Dummy spurs???

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its_noodles

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I just come across some dummy spurs. What's the point? My instructor says I can start using spurs, but I kind of worried about hurting the horse. Should I get some dummy spurs first???
Please advise...
 
Dummy spurs are usually used when spurs are the correct dress code but not really needed. For example racehorse and hunter show classes the correct turnout is long boots and spurs horse may not need or like spurs so you could use them then.
If your instructor is saying you need spurs dummy ones would be pointless tbh.
If your really worried about hurting the horse you could get rubber roller ball ones, but used correctly spurs won't hurt a horse.
 
Spurs are considered correct and required turnout in certain disciplines. Side saddle is a good example (on the stirrup foot). Dummy spurs complete the correct turnout without being a potential issue with the horse if he/she is sensitive.

If your instructor feels you are able to and wants you to use spurs then you will need some which have a useable section to them. I would ask the instructor why she feels spurs are the next step for you and what she would recommend, but generally a small, rounded end pair are a good first step.
 
zoelouisem said:
Dummy spurs are usually used when spurs are the correct dress code but not really needed. For example racehorse and hunter show classes the correct turnout is long boots and spurs horse may not need or like spurs so you could use them then.
If your instructor is saying you need spurs dummy ones would be pointless tbh.
If your really worried about hurting the horse you could get rubber roller ball ones, but used correctly spurs won't hurt a horse.
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OK. thanks. I guess Dummy Spurs would be pointless for me. Should I go for a shorter one like 15mm rather than 20mm? Do spurs have sizes or just one size fits all? Thanks again.
 
Agree with above poster, some classes require spurs to be worn, riding horse, hack, ridden hunter, working hunter and some breed classes. If the horse does not require spurs then dummies can be worn to be correct, but not cause any problems.
 
its_noodles said:
I just come across some dummy spurs. What's the point? My instructor says I can start using spurs, but I kind of worried about hurting the horse. Should I get some dummy spurs first???
Please advise...
Click to expand...

I would be wondering in what context your instructor has said use spurs - and then why she thinks you need to practice with 'dummy' ones (whatever they are - humane ones perhaps? Again if there is such a thing - because surely spurs are spurs?)

Personally I use spurs when I think I might want my horse to move a bit quicker, be more repsonsive - therefore I nearly always wear spurs when hunting (irrespective of whether the horse is forward going or not, young or old) I do not apply them until we are in a tight spot - where suddenly we need to move forwards quickly, and one firm aid with the spur applied gets the animal moving from 0-60.....to avoid an accident, be braver approaching a fence or whatever. Spurs, like all artificial aids (which includes the whip, martingales, some bits et al) need to be used with experience and knowledge - and not as a short-cut to schooling (a direct quote from the PC manual circa 1966 - but possibly still true today!)
 
dressedkez said:
I would be wondering in what context your instructor has said use spurs - and then why she thinks you need to practice with 'dummy' ones (whatever they are - humane ones perhaps? Again if there is such a thing - because surely spurs are spurs?)
Click to expand...

Sorry for the confusion. My instructor just says I need to use spurs for some horses and she lent me hers. She didn't say I need to practice on dummy spurs. I came across dummy spurs on the web so I thought dummy spurs are something I can practise on. It turns out dummy spurs are for dress code only. I think I will go get some proper spurs. Thanks for all your help...
 
Personally I'd go for a longer shank with a ball end to avoid having to turn your foot outwards to use them effectively but still keeping it 'mild'
 
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