Riding crops generally intimidate people because of the situations that you see them used: equestrian play, corporal punishment, intense interrogation scenes. But in reality, they can be played with softly or in a more aggressive way to make them stingy. Though riding crops can be used by people new to impact implements, I wouldn't exactly recommend them. This particular crop, however, is very small and easy to wield, so it works perfectly in the hands of a person new to using such tools.

Since this is a miniature crop, it's considerably shorter than the regular everyday crop you may run into in equestrian shops. When comparing it to the size of regularly-sized riding crops, it's about half a foot shorter, which is a considerable amount. It's also made to be used on humans, so it doesn't have as much whip to it as an equestrian riding crop might. However, it still has a flexible leather tip that both smacks and stings when it makes impact.

Internally, the shaft seems to be made of a flexible plastic (most likely delrin). Covering the handle portion of the shaft is a leather-like material (I cannot tell whether it's leather or not) and it's capped both at the end and where it meets the rest of the shaft with metal coverings. The metal cap on the end bears the Spartacus logo. The rest of the shaft is covered with nylon webbing, then wrapped with a sort of cord that keeps the crop tip sturdily on. The crop tip is also sewn and glued, so it should stay on even through ample use.

As far as materials go, the riding crop is not made of the highest quality leather or manufactured in the best way. The plastic inside isn't extremely flexible, and the leather used for both the tip and the handle (the handle seems questionable still) is sub-par. That being said, I do believe that it should still remain intact for a very long time, so long as it's not bent with the hands purposely with intent on breaking it.

The total length of the riding crop, tip, handle, and shaft, is no more than 21". The handle is about 7 1/2", which is a nice length for most people's hands. It's entirely black except for the metal caps, so it gives it an element of seriousness in addition to giving it a classic look.

I actually quite like this riding crop, even though it is so small in stature. It's good for short-range impact, and I really like the flexible leather tip. Most riding crops that I own aren't as flexible, which does disappoint me a bit because I actually prefer it when they're flexible (most do not, however). Of course, I would like it if the Mini Crop was longer, but due to its name, I could not expect much else.

Since it is better for closer impact, it can be used during intercourse or other situations where you may want to grab your submissive's hair or place a hand on their back. It doesn't give so much of a stingy feel as it does a slapping sensation. Though it can be stingy if used more forcefully, I would classify it as "slappy." It's just the closest thing that I could think of to describe it. The Mini Crop can leave red marks, but it will generally not bruise or leave welts if used alone. Use it with a couple of other implements and you can have a nice, bruised bottom.

To clean the riding crop, you can wipe down the leather tip with some water and pat it dry (thoroughly). Same with the nylon webbing shaft. If need be, you can always use a leather cleaner or conditioner on the tip. It's not really too hard to take care of, and it's fairly easy to store, too. I personally store my riding crop in an upright position in my vase with my other crops and canes. However, you can always tie a length of rope or string around the handle in order to hang it up.

The Mini Crop came packaged in an Edenfantasys' shipping box, but it was wrapped with plastic wrap that needed to be removed in order to play. It cannot be reused, of course, since it needs to be cut off, but there was a little tag that accompanied the riding crop. Sadly, the tag did not have any useful information other than Spartacus's company info.

All things considered, this riding crop is truly great for the price. I think that at $23, it's certainly a well-priced buy. Definitely worth the purchase if you're on the fence about riding crops.