How useful are spurs for riding?
Spurs are a small aid with a big effect. They can refine the rider’s leg aid and improve the communicative connection between horse and rider. The other side of the coin, however, looks bleak: Because spurs can cause injuries to the horse if used improperly, depending on the type of spur and the pressure applied. Spurs therefore only belong on the legs of experienced riders with a steady leg.
What do spurs do and how are they used correctly?
Spurs serve to refine the leg aid. They do not have a driving effect. The punctual touch causes a reflex that contracts the abdominal muscles. Spurs used on one side cause the hind leg to step forward more on the corresponding side. Here, the timing determines the success: Touch the horse with the spurs at the moment when the respective hind leg is in the air.
Spurs used on both sides cause the horse’s abdominal muscles to contract completely. This causes the back to arch up and the pelvis to tilt. Thus spurs, if used correctly, can effectively support collection. However, this is an effort for the horse, which is why you should only gradually introduce the horse to the use of spurs on both sides. Especially since collection is the crowning achievement in training.
Both the dosage and the timing are crucial when using spurs. To prevent the horse from becoming dull, the signals must always be given consciously and impulsively. To achieve this, the spurs should always be worn parallel to the horse. This way you prevent the spur from pricking the horse’s belly uncontrollably. If you want to use the spur, turn the tip of the foot outwards and pull the heel up slightly as needed. Only give as much pressure or touch the horse as much as it shows a desired reaction. The dosage also depends on the spike length and shape. Read more about this below.
What spurs do not do!
Spurs do not cause the horse to walk faster by constantly tapping or digging around in the horse’s belly. By touching the spur and consequently contracting the abdominal muscles, the horse is not able to increase its speed. On the contrary, it slows down. The horse becomes dulled by constant touching, until at some point it no longer reacts to the spurs, which is why the rider thinks he has to use the spurs even more intensively – a vicious circle. Or the horse tries to run away from the permanent pain, which is also not the aim of the application.
Which spurs are the right ones for me?
There are many different models on the market, with distinctive differences not only between Western spurs and English spurs, but also within the equestrian discipline.
Western riders usually wear Western boots, which differ from English riding boots in the width of the heel, which is why there are separate Western spurs and straps for Western riders. These usually have wheels or stars that make the typical clanking sound when walking. The wheels are rolled on the horse, which is why they seem less sharp. The thicker the wheel, the softer its effect. But here too, horses are individual! Some horses react more sensitively to rowelled spurs, while others react more sensitively to spurs with a firm bobble end.
Be careful with rowelled spurs!
Even though the rider can use the spurs more gently by rolling them, they can still have a very sharp effect and even leave injuries on the horse’s skin. Therefore, before every ride, check that the wheel can be moved and turned freely and is not jammed by dirt particles.
Riding boots or Jodhpurs for English riding have a narrower cut, to which spurs are adapted. Spurs with a fixed spike in different lengths and shapes are usually used for this purpose. The narrower and more angular the end, the sharper its effect. However, there are also spurs with rounded ends, wheels or serrated wheels.
The standard lengths of spikes are 15 mm, 25 mm and 35 mm, but there are also longer or shorter spikes.
We have compiled different types of spurs for you, which are suitable for different riders and horses:
- Beginners‘ spurs: bobble or short spurs, spurs with horizontal wheel
- Large riders: swan neck spurs
- Sensitive, delicate horses: bobble or short spurs, spurs with wide wheel
- Insensitive to lazy horses: rowel spurs
- Small horses: swan neck spurs