Nervous about using spurs?

Question

Hey there, so I've been riding H/J for 9 years, I've never worn spurs in that time, It's only been a crop I use if needed, but this horse I'm leasing will not canter no matter what I do. So I need to use spurs according to my trainer, so I'm going to give it a try, but I'm exteremely nervous about it, any tips? I don't want to constantly be poking him. D:

Answer 1

When he dosent do what u want him to do you just care fully tap him. ussually once will b fine.

Answer 2

If you don't need to use the spurs when you are wearing them, try using more calf pressure than heel pressure. Don't ever kick him wearing spurs. If he doesn't respond to calf pressure, gently tap his sides with the sides of the spurs to let him know you are wearing them. Try using rubber spurs, like this:

http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp...

If he still doesn't respond to increasing pressure on the sides, rotate your ankle farther and farther out until you're using the full spur.

If you have a steady leg, you should be fine and not worry too much about jabbing him accidentally. Use them first with your trainer, in case you need to adjust how you're using them.

Answer 3

Well in upper level dressage, the rounded spurs are pretty much accepted as standard.  When using spurs you have to train yourself not to have them the horse unless they are ABSOLUTELY needed.  In my opinion, and this is just me (I'm sure I'll be berated for this) I believe that a horse should respond to leg pressure BEFORE spurs are used.  There are MANY horses that are "dead sided" but I personally think spurs should be used only after all other alternatives have been tried.

Answer 4

it might work just great, or it might not, i think theres a chance he might buck a little. just do what your trainer says and things should be fine. :)

when you cant use physical stuff to make things work you got to try to use your head. research all the different methods to solve this problem. theres good ones and bad ones. my opinion is if you cant get him to canter on the ground then on his back might not be a good place to do it. ya follow? idk. thats what i finally decided to do.

or he might be sore or lack energy. which could easily happen and you wouldnt notice. diet?  :D good luck!

Answer 5

Spurs aren't difficult to use if you are used to keeping your leg off the horse while you ride.  The first time you put the spur on him, don't squeeze too hard or he might try to jump out from under you or buck.  Very lightly press the spur against his side and release when he moves forward.  Increase the pressure until you get the desired result.  You shouldn't have to gouge him.

Are you using what some call a humane spur?  It's on with a solid ball on the end as opposed to the ones with the spokes on the end.  If you are using a humane spur, you may find that you do have to use more leg pressure to get the desired result.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Spurs shouldn't be used every time you use your leg. To use spurs correctly you will use your leg aids as usual, this won't include your spur touching the horse. If your horse doesn't respond to your leg aids then you can turn your toe out and use the spur.

The spur is used as persuation, once he knows you have a spur on and are willing to use it he'll start to respect your leg!

Just be sure to keep a solid leg position and you'll be fine.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 7

Well good you should be nervous, for dressage spurs are i guess okay but for jumping NEVER EVER EVER NEVER(lol) use spurs! they are pointless. if you need them for a lazy horse there are other safer, nicer cures, horses are lazy because they are 1 over worked, or 2 unintrested. Make sure he is getting enough grain to equal out how much he is being worked and take him on a trail sometimes and let him gallop and buck if he wants and maybe jump a log or something. To keep him happy and intrested. Using spurs is just an excuse for not knowing how to proplery care for your horse. and most of the time you will b constantly poking him so be nervous and tell her why you dont want to heres your explaination ^

Answer 8

Make sure you keep your legs and feet as still as possible in the stirrups.

Start with a ball spur since you haven't used spurs before. The horse should still respond to the poking, and if not it will at least get you accustomed to using spurs. Then you can move up to rounded edge spurs, with 6 prongs.  

Personally, pointed spurs are too much unless your trainer specifically states that you need them!

Answer 9

using spurs is and art. i would start with ones that dont have a rowel, just a little ball on the end. and try to keep you feet off of him, only lightly kick him with them, when that doesnt work put more pressure on him, NEVER kick with spurs on, only light little jabs per say, if you kick in the right place hard enough you can break your horses rib, i know from experience. so be careful, i honestly prefer to stay away from them unless, im competing, i never compete without them, i try to strongly differenciate, practice from competion by using different saddles, pads, bits, and spurs vs. no spurs good luck!

Answer 10

If you have a solid leg position ( ie no flapping or swinging) you should be fine. The fact that you know you are wearing them should make you even more careful about what your legs are doing.

I wear them sometimes - not often just now and again and I used to be forever looking to make sure I was doing no damage (used to drive my instructor crazy !) - I never have done any damage ( I'm glad to say )

Edit - mine are like this

http://www.bcsaddlery.com/tspur.img/ki_p...

but with leather straps.

I usually find that I actually use them once  - after that leg pressure is enough - horses are not stupid !

Answer 11

Instead of using metal sharp spurs.. what i used to use with my young horse were plastic rolling ones.

If you search on google frogpool manor saddlery, they have these kind of spurs which are more gentle and they are black plastic balls on the end of your spur so it doesnt jab the horse, but rolls.

Its great for training young horses and also more kind and will hopefully relieve you!

But if your horse persists on not cantering, maybe you need to wear BLUNT spurs which you can get from most saddlery's and they are more sharper... try and keep you leg away from the horses side to make sure your not jabbing him/her everytime you rise in rising trot for example.

Another thing, if your loan horse isn't cantering I would get your instructer or someone to help out.. maybe he/she isn't understanding your leg aids and needs to be re-taught.

Just play with different kinds of spurs and i'm sure you'll be fine! You will get used them then and forget they are there. I promise :)