texture of leather exude sophistication, making it a prized possession for any rider.
Performance: Leather whips offer superior control and responsiveness. Their balanced weight and flexibility ensure precise communication with your horse, enhancing your riding performance.
Fleck is a name that commands respect in the world of equestrian sports. With over 150 years of experience and a commitment to innovation from the picturesque little town of Schwarzach in the Oldenwald, the “Made in Germany” label can be found on the majority of their products. Fleck’s whips are crafted with meticulous attention to detail with the emphasis on perfect balance and secure grip.
Three generations of highly skilled employees produce handmade riding and driving whips carefully crafted to cater to the needs of all equestrians. The passion for perfect workmanship and creativity is the key to maintaining the high standards.
Every whip is a testament to their craftsmanship, combining tradition with modern materials to produce superior riding tools, used by many International Drivers and Riders such as Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin, making them the number one whipmaker.
Here are our top six picks of Fleck Leather Riding Whips.
These selections focus on whips that are genuinely leather-led in both construction and feel. We’ve prioritised designs that are hand-stitched and finished in leather throughout, including the handle and shaft covering, to preserve the character of a traditional leather whip while benefiting from modern internal materials where necessary.
These whips sit at the premium end of Fleck’s range and are chosen for craftsmanship, balance, and presentation rather than price alone. Riders specifically looking for a proper leather whip will find these six options represent the best examples currently available.
This classic 80cm leather riding crop is often chosen by riders looking for a traditional, versatile option suitable for general riding, training, and leisure use. Hand-stitched black leather is wrapped over a carbon fibre shaft and handle, finished with a braided leather button cap and ferrule to provide a secure and comfortable grip.
The crop is available in black or dark brown leather for a traditional finish, with the option of seven dyed leather colours for riders who prefer a more individual look. A braided leather wrist loop and carefully finished lash complete the design.
Length 80cm RRP £94.99
The Spiral Leather Riding Crop offers an alternative take on traditional leather construction, using a spiral-wrapped leather design along the shaft and handle. This approach creates a distinctive appearance and a subtly different grip feel while retaining the qualities expected of a fully leather-finished whip.
Available in black or brown as standard, this crop can also be specified in a range of dyed leather colours, making it a popular choice for riders who want traditional craftsmanship with a more individual finish.
Length 80cm RRP £88.99
This dressage whip appeals to riders who want a traditional leather whip with a clean, uninterrupted profile. The spiral-wrapped leather construction runs the full length of the whip, with no defined handle, allowing flexible hand positioning during use.
Available with a lash and offered in lengths from 100cm to 150cm, this model can be specified in black, brown, or a wide range of dyed leather colours. It is often chosen by riders who value traditional materials combined with a refined, modern silhouette.
Length 100cm – 150cm RRP £114.99
The Fleck Braided Horse Whip is characterised by its fully braided leather construction, wrapped over a fibreglass shaft from top to bottom. The braided finish provides a distinctive feel in the hand while maintaining balance and control.
As with the leather dressage whip, there is no defined handle, allowing the rider’s hand to move naturally along the shaft as needed. Available in lengths from 100cm to 150cm, this whip is often chosen by dressage riders who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and a slightly more tactile grip.
Length 100cm – 150cm RRP £189.99
This leather riding crop is designed specifically for jumping and jump training, offering a compact 60cm length with a balanced, responsive feel. Hand-stitched leather is wrapped over a fibreglass shaft and finished with a braided leather button cap and wrist loop.
The crop features a leather flapper and is available in black or a selection of dyed leather colours. It is commonly chosen by riders who want a traditional leather jumping bat with refined finishing.
Length 60cm RRP £109.99
The Fleck Leather Jumping Whip combines traditional braided leather craftsmanship with a compact jumping bat format. Braided leather is wrapped along the full length of the fibreglass shaft, finished with a braided button cap and lash.
With no defined handle, the whip allows flexible hand positioning while maintaining a secure grip. Available in black, brown, or a range of dyed leather colours, this model is often chosen by riders seeking a luxury leather jumping whip with a strong traditional aesthetic.
Length 60cm RRP £133.99
Choosing a premium leather riding whip is largely a matter of personal preference, whether that’s traditional craftsmanship, the feel of leather in the hand, or the presentation of a beautifully finished piece of equipment. The six whips highlighted in this guide have been selected because they represent the strongest examples of Fleck’s leather range, each offering a slightly different balance of feel, design, and finish.
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, starting with a well-made leather whip that suits your riding style is rarely a mistake. Fleck’s broader range is discussed in our complete guide to horse riding whips, and also includes alternative riding crops, jumping bats, and dressage whips, allowing you to refine your choice over time as you develop a clearer sense of what you prefer.
