Do spurs hurt the horse?
Many more experienced riders choose to use spurs when riding. Spurs are a metal tool designed to wear around the heel of a riding boot. They are used to direct the horse, much like a riding crop. There are many different kinds of spurs from small, pony spurs to longer, even 2-inch-long spurs.
However, many riders wonder if spurs hurt the horse, and we will look at the matter a bit more in this article.
What are spurs used for?
Spurs are made to help the rider to direct the horse better. Mainly, riding spurs make the horse react to smaller aids, thus making riding easier. For instance, many slow horses require the help of a spur or a riding crop to keep their pace. Sometimes, riders choose to use both spurs and a riding crop.
Spurs are by no means a punishment, nor should they ever be used as such. On the contrary: the purpose is to make the horse react to smaller, more invisible aids.
In fact, spurs (or fake spurs) are mandatory at dressage shows. In showjumping, the rider can choose to use spurs or leave them out. Regardless, when attending horse shows, there are rules and regulations when it comes to the use of spurs and spurs types.
Do spurs hurt the horse?
Frankly put, spurs do not hurt the horse if they are used correctly. Spurs should never be used by an inexperienced rider: to use spurs, you have to be experienced enough to be able to control your leg and not squeeze the horse's sides for support.
If used wrong, spurs can cause the skin to scratch, and in some cases, even bleed a little bit. Sometimes, this is not due to the rider's inability to use spurs correctly, but simply due to the horse's sensitive skin.
Choose your spurs correctly
There are many types of spurs on the market, ranging from ballpoint spurs to Prince of Wales and everything in between. The smaller and softer the spurs are, the gentler they are to the horse. Some horses, however, require a little bit more get up and go, so for them, longer Prince of Wales spurs, for instance, may be a great option.
If you do not know what kind of spurs you should get, you can always consult your trainer. Additionally, a customer representative at a tack store might be able to point you in the right direction.
What kind of spurs are allowed at shows?
Not all spurs are allowed at horse shows. Also, the allowed spurs per discipline vary. For instance, spurs that are allowed at showjumping shows are different from ones that are allowed at dressage.
Also, another noteworthy point is that pony riders are not allowed to use spurs that are more than 15mm in length.
Remember to check the allowed spurs in the rules and regulations of your national equestrian federation or the FEI.
Note: FEI has updated the dressage rules and as of January 2024, spurs are optional.
"Spurs are optional and must be made of metal," the rules state, according to Eurodressage.
How to use spurs correctly?
When spurs are used correctly, they do not hurt the horse. The video below introduces excellent tips for using spurs correctly.
How can Ophena magnetic safety stirrups help you to use spurs correctly?
While we have you here with us, have you seen our magnetic safety stirrups yet? If not, take a look at our Ophena S and Ophena S Pro stirrups and read some reviews: you'll find that our stirrups are loved by equestrians all over the world.
Ophena magnetic safety stirrups can help you to keep your toes pointed forwards and your lower leg in the correct position, allowing you to keep your spurs at the correct spot.
This is because when you place your foot in our magnetic stirrups, the magnet pulls your foot into the correct spot. It will be easier for you to keep your toes pointed forwards and your lower leg in the correct position, allowing you to keep your spurs at the exact right spot.
Also, when your foot is securely in the stirrups, it will be easier for you to relax your whole leg and let your heels fall lower. This ensures that your leg is not gripping the horse's sides and simultaneously poking the horse's sides with spurs unnecessarily.
This is how Ophena magnetic safety stirrups work:
Order safety stirrups at Ophena.com
Ophena magnetic safety stirrups are only available at Ophena.com. You can order Ophena S or Ophena S Pro (with a 60-day money-back guarantee) easily in our shop.
Here's how you can place your order today:
- Choose the stirrup model (Ophena S or Ophena S Pro)
- Choose the color (silver or black)
- Choose the size of your magnetic insoles
- Fill in your shipping details
Ophena also offers non-magnetic safety stirrups Ophena A, that are suitable for all disciplines, including dressage.
We also offer a 60-day money-back guarantee so you will be able to take a look at the luxurious stirrups before making your final decision. However, we believe you will fall in love with our safety stirrups, just like so many riders before you.
Questions? Don't hesitate to get in touch with us!
