Object

Picard's Riding Crop (Holodeck English Tack)

A short, handheld riding crop presented as part of English tack for a Holodeck Arabian mount. Its form reads as a stiff, narrow shaft terminating in a small striking tip; characters carry it as practical riding equipment rather than a weapon. Picard bears the crop toward the Holodeck with quiet deliberation, the object physicalizing his need for manual control and intimate contact with the horse.

5 appearances

Purpose

To serve as a riding aid for mounted control and communication with a horse (a tool for cueing, steering, and reinforcing commands while riding).

Significance

Acts as a ritual token of agency and tactile connection: the crop anchors Picard's insistence on manual control, humanizes his longing for closeness, and prepares the emotional groundwork for his bond with the Holodeck horse.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

5 moments

S2E15 · Pen Pals

Picard's Private Mount: Solitude, Control, and a Quiet Invitation

A riding crop is listed among Picard's gear, symbolizing his desire for traditional control techniques; it functions as a prop that frames his approach to the horse as disciplined rather than sentimental.

Before: Carried by Picard as part of his riding kit.

After: Brought into the Holodeck with him; remains available as part of his equipment.

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S2E15 · Pen Pals

Picard's Horse — A Quiet Ritual of Agency

The riding crop (whip) is carried as part of traditional English tack, functioning as a prop that reinforces Picard's seriousness about controlling the mount in a conventional, tactile manner.

Before: Carried by Picard with other tack-related accoutrements.

After: Remains in Picard's possession as he enters the holodeck glade.

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S2E15 · Pen Pals

Confession in the Meadow: Data's Forbidden Contact

Picard's riding crop taps against his boot in a light, rhythmic tattoo during the latter portion of the conversation—an externalized nervousness and containment of emotion as he listens and evaluates Data's disclosure.

Before: Held by Picard while mounted on the holodeck horse, used as standard tack.

After: Remains in Picard's hand while he dismounts and speaks; visually underscores his internal agitation but is otherwise physically unchanged.

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S2E15 · Pen Pals

The Whisper That Forces a Choice

The riding crop is a subtle behavioral prop: Picard taps it lightly against his boot during the conversation, the small percussion marking his growing agitation and impatience while preserving outward decorum. It externalizes inner tension without violent intent.

Before: In Picard's possession as part of his holodeck riding kit, carried while he rides.

After: Still in Picard's hand, used to beat a light tattoo against his boot during the exchange; not discarded.

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S2E15 · Pen Pals

Lonely Signal, Impossible Choice

The riding crop is used not as a weapon but as an externalized metronome of Picard's inner agitation — tapping a light tattoo on his boot while he listens and evaluates Data's confession, signaling restraint and contained frustration.

Before: Held by Picard in his hand while he rides; in active, casual use.

After: Remains in Picard's possession as he leads the mare and maintains composure; not put away.

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