To spur or not to spur!!

That's exactly what they are for in dressage.

And I'll be honest, when my mare has a problem counterbending around corners, rather than forcing the issue with spurs I just ride her harder into connection. Once she's giving me her back, her sides tend to soften a lot.

But she's not green by any stretch of the imagination, so you are probably dealing with a whole different problem.

I had never used spurs but while working with the person I bought my Percheron from she had me try them because he would not trot no matter how hard you tried. The spurs would get him into a trot with minimal use. I have not used them sense I brought him home but then again have only worked in the pen with him at a walk and doing lots of ground work, but with spring around the corner plan on getting back out on the trails with him and thinking I may wear them more just in case. I do feel they are a good training tool if used properly. I do fear being new with using them that I may get too heavy footed.

Suggestion...nix the spurs and use a dressage whip at your leg as Mildot said. I use spurs every time I ride, but I use my LEG to get forward from my horse...NOT spurs.

I hate spurs :( :(

As others have said, spurs are for refinement of cues. I always have spurs on my boots but that doesn't mean they are always in use. They are a tool like any other, when used correctly they are a fantastic tool. In the wrong hands or on the wrong legs rather, than can be a huge detriment to training.

Oh good grief.........

Sorry :(

Why do you hate them?
Posted via Mobile Device

I just hate the thought of wearing them. But I don't judge others for wearing them. Luckily I've never needed to.

I don't use spurs. If you saw me ride, you would know why.

Riding ability aside, the only horse I've got who might be OK with spurs is the little mustang. My gelding was spurred quite viciously before coming to us, and still has a large scar on one side where the hole healed, but the hair hasn't fully grown back. (The hole on the other side healed better). With him, I normally just make a kissing sound to go faster. For a walk to canter, kissing plus a squeeze with the calves. The key to getting Trooper to respond is to be as light as possible with the leg. Turns use very light pressure with the calf. I don't think my heel has touched his side for over a year.

My mare MIGHT someday be able to respond to spurs, but I can't really imagine her needing them. When she isn't scared, she is intensely focused on her rider and communication isn't a problem. When she is scared, she is scared. Not disobedient, but scared and not thinking well. When scared, she needs reassurance and a chance to unwind a bit. Her fears are totally real to her. I've just spent 3 months working with a trainer to help her handle her fears in an acceptable way. Using spurs, a crop, or even kicking hard to 'force' her when afraid could undo 3 months of training in 5 minutes. And for her, there are only two settings. Not scared = focused on rider, very sensitive. Scared = trust her rider to care for her, or meltdown.

If I was a better rider, the mustang could probably benefit from spurs. He's level-headed, but stubborn. Right now, he doesn't believe in subtle cues. However, I haven't had him long, and have been busy with the other two horses. I think I can train him to be more responsive.

I think a lot depends on how much you expect out of your horses. For the riding I do, I don't need a ton of cues. Left/right. Move laterally. Chill. Accelerate. Ease off. Stop. Accelerate a lot. That pretty much covers what I need my horses to know. That level of riding doesn't need a lot of refinement. I'd eventually like to teach the mare low jumps (1-2 feet), but none of them are built well for jumping, and my bones are getting a bit old for falling.

So for me, spurs may never make much sense. For others, spurs can be awesome.