Spurs for fine aids?
You've probably heard the saying "You have to earn your spurs!" a lot. And it still has a right to exist today, because spurs do not belong in the hands of inexperienced riders. Spurs are not intended to constantly spur the horse on, but to refine and support the rider's aids as an impulse. It is not for nothing that the term 'driving leg aid' and not 'driving spur aid' is used in riding theory.
In contrast to the more broadly effective leg aids, spurs allow a more targeted impulse, which can refine the rider's aids in the further training of horse and rider. Nevertheless, the aim is to use the spurs as little as possible to avoid blunting the horse.
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Which SPRENGER spurs are available?
Once you as a rider have reached a level of training that makes the use of spurs appropriate, you need to look out for the right spurs. When choosing suitable spurs, the horse's well-being is of course the top priority, as the horse should not be injured by the use of spurs under any circumstances.
Beginners should therefore initially ride with rounded spurs or ball shaped spurs that have a short spike until they have practised using the spurs correctly. The rounded versions are also suitable for sensitive horses.
Choosing the right spurs
Age and level of training of horse and rider
Only when you have a balanced seat and a calm leg position will you be able to use spurs correctly and sensibly. In addition to inexperienced riders, spurs should also be avoided with young horses at the beginning. They should first gain confidence in the driving aid of the flat leg and learn to understand the aid and react appropriately to it.
As the training progresses, spurs with a soft impact should be used initially and the impact should only be increased if necessary. In different training phases, spurs with a stronger impact can be helpful, after which you should switch back to a softer impact.
Character of the horse
The character of the horse also plays a relevant role in the choice of spurs. Sensitive horses usually need softer spurs, e.g. dics rowel spurs, while blunt or lazy horses often need clear signals.
The distance between the horse's belly and thigh
As mundane as it may sound: riders with short legs usually manage with shorter spurs, as the distance between spur and horse is quickly closed. The situation is different for riders with long legs. Long spurs are more suitable in this case, as they can still guarantee a calm leg position. The upwardly curved swan neck spurs are suitable for shortening large distances to the horse's belly, for example.
Sensitivity of the coat
Softer spurs or spurs with a wide rowel should be used for particularly sensitive and delicate horses (skin & coat), during coat changes or for clipped horses. Our fairRider spurs with the flattened plastic end or our Comfort Roller spurs are particularly suitable in these cases. The wide wheel rolls gently when it touches the horse's belly, preventing friction in sensitive areas.
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Discipline & guidelines
Especially when it comes to horse shows, the respective regulations for the competitions must be adhered to. For example, different spurs are used in Western riding than in English riding style. The length of the spur neck and the use of rowel spurs are also restricted.
In general, spurs should be as soft as possible, i.e. as round as possible. However, before the leg becomes too restless due to the use of short or blunt spurs, it may be advisable to switch to longer, stronger spurs. These can be used in a more measured manner and the leg will come to rest more calmly.
Note: The spur in no way replaces the driving leg aid. It is not intended to have a permanent impact, but to provide soft impulses in the advanced training of horse and rider. The improper use of spurs can dull your horse and, in the worst case, lead to injury!
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Large selection of spurs
With the huge selection of spur models on the market, it is not easy to find the right spur model.
What is the difference between the various price ranges, materials, and qualities? The most important thing is that the material of the surface does not pose a risk of injury to the horse. SPRENGER spurs are made of high-quality, break-proof stainless steel or German Silver and have no sharp edges that could injure the horse or damage the leather of the boot.
The perfect fit with SPRENGER spurs
The spurs in the ULTRA fit line can be bent to fit the rider's foot perfectly. The unbreakable material remains stable in any shape. In addition, the ULTRA fit EXTRA GRIP models have a high-quality rubber cover that protects the boot leather and at the same time ensures an optimum fit without slipping. The perfect fit is rounded off by the special Balkenhol loop, which means that the spur straps do not exert any uncomfortable pressure on the foot and the spurs do not slip.
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SPRENGER spurs bestsellers
Our most popular spurs are those with a neck length of between 2 & 3.5 cm and a slightly rounded end. Inexpensive models are usually in demand among beginners, but once you are convinced of the SPRENGER quality, you will quickly realise the advantages of our ULTRA fit EXTRA Grip spurs. Classic dressage riders also like to use the heavier German Silver spurs.
Spurs with wheel or without - which are stronger?
As with any piece of equipment, there is no general answer to this question. If used incorrectly, even the most horse-friendly spurs can cause discomfort. Some horses also react more strongly to spurs with a flat spike than to wheel spurs. When used correctly, serrated wheel spurs can be used to give tiny signals that contribute to gentle aids and fine communication between horse and rider.
Nevertheless, it can be said that spurs with an angular, narrow neck end are more effective than rounded ball spurs. With rowel spurs, the thicker and rounder the wheel, the softer the effect. Serrated rowels are therefore stronger than circular wheels. It is important to clean hair and dirt from all spurs with rowels (especially when changing the coat) so that the rowel can always spin freely!
Last but not least: The design
Have you decided on a pair of spurs and don't want to compromise on style? Our ULTRA fit EXTRA GRIP spurs are available in the Black Series with blackened stainless steel for a particularly elegant look. With matching black spur straps, you are perfectly equipped!
Want to bring some colour into your everyday life? Then take a look at the pink biothane spur straps, guaranteed to turn heads!
You can find the entire selection of our SPRENGER spurs, including a detailed description, here.
SPRENGER Spurs & Accessories
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