“The falls on a quirt are made of leather, usually cow hide. The core of the quirt can be a leather bag filled with lead shot; the main part including the handle is often made from braided rawhide, leather, or kangaroo hide and is usually somewhat stiff but flexible.”

Originally, a quirt was used to help motivate a horse to move. However, because of the slower action, it’s main motivator was in the snapping sound made by the two falls. If using a quirt, this is still a motivator, especially if the submissive is 

blindfolded. Nothing quite startles like the snapping of leather! Nonetheless, the kiss of the leather on flesh will certainly leave a mark. But, use with caution. Because of the longer, more solid handle, you are more at risk of that striking your submissive that with a traditional whip or flogger. The handle is HARD and will certainly leave a nasty mark which you may not have intended. Therefore, don’t be fooled by the shorter falls. A quirt can certainly leave it’s mark.