Spurs, usually made from metal or plastic, are designed to be attached to your horse riding boots to aid in directing your horse when schooling or competing. They can be beneficial for communication, encouragement and control by providing a more precise signal. This can be particularly useful in advanced riding disciplines where subtle yet refined cues are important.
While spurs can be effective tools, they should only be used by responsible, established riders. Proper training in their use and an understanding of their effect on the horse is essential for all riders choosing to wear them.
Choosing the Right Spurs
When choosing what spurs to ride in, your horse’s well-being is the top priority. You should then consider your horse’s character, and the action you require, and also whether you plan to wear them when competing.
It is suggested that riders who are new to wearing spurs should initially ride with rounded or ball-end spurs with a short neck. Easily reactive horses usually require softer spurs such as disc rowels, while horses who lack forward impulsion are likely to benefit from round- or flat-ended styles.
The distance between the horse’s side and the rider’s leg should also be taken into consideration. Riders with shorter legs have a tendency to suit spurs with a shorter neck length, as the distance between the spur and the horse can be quickly closed with little movement. Riders with longer legs may find spurs with a longer neck more effective as they shorten the distance the rider’s leg needs to move to give an aid.
Softer spurs should be considered for horses with delicate skin and clipped hair, and they can also be beneficial during seasonal coat changes. Ones with a flattened plastic end, such as the FairRider Spurs, or ones with a wide wheel rowel like Sprenger’s Comfort Roller are particularly popular in these situations.
If you are planning on wearing a pair of spurs when competing at horse shows or events, it is essential you respect the regulations set out by the governing body. For example, the British Show Jumping Association (BSJA) has limits on the type and size of rowel that can be used in certain classes.
What Type of Spur Should You Choose?
ULTRA Fit
These Sprenger Spurs are made from high quality, break proof stainless steel. The durability of the metal allows you to bend the spurs to achieve the perfect fit.
ULTRA Fit EXTRA GRIP
Based on Sprenger’s ULTRA Fit spurs, the EXTRA GRIP feature a durable, soft rubber coating. This enhances the fit of the spurs, making them more secure on your boots, and it also provides an extra layer of protection.
BootProtect
These Sprenger Spurs feature a rubber coating on the inside, which is hidden when the spurs are fastened to your boots. This coating helps to protect your riding boots, and keeps the spurs secure during use. The BootProtect Spurs have a slim appearance and are 100% break-proof being made from stainless steel.
fairRider
Great for young horses being introduced to spurs or for sensitive horses. Sprenger’s fairRider Spurs are made from aluminium with an enlarged, smooth plastic neck. Lightweight and comfortable to wear, they are also suitable for horses going through seasonal coat changes to prevent rubbing.
Never Rust
These spurs from Sprenger have a traditional appearance, but feature a chrome plating exterior for durability and longevity.
Spurs with a Rowel or Without?
As a general guide, spurs with an angular, narrow neck end are more direct than rounded ball spurs. With rowel spurs, the thicker and rounder the wheel, the softer the effect. Serrated rowels have more impact than smooth circular wheels.
It is important to regularly clean hair and dirt from all spurs with rowels to ensure they can move freely and work as intended.
Small Round Rowel
Ideal for horses who need considerable prompting with rounded spurs. These rowels are narrower than the large round rowels and smaller in size, making them fairly punctual. The smooth edge and spinning ‘disc’ shape ensures a softer impact.
Big Round Rowel
Slightly less punctual than the small round rowels. The smooth edge and spinning ‘disc’ shape also gives these spurs a slighter degree of impact compared to 9-point rowels.
9-Point Rowel
With a large diameter and larger rounded points, these spurs have a slightly stronger effect compared to blunt-ended designs. They are often chosen for horses who have a minimal response to the leg aid and require firmer communication.
Comfort Roller
The above designs are also available as Comfort Rollers. These are the same shape as the rowels above, but much wider and therefore soft in action. Sprenger suggest them for ‘twitchy’ and leg-sensitive horses. They can be identified by their gold colouring.
Comfort Roller Super Soft
Even wider and softer than other rowels. This end has a large contact area, so there is a lot less friction on the coat, making them ideal for sensitive horses or those going through a coat change.
Sprenger’s Balkenhol Fastening
The innovative design of the Balkenhol fastening features a unique side loops with an outwardly flared centre bar. This allows you to comfortably thread a spur strap through on the inside without the risk of it pinching or slipping.
In conclusion, a set of spurs can be a valuable training aid for riders, helping them to communicate clearly to their horse and to promote precise movements. Explore everything Sprenger, including their spurs, on our website and app, or pop into our Totnes Store.
