Refinement of the thigh aids
Spurs & spur straps
Spurs help you refine your leg aids. At Lepona you'll find plain spurs, knob and ball-end spurs, rowel spurs and roller ball spurs in lengths from 10 to 40 mm, for women, men and kids. To go with them, there are spur straps in leather, patent leather, nylon, perlon and Biothane, plain or with rhinestones. The selection of Sprenger spurs is particularly large.
What are spurs for?
Riding spurs are mainly used to refine your aids, especially in more advanced movements and in all disciplines. When the spur touches your horse's belly, it reflexively tenses its abdominal muscles.
- Used on one side, the horse should step further forward with the hind leg.
- Used on both sides, the horse should ideally shorten its belly and round its back.
- Spurs are not meant to drive the horse forward all the time.
- Spurs only belong on a quiet rider's leg.
Types of riding spurs
Most riding spurs are made of rust-free stainless steel, some models of aluminium or with a rubber or silicone coating.
- Plain spurs: the most common type. The neck is usually between 15 and 35 mm long and can be rounded, angled or flat.
- Knob or ball-end spurs: a fixed ball sits at the end of the neck. This group also includes hammerhead and Prince of Wales spurs.
- Rowel spurs: a movable rowel turns at the end, smooth or toothed (sun rowel). The rowel can be fitted vertically or horizontally.
- Roller ball spurs: a freely moving ball sits in a fixed mount, for example on the Comfort Roller from Sprenger or the Impuls roller ball spurs.
With rowel and roller ball spurs, check regularly that the rowel or ball still turns freely.
Are rowel spurs sharper than plain spurs?
No. A spur is only ever as sharp as the rider uses it. With rowel spurs: the larger and blunter the teeth, the softer the effect. A vertical rowel glides off the horse's belly more easily as the heel moves up and down. A plain spur, on the other hand, applies targeted pressure to a small point. Constant tapping with the spur dulls the horse, so careful handling applies to all types.
Which length is right?
If you have long legs, a longer neck or a swan-neck spur helps so that you don't have to pull your heel up. Short plain or knob spurs used with small, gentle impulses are suitable for sensitive horses. Here too: as much as necessary, as little as possible.
Spurs for women, men and kids
Spurs are distinguished by the width of the heel band. Ladies' spurs are narrower, men's spurs wider, and children's and pony spurs have a small heel band and usually a short neck. It is important that the heel band sits close to the boot and doesn't slip. Many models, such as Ultra Fit from Sprenger, are shaped to adapt to the heel.
Spur straps
Spur straps hold the spur on the boot. Leather or patent leather straps are the classic choice, while nylon, perlon and Biothane are easy to care for. For competition and training there are straps with rhinestones, crystals or croc embossing, and colourful models for kids. Pay attention to the length: for jodhpur boots with chaps you often need a slightly longer strap than for riding boots. Spur protectors and other accessories can be found under boot accessories.
Brands
The largest selection comes from Sprenger with the Ultra Fit, Extra Grip, Comfort Roller, BootProtect and aluminium fairRider lines. There are also spurs and straps from Imperial Riding, Equestro, Freejump, Waldhausen, BR, QHP and Kavalkade. By the way, pretty spur straps also make a nice little gift for riders.
Spurs only belong on a quiet, secure rider's leg. Those starting out usually choose short, rounded plain spurs or knob spurs and talk to their riding instructor first.
Not in principle. What matters is how the rider uses the spur. Large, blunt rowels have a softer effect, and a vertical rowel glides off the horse's belly more easily.
That depends on your leg length and your horse. Riders with long legs reach the horse better with a longer neck or a swan-neck spur; short spurs are suitable for sensitive horses.
The heel band: ladies' spurs are narrower, men's spurs wider. Children's and pony spurs are even smaller and usually have a short neck.
The length depends on your boot. On jodhpur boots with chaps you often need a longer strap than on riding boots. With leather straps you can adjust the length using the buckle.
Wipe stainless steel spurs dry after riding, and on rowel or roller ball spurs check that the rowel or ball turns freely. Care for leather straps like your boots with leather care; nylon and Biothane are easy to wash off.