As a matter of interest, here's a short history of whips in Australian harness racing

1800s: Whips first used for trotting races
1970s: Cane whip replaced with fiberglass inside a plaited nylon cover
1990s: Whip length reduced
2010: Rules changed, drivers only allowed to use elbow and wrist action
2016: Drivers must have one rein in each hand at all times
Sep 2017: Australia to become the first country to voluntarily ban whips