Artificial aids - whips / spurs

Whips and spurs are only as useful, or destructive, as the hands and heels that are utilising them. With young horses I tend to carry a whip to teach them what my leg means, having already established what the whips' taps mean on the ground. With older, more established horses I use spurs to refine the leg aids; nothing worse than kicking and thumping away with "dead" legs when a tiny nudge with a spur does the job instantly.
 
Never used spurs but nearly always have a whip with me when riding and only use it to make the horse listen to me more (sharper and quick repetition use of the whip if the horse is terribly lazy - and even then I feel horrible as a rider but sometimes it is just needed espically on certian riding school horses) or when I'm jumping for instance I just tap them on the shoulder to make sure that they are focused on the job in hand when I not 100% certain that they are listening to me. I have never used a whip in anger and full on whacked the horse though.
 
Never carry a whip, so don't use one.

I do use spurs, but they are only to refine my movement, never used with anything but the lightest touch.

I didn't start using spurs, until the horse was very receptive to my requests without spurs.

I think that like a bit, you have to earn the right to use spurs.
 
I usually carry a whip but rarely use it, it is especially useful out hacking in the event of a big sidestepping moment, usually just hold it against her shoulder to encourage her to stay on the correct side of the road when cars are approaching, and have sometimes used it if she naps a bit (quite rare) I think a tap with a whip on the behind encourages forward movement better than having to actually kick at the sides - then again I have never used spurs as wouldn't be confident I wouldn't use them wrong! I have only given her a smack once when she had tanked off and was being a tit, I did feel bad and like I had disrespected her. Somehow I think mares hold a grudge more!
 
Use a crop to back-up my legs so the horse responds to minimal leg pressure. I've never worn spurs but will wear them when my dressage work moves up sufficiently to refine leg aids as needed. I also hate seeing so many young kids in spurs: they are called for on some ponies and in some disciplines, but all too often I see them used as a lazy alternative to developing muscle and giving correct, clear leg aids!
 
Hmmm... really interesting, food for thought certainly. Gosh, he's an angry man isn't he??
 
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