Are spurs a good idea?

Question

Ok my horse is really lazy it takes so much leg its not even funny. I was thinking of getting some like prince of wales or whatever they are called to wake her up. I have a show with all the friends on Horsematch.com coming up on the weekend we are just doing beginner walk trot and walk trot canter. I will be able to ride her this Friday do you think I should get some?

Answer 1

personally I think they are cruel.  A horses skin in very sensitive.  Find some other way to move her along.  Maybe she thinks you are boring.

Answer 2

I used to show Pinto and my horse was extremely laid back and easygoing (which I love in a horse).  When we showed, I wore a blunt tipped spur with no rowel, and it never took more than a nudge.  I think they're just called a ladies blunt end spur and most equine supply places have them.  Might be just enough without causing any discomfort.  Good luck.

Answer 3

Spurs aren't cruel if they are blunt and used properly. If you are using spurs you should have a balanced seat and a steady leg, i.e., you should be a fairly advanced rider. If you don't have these basics it is a bad idea because you have to be able to sit still without your leg swinging around and just turn your toes out slightly to use the spur as a cue. Used correctly, they can be used to give some emphasis to your leg cues. Used improperly they are abusive. The fact that you say you are planning to show in "beginner walk trot" makes me think you are not a very experienced rider. You should work with a professional to improve your horsemanship before trying spurs. Sometimes horses aren't "lazy" but confused by inconsistent cues.

Answer 4

Absolutely.  It sounds like she was probably trained with spurs and so she doesn't even feel it when you kick her with just your boot.  I have some horses that don't requires the use of spurs, some that require the blunt or bumper spurs and some that requires the sharper spurs.  Just be careful when you first use spurs on her to see how she will react to them.  

And to the person that said they are cruel, are you retarded?  A horses's skin is very very tough.  Have you seen horses when they scratch each other using their teeth?  If they did that to a human it would take out a chunk of flesh, but it just feels good to a horse.  Don't give your advice on things you have no idea about.

Answer 5

Yes, I ride with spurs all the time.

Answer 6

I agree with the others...  so long as you know how to use spurs, they are a fine thing to use.  make sure you're not riding around with them sticking into her sides and make sure you ask her gently with them... don't just stab her... touch her gently, and use more pressure as needed.  spurs are a useful aid, but they have to be used reasonably.  and they can be a little dangerous for beginners...  when beginners get scared, a lot of them stick their heels in the horse and if you do that with spurs on, the horse is gonna freak out more.  so just be careful.  but yes, spurs are ok.