Posted on 16th Jan 2012 @ 2:32 PM

How do I know which spurs to wear?

 Townend Online have tried and tested lots of spurs over the years, and recommend Sprenger spurs. 

Firstly they have a fantastic design feature with their Ultra Fit spurs in that where the spur strap attaches onto them, it is done  in such a way that you don’t end up with your spurs slipping down lower than they are effective. Gone are the days of needing to lose circulation around your ankles to keep your spurs in place! Sprenger’s Ultra Fit spurs are also available with an ‘Ultra Grip’ feature, a layer of thin rubber around the spurs between your boot and the spur. This again stops the spurs from sliding, and also protects your boots from any wear from the spurs. 

Other than Sprenger’s starter spurs – the Sprenger Short Bobble Spur, they are all made from stainless steel. Manufactured from stainless steel, you can be assured that they will last and last, and that no matter how many times you need to adjust them for different boots they won’t be affected. 

Which type to go for? 

If you have a horse that has never been ridden in spurs before, or you yourself have never ridden in spurs before, the Sprenger Short Bobble Spur has been designed with you in mind. They are designed not to have too much impact, as they are not too long and the tip of them is smoothed round so will not catch. The point of the spur is set in the middle, so the rider can close their leg without always applying the spur, or can close their heel to use the spur. We have found these to be a great option for our most sensitive horses that need a little more leg in competition situations.  

Alternately, Sprenger make round ended, ball ended, blunt and rowel ended spurs in varying lengths. Obviously the longer the spur the more the horse will take notice of them, we recommend that the longest spurs should only be worn by a rider with a very secure lower leg. Rarely do you see a rider jumping with the longest spurs on, if a jumping rider wants more reaction they will normally go to a rowel ended spur with less length. 

The ball ended and round ended spurs are used for the more sensitive horse. The round ended spurs were designed so that the rider can still have a smooth edged spur, but use it more precisely with the smaller surface area. A large number of horses who do not accept a blunt ended spur, will be acceptant of a round ended alternative. Smooth edged spurs – especially ball ended ones are excellent to use on thin skinned horses that might end up with sores from traditional spurs. 

Blunt ended spurs – or sometimes called square ended spurs, are the most commonly used spurs in the UK. The majority of riders competing in dressage competitions will be seen wearing traditional square ended spurs for the clearest communications with their horse. Most reasonably experienced horses that need to be more attentive to the leg go well when ridden with blunt ended spurs.