Rollerball spurs for a junior rider

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Spangles

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Suggestions for the best rollerball spurs for a junior rider please ? Rubber or stainless steel ? Rider has a secure lower leg and instructor has suggested they will help back up leg aids. They will only be worn for competition. I have never been keen on spurs as always thought in the wrongs hands (or legs) they are not nice for the horse to be jabbed with. However, I have been told the Stubben Soft Touch Spurs have a faster rotation of the wheel which encourages a better and softer leg aid. Reputed to be "more gentle and more effective" .

Thoughts please ? Rubber or Stainless Steel ? 20mm or 35mm neck for a Junior rider ? Help :-)

5
 
12yo, riding for 6 years, jumping up to 90cm in schooling, 85cm comps. Professional yard and instruction. Pony has jumped BSJA but junior not used them before and worried she'll hurt the pony.
 
No informed opinion to offer on the best rollerball, but it seems a bit strange to only use them in competition. I wouldn't want to be competing using anything that I wasn't regularly practicing with at home. There are enough variables to contend with our competing without throwing in a new aid for rider and pony.

No problem with Spurs if used correctly but the soft touch will be more gentle than other Spurs, not more gentle than the same pressure of leg aid without the spur. Certainly it is still very possible to jab with them if used incorrectly as with any other spur.
 
Spangles said:
12yo, riding for 6 years, jumping up to 90cm in schooling, 85cm comps. Professional yard and instruction. Pony has jumped BSJA but junior not used them before and worried she'll hurt the pony.
Click to expand...

What is the issue with leg aids?
I would not use them for a Junior rider jumping at that level, I too am confisedwhy would they only be us ed for competition?
What problems is the rider having with the pony?
 
Sorry, should have expanded. Not just for comp, but schooling too. Child won't be wearing them for hacking or leisure/ fun riding and will be shown how to use them correctly ie to back up a leg aid only if needed. I know the heel has to be very secure when using spurs (I have witnessed too many Junior riders who think they are showjumpers booting and jabbing to speed up their ponies). Child is a mature and neat rider, not flappy legged, is a kind, gentle & sympathetic rider. Pony can be a little bit dead to the leg at times and instructor feels a little help backing up leg aids will improve response. I cannot abide seeing junior riders whipping their ponies, nagging and booting so a compromise is to try the rollerball spurs. The intention is not to make the pony faster or whizzier I hasten to add :-)

We have a very qualified instructor, incorporate lots of interesting exercise and transitions into the work so it's not a case of laziness or inexperience in trying the spurs. Hope that paints a clearer picture of why .. I don't want to get into the 'fors' and 'againsts' Juniors using spurs, that's a whole different thread. But I appreciate everyone has their own opinions.
 
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