To spur or not to spur!!

Ok I really didnt read much of the replys lol, but I don't think the question is "to spur or not to spur" I think the questions is "can you handle the spurs, and not over use or turn them abusive"

And no I don't think spurs when used correctly are abusive

So wsa,let me see if I caught that correctly.in your opinion,if a trainer wears spurs,their not doing something right?

I ride with spurs with all my horses and start at about the 3-4th ride. They are simply an extention of your leg and as long as they are used for that there is nothing wrong with them. They are not there to make the horse go faster. They are simply there for lateral movement.

You might wish to clarify what you mean by this. Spurs are aids. They do not make your horse go they refine your aids. You will be hard to find a reining horse being ridden without spurs. Does that make all those riders and trainers wrong?

I have no problem with spurs provided they are used correctly. :)

I have never felt the need to use them myself though and I probably won't use them in the future either (I prefer to ride "naked". ;) ). I have a pair of English spurs that a friend gave to me a while ago and they've just been gathering dust in my tack box...

I also use spurs. However, only to reinforce my leg que and only when necessary. My horse is very good at neck reining so I rarely use my spurs. Mostly they are for show and the cowboy feeling. That said if you are a beginner I would advise bumper spurs to be on the safe side until your confidence improves.

Ok, I have a question...but I don't quite know how to word it to not sound all crazy. Are there "degrees" if you will, or spurs? Like what type of spur is considered a more gentle spur. My horse doesn't have a lack of go, but I would like to try them when it comes to finer movements, like bending, and lateral movements, etc....for those who primarily ride dressage, what would you suggest?

Yes there are A LOT of different type of spurs. Ones that put more surface on the horse will be less severe then those that have less surfece. Like the difference between pushing on your side with your fist vs your finger.

Also spurs are NOT to make a horse go or speed up. They are there to refine cues. Nothing more or less.

Spurs should NEVER be used IF the rider can not keep their legs steady and if rider can not use them only when they want to.

Spurs are a form of communication with the horse, not always a punishment. In dressage we use spurs for lateral (side ways) work - a scratch or small bump with a spur, even on a hot horse, can be much more subtle and effective than a strong boot with the leg. It also prevents the leg from getting out of position.

Most people should not wear spurs because they don't know how to use them effectively, not when to use them and when not to use them. In my opinion.

I always where spurs I don't get on horses without them. Do I use them? Only when needed. I feel they are a tool and a way to get your horse to do what needed.
I use spurs with big shanks and rowles the size of silver dollars.