Rowel spurs vs pow spurs

I have had my now 6 yo lusitano in dressage training for a year now and have only recently begun to ride him myself 2 times a week. I brought him to this trainer because he grabs the left side of the bit and doesn't move off the left leg. I couldn't keep him on the bit so off to the grand prix rider we went. He has been doing wonderfully with her riding him. Me, after about 15 minutes, not so great. She rides him with rowel spurs and I do not. Once he realizes I have nothing to back up my left leg he ignores it. I asked if I should be using the same spurs she is using she replied no, "it's not the spurs it's the timing of your aids." but before she gets on him she puts on the rowel spurs. I have yet to get my left lead canter because by the time we get to the canter work I can't move him into the outside rein. . Suggestions please?

I left out that I am riding him with pow spurs.

I am a fan of rowels because they cover a greater surface area and 'roll' up the horse's sides, as opposed to fixed spurs that apply pressure to a small area.

That said, if you're horse has been in training with a dressage rider for 2 years, it should not be the spurs, but as the trainer said, the timing and PLACEMENT of the aids. Is it possible for you to ride another educated horse, to see if it is your riding that the horse is getting confused about? If the horse does not understand your aids, adding bigger spurs is not going to help and will probably make matters worse.

For the year that he has been in training with her I have been riding a 4th level school master (that I am leasing) with her 5 times a week. I have no problem keeping her in front of my leg or getting my canter leads. I am starting 2nd level work on her and I have only been riding dressage for a year. I have no problem getting my right lead on him it's just the left. Thank you for your help, this is driving my crazy!

Ask her to ride him without the spurs. That should give you some answers.

I did ask that and she shrugged it off. One thing I have learned about trainers is that they have egos the size of Antarctica! I'll probably have to think of another way to put it. I joined HF today just to ask this question. I need to find the thread on how to talk to your trainer.

Money talks.

First find another trainer that could potentially take your horse on and be open to your suggestions and input. THEN have a talk with your current trainer which includes the direction you want to take with your horse (ride w/o spurs). If she continues to refuse to accommodate your requests, end the business relationship and move on to trainer number two.

I've got a clyde cross.......and if you don't wear spurs you won't have any go......it's just the way it is.

Its your horse.....if you want to wear a stronger set of spurs ......I say try it and see what happens.

Super Nova

He is YOUR horse and YOU are paying her (probably out the nose) to teach you and him!! Obviously you are educated enough to use them properly. I would put my foot down and see if riding him spurs makes the difference. If not then you know where your problems are. It's nice to have a horse you don't have to ride with them but sometimes they just need them!!
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All I can say - how about NO spurs.....