How to Attach Western Spur Straps

A rider uses spurs to assist him when he is giving cues to his horse. Many types of spurs are available with the main categories being English and Western spurs. Western spurs differ from English spurs in that they have rowels, wheels with spikes on them, although "humane" spurs are also available without rowels for Western riders. Spurs can be small, large, spiked or rounded and are made out of a variety of materials. Riders use them for working horses or in shows and attach them to the back of a cowboy boot using leather straps.

Things You'll Need

  • Spurs
  • Leather hole punch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find the spur for the right boot. Hold the right spur so that the buckle is on the inside and the leather strap is on the outside. Ensure the spur is pointing down.

    • 2

      Slide the metal shank onto the back of the boot. It should fit at the top of the heel.

    • 3

      Move the bottom strap underneath your heel so it sits under the arch of your foot. Not all spurs have this strap.

    • 4

      Buckle the strap around the front of your boot. Ensure that the strap is tight enough that the spur won't wiggle. You can use a leather hole punch to add extra holes to the strap if necessary.

    • 5

      Repeat on the left side.