Instructions
Wearing Spurs Properly
Parts of the spur include the yoke, or heel band, which wraps around the heel of the boot. The shank or neck extends back from the heel band and typically touches the horse. The rowel is a small sometimes pointy rotating wheel attached to the end of the shank. Attach the strap, referred to as a spur strap, to the heel band of the spur and tighten over the arch of the boot. Some spurs have a strap which goes underneath the boot as well to hold the spur firmly in place. If the heel band is tight enough, no strap is required to hold the spur around the boot. The type of strap used is dictated by the heel band having either slots or buttons by which to attach the strap.
The neck of the spur is slightly tipped and should be worn with the tip pointing downward. The buckle of the spur strap should be facing outward or on the outside of the boot. If the shank is curved, the curve should face inward toward the horse. When riding with spurs, keep your legs steady and your heels down to prevent accidental jabbing of the horse with the spurs.
When wearing spurs for an English discipline, a more refined spur with a shorter shank is used as the English saddle allows for closer contact with the horse. The spur may sit slightly higher on the boot as well. For western riding, a longer shank may be required as the fenders of the saddle place the legs farther away from the horse. The size of the heel band will be larger and the spur will typically have a rowel on the end of the shank. The spur should rest directly on top of the heel of the boot.
Spurs are made for men, woman and children and should be worn accordingly. A man's spur will be too large for a woman's boot. The heel band of some spurs can be squeezed to be made slightly smaller but not enough to compensate for large size differences. Wear the proper sized spur or they can shift while riding, leading to improper placement of the spur and decreased functionality.
How to Wear Riding Spurs
A spur is a metal device designed to be worn on the heels of riding boots. Riding boots have an extended heel or shelf for the spur to rest upon. The objective of the spur is to assist in cuing the horse to move in a certain direction. The spur should be used to reinforce riding commands given by voice, seat, leg or hands. The spur should never be used to gouge or punish the horse.