Poll: What kind of spurs do you use?

Question

If you use spurs, just curious what kind do you use? also what kind of bit do you use?

I use bumper spurs, and occasionally roping spurs.

I use a jr cowhorse bit. (chain mouth)

Answer 1

I dont use spurs but i use a snaffle like this

http://www.horsetackinternational.com/im...

Answer 2

I use Rollur Impuls Spurs!

Or short ones with rounded edges because my new pony is quite sensitive!

She needs them though, she is nappy fool.

And I use a copper loose-ring snaffle.

Or a copper hanging cheek snaffle for XC. LOL

Answer 3

i dont use spurs and yes i have when i was younger i just dont like them

Answer 4

i dont use spurs. but those bumper spurs seem really gentle. i may be wrong but they look gentle.

bit wise. i dont have a horse yet. lol but i dont like the kind of bit you use, it could pinch their mouth/tongue

im not saying its wrong of you to use it, but i wouldnt on my horse

Answer 5

I don't use them, but I have in the past when I was showing.  I have never used them to encourage a horse to move forward, though.  Properly used, they are an aid to get lateral movement, not forward movement.

Answer 6

I have a pair of English rounded end spurs, like this only more rounded and not quite as long:

http://www.horsetackinternational.com/im...

I haven't used them in a looong time!  They pretty much just sit in my closet.

Answer 7

These 2 I use.

http://www.smithbrothers.com/slip-on-bar...

http://www.smithbrothers.com/ladies%92-g...

*****edit****

Sorry for got the rest.....

I use my Vosal the most. Most of my horses are great in it.  I use my Bosal for training. And curbs.

Vosal.

http://www.quickbits.net/index.htm

http://www.smithbrothers.com/francois-ga...

http://www.smithbrothers.com/reinsman-c-...

Answer 8

I don't use spurs, but I don't show my horses, so have no need to use them. There is nothing wrong with spurs if the user knows how to use them properly.

Answer 9

I have been riding for over forty years, and could never understand why people still use spurs. My Horses have always moved forward with leg command and using a light snaffle.

Answer 10

I use spurs and a snaffle mouth. I've had horses that need to be more responsive to the leg, and it really helps.

To some of you saying they are not necessary, why do all the top dressage riders use them? They're not a bad thing if used correctly.

Answer 11

For those of you that say spurs are unnecessary and your horse moves off your leg.. well that may be great for you, but not everyone has a responsive horse like that. I rode an older lazy horse and even a whip couldn't get him moving very well. I did get him moving lots, but when it came for dressage and show jumping championships for pony club.. I brought out the spurs, and they work very well.

Pony club only allows us to use plain spurs (whatever you want to call them) with no rowles/shard edges etc. I use a loose ring snaffle.

Answer 12

i don't use spurs n never will they are unnecessary!  

Answer 13

i dont use spurs, but i would if i needed them on a horse. I use just a normal snaffle bit

Answer 14

I use bumer spurs

For the barrels i use a 2 peice snaffle and for the workouts and stuff i use a twisted two peice jag(i think thats what it's called!)

Answer 15

i don't use spurs i don't find them necessary, my horse moves with voice commands and a little leg.

Answer 16

I use a pair of ladies roweled spurs with a medium length shank.  Horrors, right?

Except my mare isn't touched by then more than once or twice a ride, and even then its never a "poke", but a "roll" up her side.  Believe me, there is nothing abuse or harsh when I use spurs with my horse.

I show both Western and English.  My mare needs to be very responsive and obedient with light aids, and spurs allow me to achieve this.  You will never see my kick, kick, kicking like a maniac to get my horse to do her transitions or sidepass or such.  Instead my aids are light and soft, if she ignores my calf I simple touch her with the edge of a spur.  If she truely chooses to ignore that I will roll the spur up her side with medium pressure.  It works well.

A few years ago I never rode with spurs.  I used to think they were harsh.  Funny how things can change.  Spurs have actually made me a gently and more subtle rider, and my horse doesn't resent or fear them.  

As for bit, I use a smooth snaffle for both English and Western.  But my mare will be six next spring and must go into a leverage bit for her Western show classes.  I am currently experimenting with a couple of different leverage to see which she seems to respond to the best.  I would keep her in snaffle if I could, but I can't show that way, so we must move up in the world.  For trail riding and schooling we will probably return to the snaffle, even when out Western.

Answer 17

None! :)