A Numpty Question About Spurs

[devilwoman]

I've never ridden in spurs - except when ridden showing my arab mare many many years ago - I don't even own a pair and havent done for years, but I notice in lots of peoples pictures/videos/pictures that they are worn for general schooling (and hacking ???) and wonder what the benefit of using spurs on a regular basis is ? thankyou.

 

[Izzwizz]

My mare was very spooky and unsure when first hacking out on our own and I wear them to re-inforce my leg, especially when traffic situations meant she had to react immediately to me. She was also inclined to be a little lazy in the school and I found they worked wonders in making her a little more forward going and not having to leg her on all the time. She tended to ignore me after a while but not any more when using spurs. Dont use them in a cruel way and my lower leg is a lot more still than it used to be.

 

[jackiesansom]

Hello!

Spurs serve a number of purposes depending on what disciplin they are being used for. In schooling spurs are generally used as a training aid to encourrage light responses from a horse. I use to ride my old TB in them because I wanted him to respond to subtle aids rather than a kick.
Longer spurs are often used by riders when the don't want to move the leg out of position to touch a horse somewhere on its side.
They are also useful to back up a response in situations such as jumping when you think your horse might stop.

As a whole they must be used carefully and by riders who have a good leg position so they don't use the spurs when not needed and constanly jab the horse in the side.

 

[bigboyrocky]

i have to admit i do school my new one in them alot, as my leg is uite weak and he is 17.2 so if just re-inforces my aids. they are non making roller spurs and are brill and he seems to go MUCH better with them. I wouldnt use them if i didnt need them though - i dont when hacking or jumping

 

[margaret_ann]

I don't see the need to wear spurs while hacking, but spurs are good for giving the horse an little extra nudge when needed during schooling. They should not be worn by anyone who does not have a steady leg, as they will irritate the horse, and also if the rider is banging them regularly against the horse's sides, they will become white noise and lose their helpful purpose.

 

[Booboos]

It depends on the horse.

I don't use spurs at all with C, he does not like them at all and curles up when you use them. I use them schooling and sometimes hacking with F if I think he might be naughty as he prefers them to no-spurs (i.e. accepts the leg more). I only use them for schooling with R because they do help create more impulsion.