What type of spurs to use?

Question

I am debating on getting a pair of spurs to help motivate my sometimes hard-to-deal-with mare. She's not horrible, but when I want her to go somewhere, usually uphill (even when another horse is leading), she fights me (spinning and going the other way). This last weekend, she did just this and my girlfriend got on her, poked her a couple times with spurs and right up the hill she went.

For someone who has never used spurs, what types would you recommend? I was thinking Prince of Wales spurs would be sufficient, but do you think that is too much to start? Another friend recommended bumper spurs, but I can't find them to see what they look like.

I have also used a crop (which works), but don't feel comfortable using it because it frees up one of my hands. Hense my thinking spurs are my next step.

Any and all suggestions are welcome-except from those who think spurs are cruel...please don't feed me that bs...I am not an abuser.

I initially put that "don't give me crap" disclaimer because there are so many people who are bunny huggers, who know NOTHING about horses, but feel they need to voice their opinions on everything...especially cruel spurs and harsh whips. Pfffft.

Anyways, thanks for all your answers. I figured my answer was good, but am always about hearing other opinions.

Answer 1

my mare was being really lazy so i got the little baby spurs, prince of wales about .5" like the poster said. but after a little while she got used to them and didnt respond anymore. so we tried a bigger spur, about 1" but those were too harsh for her and we didnt accomplish anything because she was too focused on how much they annoyed her to do anything. now i have spurs that are still about 1" but are rounded so its less harsh on her sides.
so point of the story is that you should try different ones until you find a good one. i'd say start with a prince of wales, and go from there.

now to the person who said you need more training and dont need spurs, ignore them. how many top riders have you seen with spurs? its not about skill, its about what aill help your horse perform at his best potential.

Answer 2

If you have never used spurs before i would recommend you use the little nubs also known as cheese grater spurs and then with more experience of using spurs you can move on to the proper ones . Hopefully your horsse will only need the cheese graters but some horses are tougher than others . Personally i dont think they are cruel its just a matter of having control . When thinking about using spurs just think do i need these would it make my horse go better if the answer
is yes then i would say you need spurs.

Also with regards to not using a whip i would say keep using it as well as the spurs so you have double control !
Good luck in taiming your horse lol

Answer 3

I use little nubs, I think they are technically price of wales, but the nub is not even .5 inch.

They've made quite a difference with my little tubby, but he often responds better to the crop.

The main thing is keeping a quiet leg, if not you'll end up with a horse dead to the aids, and cranky with you.

My goal is to work with my horse to the point I don't need spurs with him, and I believe it is do-able but we just aren't there yet. lol.

Also ask without the spur first and work up to asking with the spur if necessary.

I've found I've needed them less as time has gone on, sometimes it just takes a few situations of "hill issue to spur correction" and they get the idea and do as asked.

I don't think they are cruel in gentle hands or heels rather, but I would never substitute them for horsemanship or training, so ignore anyone who gives you crap about using them. I don't think you are an evil abuser.

Answer 4

Just a word of caution using spurs. Not sure how quickly she spins but remember you have spurs on, don't grab with your lower leg to stay on. You will accidently "spur" her into a more violent spin. I had that happen to me before. The trick is to catch her with the spurs as she is "thinking" to spin. If you ride often enough you know what I mean.

Answer 5

Ask for Dressage spurs. I sometimes use these on my horse when he gets stuffy. If you're anything like me you'll find they'll do wonders for your lower leg position as you will be concentrating on keeping your leg as still as possible.
Chances are once she knows that you have them you won't need to actually use them !
Personally I much prefer them to using whips and not just because of the hand position.

Answer 6

The prince of whale spurs would be sufficient I imagine. It won't take much to get her up the hill! You don't need anything harsh.

Answer 7

just wanted to say i agree with PH's answer

Answer 8

I've never had the need to use spurs. Maybe you need more training.