Kids in spurs?!

Lintel

Lintel

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It seems to be more and more recently I have seen young children wearing spurs- now I have nothing against spurs as I use them myself and when used correctly can be a useful aid, and fair is fair that if a child is competent enough I do suppose they are a useful aid for them also.
But really... Kids with little balance or even the concept of keeping there leg remotely still? It pains me to see the constantly dig dig kick dig kick kick!
Is it just me? Are instructors advocating this?
 
I agree totally, have a young very novice child riding a pony at my livery yard, always wearing spurs, makes me cringe!
 
I know someone (under 16) who wears spurs.. she was advise by instructor to have a big whip and spurs on a certain horse. Wasn't needed and her leg isn't very stable.. I was cringing but it wasn't my place to say anything.
 
I have just yesterday seen a 15 yo who was jumping and galloping bareback in a halter with no hat and Spurs on a 5yo pony she has broke herself. Whislt I admire her courage I am cringing even thinking about it. Her foot was in no way pointing forwards and I suspect she stayed on a lot because of the Spurs digging in!
 
Very few (if any) children have a sufficiently stable lower leg to make spurs acceptable imo also they will not develop the 'legs' they need if they use spurs before they develop their seat.
 
When I was 13, my instructor made a big deal out of my having achieved a stable enough lower leg to be allowed to use spurs on a specific horse, under specific circumstances...it was supposed to be an honour, and I really perceived it as that. I certainly won't wear spurs now, until I'm certain I can control exactly where they're pointing and what they are doing!
 
Yes!!! I am horrified every time I see a child or a photo of a child in spurs. Children using double bridles also irks me. These kids should not be using such tools on ponies!!! I don't care how great of a rider they are. These should be reserved for riders who fully understand what they are and know the right time to use them. That being said, there are also far too many adult riders with spurs and their feet at a 45 degree angle to the horse... I think they should require a prescription to purchase!

Poor ponies. I wish we could go back to the days of kids on bush ponies that we had to actually learn to ride with only basic tack! Funnily enough in my pony club days it was rare to see a pony refuse a jump... I went to watch a pony club event last year and almost no horses went clear! What is going on with young riders these days?!
 
Tbh it's nothing to do with age for me irks me if its a kid or an adult with a weak lower leg ... See just as many adults in this category as kids.
 
blitznbobs said:
Tbh it's nothing to do with age for me irks me if its a kid or an adult with a weak lower leg ... See just as many adults in this category as kids.
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I am with you on this . My daughter started wearing spurs at 14 on one particular pony . She had a lovely independant seat , doesnt need them now and doesnt see them as a fashion item .
Regularly see the "all the gear ,no idea" people of all ages at the local shows .
 
I found when I use to teach a lot of young girls did as they thought it made them look fashionable, they sadly got a short sharp shock when they came into my class as all horses well trained and forward so I banned any whips and spurs.
I was teaching beginner / novice classes so absolutely no requirement for them but many of these girls through a strop when told no to whips and spurs and it was like hair and make up to them it was all part of their fashion statement!
 
I think I must have been living under a rock as I've never seen any. Can't quite get my head around it :-(
 
UK PC have the right idea in that Spurs may only be worn by a rider who has passed B cert. wish it were the case here.

I examined D level recently and a little rider about 9 was wearing offset Spurs, so pony was getting a dig with every step.

Hawks27, when I had my riding school, all the children carried whips, were taught how to hold them and when and where to use them. The ponies rarely ever needed a stick to be used, but the stick was there if and when it was needed. My ponies were awesome, free moving and obedient. Kids learnt to sit correctly and apply the aids correctly and so became better more effective riders.

I feel it's better to teach riders how and when to use a whip correctly. I hate seeing riders with a short whip reach behind their leg with the whip whilst still holding on to the rein.

Spurs I don't tolerate in class, they come off. They are a refinement not a necessity .
 
Hawks27 said:
I found when I use to teach a lot of young girls did as they thought it made them look fashionable, they sadly got a short sharp shock when they came into my class as all horses well trained and forward so I banned any whips and spurs.
I was teaching beginner / novice classes so absolutely no requirement for them but many of these girls through a strop when told no to whips and spurs and it was like hair and make up to them it was all part of their fashion statement!
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That's my total fear- is it really becoming "fashionable" now? Along with double bridles and diamonte riding boots!
 
B&J said:
I think I must have been living under a rock as I've never seen any. Can't quite get my head around it :-(
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I think I'd quite like to come under that rock with you!
blintznbobs I totally agree on that in general there's nothing worse than watching ill used spurs on anyone!
 
I suppose it depends on what you mean by "kids"

My YMs son, who is only just 14, wears spurs when riding his horses. But he is also eventing to 1m/1m10 and the dressage elements require the refinement that spurs give. He has a fantastic seat, and only uses the spur when needed.

OTOH, I'm almost 40, and still don't consider my legs good enough to go anywhere near a spur!
 
Tnavas said:
UK PC have the right idea in that Spurs may only be worn by a rider who has passed B cert. wish it were the case here.

I examined D level recently and a little rider about 9 was wearing offset Spurs, so pony was getting a dig with every step.

Hawks27, when I had my riding school, all the children carried whips, were taught how to hold them and when and where to use them. The ponies rarely ever needed a stick to be used, but the stick was there if and when it was needed. My ponies were awesome, free moving and obedient. Kids learnt to sit correctly and apply the aids correctly and so became better more effective riders.

I feel it's better to teach riders how and when to use a whip correctly. I hate seeing riders with a short whip reach behind their leg with the whip whilst still holding on to the rein.

Spurs I don't tolerate in class, they come off. They are a refinement not a necessity .
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That's not strictly correct, PC riders may use spurs with B test or with written permission from the DC. It's interesting seeing parents trying to persuade the DC that their little darling needs spurs.


I'm with you on teaching correct use of the whip early in conjunction with correct aids as this business of riders nag nag nagging and wondering why their horses are unresponsive really annoys me.
 
I was stewarding at a local SJ competition a few weeks ago. I was on the board taking numbers so didn't see a lot of the competition, but I was helping to put the jumps up for the next round while the ribbons were being presented for the class just finished. One of the ponies had blood on his sides where the child rider had been using spurs. If I'd been on the gate and had seen it as the child came out from her round I would have reported it to the judges, but unfortunately it was too late by then. I was very shocked. If they really have to wear spurs (and I agree with everything that's been said above, including not trusting my own leg stability enough to use them even if I needed them) what's wrong with the roller ball type?
 
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