- A quirt is a sort of riding crop originally used by cowboys for driving cattle. It is not well balanced to deliver blows, nor is it intended for that purpose. It was designed to be used to make a cracking noise which cattle recognize. In a more recent version, a smaller quirt is today often carried by dog trainers. It is rarely used to strike a dog; rather it is a symbol of authority.
- As AdriananAurora recognizes above, the value of a quirt as a man's symbol of authority is not lost on women.
- A genuine quirt has two tails. Today's version is better balanced than the original. It should only be used by the skilled Dom.