Aids in horse training – how useful are whips, crops and spurs?
They are part of the typical equestrian image in many arenas: whips and spurs. Even many novice riders reach for these aids early in their riding career because they see them in use with experienced riders at all times. The question of whether whips and spurs are necessary at all often seems to be answered from the outset without a closer look. In this guide, we would like to question whether every rider really needs whips and spurs, what the actual purpose of these aids are and when they can make sense.
Why are spurs and whips used in horse training?
Spurs and whips are used by both experienced riders and novice riders alike. In some cases, no distinction is made between the horse’s level of training or the discipline ridden. But what should these aids actually be used for? And what effect do they have?
Spurs are used to apply the leg aid in a more nuanced way; more precise, which the calf or heel cannot achieve. The short impulse from a spur shortens the horse’s abdominal muscles, which in turn causes the back muscles to arch and eventually the pelvis to tilt. Spurs can be a useful aid in training horses towards collection.
The prerequisite for the sensible use of spurs is a relaxed seat of the rider, independent of the hand, with the ability to use one’s own body tension in such a way that this can be transferred to the horse as a weight aid. Weight and leg aids must therefore be mastered and used in a controlled manner by the rider before resorting to spurs for finesse.
Spurs help to refine the aids of the thighs and to make them more selective. Under no circumstances are they used to drive the horse forward. Inappropriate use can have a destructive effect, as a result of which the horse becomes dull, cramped and unwilling. A graceful horse that enjoys working is not achieved with this.
The use of whips is similar. Whips serve as a means of communication to support the understanding between horse and rider. Briefly touching the whip to various parts of the horse’s body triggers a reflex in the horse that is comparable to the skin twitching when flies are shooed away. The muscles contract and a change in movement patterns is achieved. For example, the horse is encouraged to step down more when the whip is applied to the hindquarters.
Caution!
Neither whips nor spurs are there to teach the horse a lesson by force. Although they are small aids, they nevertheless have a great effect. Only those who have a sufficiently balanced seat and steady hands and can sufficiently control their body tension can use spurs and whips as tools to refine communication.
When does it make sense to use spurs and whips?
Breaking in young horses
Breaking in young horses is a very sensitive imprinting phase that allows only little tolerance for mistakes. The choice of equipment must be chosen carefully when breaking in young horses. The main focus is not only on getting the horse used to the equipment but also on familiarising it with the voice, leg and weight aids. Spurs are therefore absolutely not used with young horses, as the actual purpose of spurs is to refine controlled leg aids that are already working. However, if you try to drive a young horse forward with spurs, you will train a horse that sooner or later will no longer accept the simple leg aid and will therefore not walk without spurs at some point.
Whips, on the other hand, can be a useful support in training young horses, provided they are used to the touch of the whip and do not react in a spooky way. The horse can be touched with a whip at the right moment, i.e. tapped briefly and gently to achieve forward momentum. For young horses, a shorter, stable crop that does not bob too much is more suitable so that precise aids are possible and the horse is not blunted by an uncontrollably bobbing whip.
The equipment of a broken in young horse includes:
- Cavesson
- Lungeing rein and double lungeing rein with lunge whip
- A correctly fitted saddle that can be adjusted again and again
- A bridle with a loose ring snaffle bit or a bitless bridle.
Riding experienced, trained horses
If both horse and rider are well trained, the horse is familiar with the weight and leg aids and the rider has a seat independent of the hands with the necessary body tension, the use of spurs can be considered. But here too, whips and spurs cannot and must not be counted as part of a rider’s basic equipment. Not every horse reacts in the same way to these aids. So before you reach for spurs and whips, consider whether these aids bring about an improvement in the communication between rider and horse or not.
Ground work and lungeing
Ground work is a very broad field that allows for a wide range of activities. It ranges from lungeing, long reining, horsemanship, so-called Geitner training, in-hand training, trick training and liberty training to leisurely walks, which are just as important for the horse’s training. You don’t need many tools for this, but some can be useful.
- Lunge rein or double lunge rein
- Bridle or cavesson
- Lunge whip
- Possibly auxiliary reins and lungeing roller
- Rope halter
- Lead rope
- Long whip, touchier whip or bow-topped whip
If you would like to know more about the many possibilities of ground work, read on in our detailed ground work guide.
Fair use: Where do problems lie in the use of whips and spurs?
Whips and spurs are often highly criticised in equestrian sport, as misuse can occur quickly. However, the actual problem lies less with the aids themselves and much more with the user. It is the rider who decides whether to use spurs and whips for fine communication or to cause the greatest possible harm to the horse through improper use.
For many riders, spurs and whips are part of the basic equipment without thinking about the actual purpose of the objects. Even novice riders therefore sit with at least one whip on a school pony, which itself can no longer walk without the pressure of a whip. The incorrect use of spurs and whips dulls horses, yet neither whips nor spurs can compensate for the deficiencies of an unbalanced rider. The saying „earn your spurs“ is no coincidence.
In the end, proper use depends on the dosage and the correct timing. Horses are so sensitive that they feel even a small midge on their skin and drive it away by twitching their muscles. Every rider on horseback and in dealing with the horse should keep this in mind.
Careful handling of the horse, as well as a riding style that reflects both the horse and yourself in the saddle, are the basis for proper use of whips and spurs. Ask yourself at any time whether aids significantly improve the communication between you and the horse. Perhaps you will then realise that you do not need whips and spurs at all, but that an improved rider’s seat will simply give you a responsive, relaxed horse that is happy to move and work.
How to use whips and spurs correctly, what options you have and which aids suit you and your horse, you can find out in our respective guides:
