You're absolutely right! In fact, the first time we see Sherlock, he's peering at a body, which he then beats with a riding crop to test his theory regarding how long it takes welts to appear post-mortem on a relatively fresh corpse. This is where the line came from 'Let's start with the riding crop.' and that's what the fangirl is setting up to do here. Though she and Skully do look a little hesitant.

I'm finding it a challenge sometimes to make sure these two always look the same. I think that's why I tend to draw them only at certain angles.