All riding horses are taught to respond to pressure from the rider’s leg, whether it’s pressure telling the horse to move over or pressure telling the horse to move faster. Spurs can help enhance and fortify leg pressure cues. But before you strap on a pair of spurs, here are a few suggestions:
Spurs are not inherently evil. They can help a skilled rider communicate more clearly to a schooled horse. But when used incorrectly they can cause pain and stress to the horse. If you choose to wear spurs, make sure they enhance your riding experience, not ruin it.
Further ReadingAre Spurs for You?The Point of Spurs
See more Horsemanship How-tos >>
Cindy Hale’s life with horses has been filled with variety. As a child she rode western and learned to barrel race. Then she worked as a groom for a show barn, and was taught to harness and drive Welsh ponies. But once she’d taken her first lessons aboard American Saddlebreds she was hooked on English riding. Hunters and hunt seat equitation came next, and she spent decades competing in those divisions on the West Coast. Always seeking to improve her horsemanship, she rode in clinics conducted by world-class riders like George Morris, Kathy Kusner and Anne Kursinski. During that time, her family began raising Thoroughbred and warmblood sport horses, and Cindy experienced the thrills and challenges of training and showing the homebred greenies. Now retired from active competition, she’s a popular judge at local and county-rated open and hunter/jumper shows. She rides recreationally both English and western. Her Paint gelding, Wally, lives at home with her and her non-horsey husband, Ron.
Excellent article!
very useful, thanks
It’s no fun to ride a horse that needs to be pushed constantly to stay…
A crucial part of preparing your horse for your goals is to keep in mind…
Whether it’s showmanship, horsemanship, trail, western riding or ranch classes, pattern competition helps show a…
The winter months can be tricky. It’s hard to keep your horse from getting bored…
The American Saddlebred has an unmistakable presence wherever the breed goes, and these horses can be found just about everywhere…
It’s no fun to ride a horse that needs to be pushed constantly to stay in a lope. It feels…
Knowledge is power, and nowhere is that more true than in the equine industry. Empower yourself this spring to become a more…
If asked what type of personality your horse has, you might say he’s an alpha, stubborn, people-pleasing, nervous, difficult, easy-going,…
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…
These 7 tips for spring pasture maintenance will keep your horses grazing on beautiful, healthy grass all year long. It’s…