The use of spurs while riding horses has had a long history and one that should now be left for the history books.

We will first explore their many uses (and abuses).

Classically spurs were used in two ways. The first and only biomechanically correct use is to lift the back of the horse by way of engaging the abdominal muscles. The spur is inserted between the ribs, held and pressed until the horse pulls the abs in thusly lifting the back. Once the back has been lifted the spur is released until the time the horse needs to once again lift the back. Spurs should work as an adjunct of the leg, then heel and only used when those initial aids have failed to produce the desired results. This method of using the spur can also produce a paralyzing effect and can be useful to stop bucking and runaway horses. As such it can then be said that the spur is not a driving aid – this is a common misuse of this riding tool and can become quite abusive – we will address this further into the article.

The second classical use of the spur is called “the little attacks” and as its name implies the spur is applied in quick little jabs to insist that the horse respond to your leg in a more timely manner. The proper application is more of a tickle than a jab and can be a useful aid when reschooling horses that have become dull to the leg.

What we see more commonly in today’s horse world has no biomechanic application and is instead a misguided attempt by uneducated riders to drive their horses forward with constant use of the spur. Given that biomechanically a spur held with pressure against the side of horse can, in fact and in contradiction of moving a horse, momentarily disrupt nerve impulses and stop a horse dead in its tracks this makes no sense. Because horses acquiesce to our demands, despite the pain it often causes them, for a short time the horse may in fact speed its pace to the action of spur but since it is physically difficult for them to do so this effect does not last which then amounts to nothing more than a nagging source of irritation and abuse.

Unfortunately riders that stab their horses every stride in order to evoke a more forward movement as well as to displace their horse laterally is a more common sight than that of lifting the back. And sadly because the spur is not intended for such the horse quickly learns to ignore the device thusly creating the need for sharper, longer, roweled, then sharper roweled spurs. Of course as the rider continues to stab to no effect the results are often blistered and sometimes bloodied equine bodies. If this misuse persists the horse may eventually be lucky enough to form thick calluses and then be retired since he no longer responds to the rider’s erroneous demands for obedience.

Despite that when used correctly spurs can be a useful training tool I have retired my own spurs and found new methods for creating the same results. As we advance as riders and trainers and can now find answers through sound scientific study we have the advantage (over past generations) of utilizing more humane and caring methods of schooling our horses. I am grateful for such assistance as are my horses.

The articles listed below offer some basic techniques that may provide alternatives to the continuance of the erroneous and abusive use of the spur.