Spur conundrum

[AnnaPK]

I have metal rolley spurs which my instructor told me to get! I however don’t like them as I feel they are too much than what my horse needs. I feel i need a little something to keep consistency through dressage tests but those seemed to piss him right off! what spurs are less harsh??

 

[Burnttoast]

By consistency do you mean your horse lacks rhythm or breaks from the pace you're supposed to be in? If so, you don't need spurs to improve those things but may need to go back to basics.

 

[AnnaPK]

By consistency do you mean your horse lacks rhythm or breaks from the pace you're supposed to be in? If so, you don't need spurs to improve those things but may need to go back to basics.

no no it’s more the consistency of my leg aid towards the end of a test! he has allways been ridden in spurs as his way of going is much nicer!

 

[LEC]

I think you are possibly over complicating it as roller balls are pretty kind. I suggest it’s your riding that needs to be more consistent to get a better result if you sr not prepared to take them off

 

[millitiger]

I'm afraid it sounds like you need to work on leg stability rather than different spurs.
If it's towards the end of a test, I assume you are getting tired and your position is slipping.

Lots of work without stirrups (without the spurs), work with EQ bands etc. and perhaps some cardio fitness and stretching off the horse too

 

[sbloom]

I was reading a post yesterday or day before on the Lockie Phillips Emotional Horsemanship FB page about how much power we have in the heel, worth a read if you can find it.

 

[AnnaPK]

I think you are possibly over complicating it as roller balls are pretty kind. I suggest it’s your riding that needs to be more consistent to get a better result if you sr not prepared to take them off

I am not unwilling to take them off! I have only used them about twice with him as I feel he dosent like them!

 

[silv]

Take them off if you are not happy, but used properly they are not harsh, you roll them on his sides rather than poke with them, if you get my meaning.

 

[AnnaPK]

I'm afraid it sounds like you need to work on leg stability rather than different spurs.
If it's towards the end of a test, I assume you are getting tired and your position is slipping.

Lots of work without stirrups (without the spurs), work with EQ bands etc. and perhaps some cardio fitness and stretching off the horse too

I do riding specific cardio - my horse cannot be ridden without stirrups unfortunately!! many have tried and failed!! he is like a trampoline!!!! I have only ridden him in spurs about twice before deciding he didn’t like them! they seem to tickle him more than anything!

 

[AnnaPK]

Take them off if you are not happy, but used properly they are not harsh, you roll them on his sides rather than poke with them, if you get my meaning.

yes definitely! I haven’t used them since! I feel they tickle him and irritate him more than anything