Spurs or No Spurs?

Question

I know depending on the horse is alot of the answer but do you think spurs are humane?

Answer 1

Ha ha first person.

I agree with poster #2. Spurs are alright if you know how to use them. Anything can be abused in the wrong hands (or in this case, on the wrong feet)

Most horses don't really need them if you use a strong leg on them, or carry a crop. However, some horses are just lazy by nature, and respond if you wear them and use them once. Later they respond because you are wearing them, whether you use them or not.

I used to ride a horse that knew when you were or were not wearing spurs. You never had to use them on him, but he should would be a lazy couch if you didn't have them on. He'd go along lop eared, and you could kick the stew out of him and he would never get out of a pokey trot, God forbid a canter! After a few trot steps, he would drop back to a walk. But put those spurs on, and he would go along just as nice as you please, ears pricked, and alert. Go figure.

Like I've stated before, horses are a lot smarter than most people give them credit for...

Answer 2

Anything can be inhumane if you use it incorrectly. The whole spurs versus no-spurs argument reminds of the people who debate the cruelty of snaffle bits versus more hardware, like pelhams or kimberwickes. The truth of that debate is that any bit, even a loose-ring snaffle, can do serious damage if the rider is inconsiderate or poorly trained. The same goes for spurs. That's why it's never encouraged that beginner or novice riders use them. But they can be a valuable aid if your instructor takes the time to show you how to properly use them. Personally, I'm of the philosophy that if you don't need them, don't wear them. Some horses benefit from the added aide the spur provides. It sharpens them up and helps them engage their hind end. But I find that spurs are a tool, a means to an end. You should be able to eventually wean the horse off the spur, and your leg alone should be just as effective. Now, this runs contrary to the teaching of some trainers, most notably George Morris. He preaches the necessity of wearing spurs all the time so that every horse can become accustomed to this sort of aid. While his argument is interesting and merits some consideration if only because of Morris's accomplishments and reputation. But use your own discretion and your trainer's advice before adding spurs. And if you've never used them before, do so only under supervision of your instructor so you can learn the proper techniques.

Answer 3

It also depends on the spur and the rider. I use small English spurs on horses that need them to back up my requests. Horses are pretty tough and don't feel every little push with a heal as serious. Its better to use spurs rather than kick. If a rider is not skilled, they have no business with spurs, as they could accidentally jab and send the horse flying away. A 'spur trained' horse is difficult to move away from pressure without spurs. If they are humane spurs and a kind considerate rider, they are not a problem. or cruel. Just part of the equipment. We use whips to -and Tap with them, not whip the horse.

Answer 4

I think spurs are fine, provided they are used correctly. Spurs are supposed to be a training aid, like a whip. It is a way to encourage the horse to move forward. It also helps riders with weaker legs to be able to communicate to their horse.

Spurs are inhumane when they actually hurt the horse, either bruising or cuts. I do not approve of the sharper spurs with the wheel on them, common to Western riding.

Spurs should not be used to force the horse to go fast, like in a race or competition. People get carried away and don't realize how much they are hurting the horse.

Answer 5

Well i do but that's just me, i mean like why hurt the horse when you want it to go, when you get get it to go just perfectly with a nice round heeled boot? Some people just wear spurs for fashion or things like that, and there horse might need a good hard kick with regular boots, and then lets say that the kid forget is he/she has spurs on and kicks as hard as he/she would with regular boots on, it really would hurt the horse, but if you are going to use spurs, put them on when you have lessons so you and the horse can get used to them, don't buy them a day before the show or whatever, if you never had them before, Even the new spurs should be broken into before any contests, if you have any more Questions contact me at: [e-mail]

Answer 6

Spurs are humane when used correctly. Some horses never need spurs. I ride with a whip but rarely have to use it.

Some need them for that extra kick. I know of a mare that will only trot or canter with spurs. They used gentle training methods that work with every other horse, but even whips will not get this horse to even just trot. She is just that insensitive. dull ball spurs get her trotting when you ask.

The spikey spurs that tear up the horse's flesh- inhumane. the ball points that add a little extra pressure- perfectly fine.

A lot also depends on the rider- if the rider is using them correctly, it is another subtle aid. If the rider is whaling on the horse, kicking it constantly, something is not right- and spurs probably aren't the problem- it is the rider or the training.

Answer 7

Spurs can be a very useful tool and I don't consider them inhumane. In an ideal world we would all be riding highly trained and responsive horses but often that is not the case.They can be invaluable to reinforce leg aids. Just keep they're use to a minimum and your horse shouldn't become immune to them.
Picture the scene, your horse spooks at some harmless hazard ( and they often do!)and starts backing towards danger, for example a ditch or steep drop. All the squeezing or ineffective kicking might not be sufficient to persuade it to stop backing.At times like this, it may be neccesary to resort to more forceful measures to get the horses obedience before you or it are seriously injured, and often, a sudden jab of the spurs can be effective.
Sometimes situations dictate just how "cruel" you may have to be.

Answer 8

i used to use spurs all the time with a school horse..but he was very stubborn...but since i moved, i havent seen a spur in almost 2 yrs..lol...i found a great stable and the owners train their horses to be nice and the horses dont need spurs...but it depends on the horse and the rider....i cant use spurs on a perticular horse because that horse will go nuts...but i can do anything with a different horse because that horse is very very well trained...but i hope i helped a little...

Answer 9

It has nothing to do with the horse and every thing to do with the rider. I wear spurs when working my cutting horse but just enough to make her understand that we are working not playing. Most people don't need spurs because they are not working a horse. If you need spurs get training how to use them.

Answer 10

spurs are a humane tool, if used as a tool and not as a weapon against the horse. If used properly they will not hurt the horse, they will only encourage the horse to do as the rider asks. Horses have thicker skin than humans so it takes a bit more to actually hurt them. The only time they become inhumane is when the rider uses them incorrectly becuase they dont know how to use them or uses them as a means to hurt the animal in order to get the response wanted.