Cowgirl to the Core
Spurs are a characteristic piece of equipment. People who adorn their boots with these fancy pieces of metal are of-ten recognized as cowboys and cowgirls. I recently learned that, historically, spurs were known as a mark of rank. This led to the phrase, "earn your spurs."
Roman horseman developed spurs so they could have a way to steer their horses with their legs. This left their hands free to fight. In medieval times, spurs were a symbol of rank among horsemen. Knights and royalty wore spurs of gold, while esquires usually wore a cheaper material like sil-ver.
There are many different varieties of spurs today. Some are meant to make a fashion statement, while others are more modest in design. Whatever style a horseman chooses to flaunt, they should understand these tools are not just for looks alone.
When I was a young cowgirl, not even old enough to throw my own saddle up on my horse, I dazzled at the shiny spurs I saw other riders wearing. My dad gave me my first set of spurs that were hand-me-downs.
They were nothing fancy. There was no shiny silver visible under the rust and the leather straps were hard and cracked. When he handed them to me, I was ecstatic and probably internally rolled my eyes when dad said, "Now, those spurs won't make your horse run faster."
I ran barrels at the time, so despite his advice I was convinced I would win every race on my trusty old mare. When she saw my new spurs, my horse and everyone else would know we meant business. Over time I have come to realize my dad was right.
Spurs are a tool that should only be used by those who know their true purpose. They are not meant to be harsh, despite the prongs that are used to poke the horse's belly. A rider should not put on spurs simply be-cause his horse won't move forward, or move fast enough. Kicking and prodding the animal constantly will more likely make him angry than responsive.
Spurs should be used to enhance communication between the horse and rider. I place the spur on a specific point on the horse with the slightest pressure possible. As soon as the horse responds correctly, I remove the spur. If the horse does not attempt to move, I slowly add more pressure. If I want him to continue moving, I use my spurs on and off to allow a release when he moves correctly.
When spurs are used incorrectly, the horse can become numb to the cue. It becomes more difficult to get the horse to respond because it takes more pressure to get their attention. Staying light and quiet creates a responsive horse. There are times when a horse needs his rider to be firm, but prodding them repeatedly is not the answer.
The piece of metal offers a more direct cue than the back of a riding boot. When I want my horse to move his shoulder, I press my heel closer to the front leg. To move his hips, my leg is slightly behind the center of his belly. When I want my horse to move laterally, I put pressure directly in the center. I want my movements to be invisible to a bystander. Spurs can help me make those cues more obvious to the horse, and less obvious to someone watching.
Horses can feel a fly land and know precisely where it is on their body. Having a narrow point of pressure makes it clearer to the horse where my heel is and what I am asking him. When I'm not wearing spurs, the pressure is wider and more spread out over his side. This might create confusion if I have taught him my precise cues using spurs.
Spurs must be used with patience. In my opinion, they are not meant to be used to prod the horse to run faster. A good rider can use them to help maneuver their horse more precisely and increase communication with their equine partner.