Cow Whips or “Florida Cow Whips” originated in Florida and have been used for working and herding cattle for centuries. To this day, the traditions and cowboy culture of the Florida “cracker” are alive and well. 

Cow Whips have a detachable wooden handle, are generally heavy, and often long for use on horseback. They are perfect for anyone looking for an affordable whip that is loud and pays homage to the ways of old.

The Stock Whip design comes from Australia and are used on horseback and on foot for herding and moving livestock. The whip culture is much more lively in Australia, which the majority of stockman familiar with whips and their uses.

Stock whips are typically shorter (4-7 feet), lighter, and quicker. The whip is attached to the handle via “keepers” and has a faster “action”, utilizing less leverage than other designs like the bullwhip that is one continuous piece. 

The lighter and shorter the whip, the quicker it moves. This is known as the action. Stock whips crack easily and are preferred by performers for tricks and routines due to their mobility. 

This is probably the second most common question I get, right after “Which whip is best for me?”. The answer is: it depends!

• Cow Whips
  • For recreation/first whip: 6 foot
  • For working cattle on horse and foot: 8 foot
  • For working cattle solely on horseback: 10-14 foot
• Stock Whips
  • For kids: 4 foot
  • For recreation performing: 5 foot
  • For working on foot 5-6 foot
  • For horseback: 6-7 foot
• Bullwhips
  • For targeting: 6-8 foot
  • For beginner: 8 foot
  • For wrapping and loudness: 10 foot

This is a tricky question because it depends on what you are doing with your whip. It also greatly depends on preference. Personally, I use all the whips for various purposes, and once you get a feel for them you will want to experiment. 

For a first time whip I recommend a 6 foot cow whip. They are the most affordable and strike a balance between mobility, work, and recreation.

For learning tricks and routines I recommend a 5 foot stock whip or performance hybrid. The performance hybrid will have a bit stiffer of a transition and flow slightly less “free”

For target work, 6 foot bullwhips are fast and accurate. However, they are quite short because bullwhips include the handle in the overall whip measurement.

Generally speaking, the longer and heavier the whip, the louder it will be. For noise alone, I would recommend a 10-12′ cow whip or bullwhip. Bullwhips have a more severe taper, but the cow whip is heavier and really utilizes its mass.

Remember, the longer your whip, the less mobility you will have and the less variety of cracks/tricks you can do.

Each style of whip has a purpose and some cultural significance. Different countries have developed different styles of whips over the centuries to move and work livestock. The whips I offer are the most popular around the world, but make up just a fraction of what is out there.

Cow whips were designed in Florida for working cattle in the marshes and swamp. They are heavy and loud.

Stock Whips come from Australia and are more compact for work on foot and in the trees while on horseback. They are fast and smooth.

Bullwhips have origins in several countries that I know of and have become an icon for what a “whip” is. Indiana Jones popularized this whip significantly. They utilize leverage and are accurate and loud.

Performance hybrid whips are a combination of cow whip and stock whip, using a cpvc pipe handle for flex and mobility. These are quick and easy to crack, often used by performers and new whip crackers alike.

When I originally began making whips, it was because we used them on the ranch for moving cattle. I slowly began experimenting and making them for others, eventually it turned into a business.

You will find that in the majority of the United States, whips are not nearly as common in the cowboy/livestock industry as they are in Florida. Here, they are used as a tool and seen as an essential.

Of all my whips, my cow whips are built the most durable, but I keep them the most affordable because folks need them for work, not recreation. 

You can find cheaper whips on the market but I charge what I have to to make it worth my time. Every whip is handmade and has attention to detail in every step of the process.

There are many great whipmakers in the world, but my cow whips will stand the test of time. I guarantee my work. If you experience an issue with your whip due to my craftsmanship, I will make it right!