Spurs and Spur Straps

With spurs, you can strengthen and refine your leg aids. Spurs are usually made of steel / metal, and come in different lengths and types. An accessory for spurs are spur straps, which helps you attach the spurs to various riding shoes and riding boots. Here you will also find spur guards, which are advantageously used on horses that have a sensitive pelt and are easily chafed by the spurs!

Things to keep in mind when using spurs and spur straps

Spurs are there to strengthen and refine the rider's leg aids, and for a good rider it can be a great tool to clarify the aids and refine the interaction between horse and rider. However, the spurs are a sharp tool and can cause damage to the horse if the rider is inexperienced and / or can not coordinate his movements well enough. A beginner should therefore never use spurs!

Spurs are available in many different models and lengths. Usually the spurs have a rounded ball at the end, but they can also be angular or have different types of rotating balls or pulleys. In general, shorter and blunt spurs are milder and longer spurs with hard edges are sharper - completely stiff spurs are also sharper than those that can rotate. There are also spurs that are angled upwards with so-called "gooseneck", which facilitates leg aids for longer riders. Different competition disciplines have different rules for which incentives may be used - check the competition regulations regarding which spurs are allowed if you are to compete!

Accessories for the spurs are the spur straps. With them you attach the spurs around the riding boots or riding shoes. They can be in different materials, such as leather or nylon, and can also be decorated with e.g. rhinestones or rivets. Another accessory is spur guards, which is advantageously used on a horse with a sensitive pelt. The spur guard is attached to the girth and protects the horse from chafing from the spurs!