How to Wear Western Spurs

Western-style spurs are long recognized symbols of cowboy life, donned by characters in classic Western tales. However, these metal tools have a much more functional use than simply conveying cowboy fashion. Western-style equestrians wear spurs during competitions and events as a riding aid to speed up and control their horse. These accessories are often required during such competitions, and are designed to encourage a horse, not to harm. Read on for some instructions to wear your own Western spurs correctly.

Things You'll Need

  • Pair of spurs
  • Pair of riding boots
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slide the spur over the rubber heel of the riding boot, and hook on right above the sole of the heel, making sure that the tip of the neck (the long, pointed part) is pointing down. The spur should fit snugly around the heel.

    • 2

      Check to ensure that the spur strap buckle is on the outside of the foot--the side that will not be touching the horse.

    • 3

      Wear the spur's neck, or shank, on the inside of the foot, which will touch the horse. This allows for the spur to function as a signal to the horse, and will be more comfortable on the foot since the spurs were designed to fit over the boot this way.

    • 4

      Position the spur's rowel, or rotating star-shaped part, centrally on the side of the foot that touches the horse while riding.