Using spurs

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Wan2bEventer

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I have recently begun to ride in spurs in my flatwork lessons, because my mare is never hugely enthused by dressage (to say the least!) and I'm not allowed to carry a schooling whip at BE. I can't seem to get my mare to work in a good outline when I am wearing the spurs, even when I am not using them on her! It is as if she knows I have them on, and that is enough to p*ss her off to the point where she just baulks up at me and doesn't want to move into a contact.

Now, normally when she does this as evasion to my aids, I growl at her a bit and really kick up up to the bit; one 20m circle later she is back on the contact again.

Perhaps I am causing this because I'm wary of using the spurs on her, and therefore am not using my leg as strongly as I would normally - and this is why I can't get her in an outline! I can't seem to figure it out, and wondered if any of you had experienced similar probs or any issues when you first rode your horses in spurs?
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I'd put on some dummy spurs so you know you aren't going to do her any harm and hense you won't be tense then you can see if it is you or her who has the problem. What spurs are you wearing?
 
I have a similar problem and I use impulse spurs they are good, and I have no problems then. I use them for the same reason (no whip)
Would reccomend these as they are not as harsh as other spurs
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Yes they are the end had like a rounded bit that rolls rather than jabs the sides. My daughter uses them too as she is like a rake and hasnt strong legs but has a habit of kicking like a good un so she needs something not too strong but a little help. She says also she doesnt so much kick now more rolls her ankle and they work. Hard to explain!! I know other have used them on here.

Mark todd do a version and the are marketed on being none marking which is another good thing if you are worried about them. I bought mine off ebay
 
i wouldn't ride her in spurs, they aren't supposed to make your leg aid stronger, but to refine it - to give a very accurate precise aid.
i would work on getting her totally and securely in front of the leg, that is the key.
 
Impulse are allowed at BE.
They are better than normal spurs for my horse, because the lady that schools my horse was wearing normal spurs and managed to cut my horse with them- he has really sensitive skin!
I've been using impulse spurs and they haven't cut him yet
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