Why do cowboys wear spurs

Any links on this page that lead to products on Amazon are affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Thanks in advance — I really appreciate it! My son-in-law rides his horse with spurs on his cowboy boots, and I never wear spurs. Spurs are worn on cowboy boots to aid riders to communicate commands to their horses. A slight touch of the spurs can urge a horse to pick up its pace, move to the side, settle down, or turn.

They help a horse focus on the rider and its task. Many people not familiar with spurs think their use is inhumane. Spurs are metallic instruments worn around the heels of riding boots. They have three main parts, the yoke, neck, and rowel. The yoke is the part that slides around the heel of the boot; some people call this the heel band. The neck or shank extends out from the center of the yoke at the rear of the heel, and it holds the rowel, the spinning disk with points.

Spurs are aids intended to help guide the movements of a horse. You can still buy jingle bob spurs if you like to hear the sound of your spurs when you walk. Today some cowboys wear spurs with their cowboy boots as a fashion accessory and without any practical function. The spurs of medieval knights were gold gilt and those of squires were silvered.

Though often decorated throughout history, in the 15th century, spurs became an art form in both decoration and design, with elaborate engraving, very long shanks, and large rowels. Though sometimes it has been claimed that the design changes were used because of barding the use of war armor on horses , the use of barding had fallen out of fashion by the time the most elaborate spur designs were created.

More likely, the elaborate designs reflected the increased abundance of precious metals, particularly silver, that followed the European exploration of the Americas that began in Spur designs in Spain and colonial Mexico were particularly elaborate. In northern Europe, the spur became less elaborate after the 16th century, particularly following the Stuart Restoration, but elaborate spur designs persisted, particularly in the Americas.

And, while the spur is used in many equestrian disciplines, the rest of our discussion will be focused on the western spur.

Descendants of the Spanish spur are still seen today, particularly in Mexico and the western United States, where the spur has become an integral part of the Mexican vaquero and American cowboy traditions. The spur as an art form, as well as a tool, is seen in western riding, where spurs with engraving and other artistic elements, often handmade and using sterling silver or other precious metals, are still worn. Western spurs almost invariably have rowels.

The influence of ornate early Spanish design is still evident. Spur design was also influenced by the wearing of chaps.

Where long chaps are worn, as in the Northwest, a dropped heel pattern and a chap guard are important. The chap guard consists of a curved blunt projection on the shank just behind the heel which helps keep the chap clear of the rowel. In areas where long chaps are not needed, a straight shank without a chap guard can be worn.

In the old west, a cowboy never buckled on a pair of spurs until he had filed the sharp rowels to make them blunt. Sharp rowels make a horse nervous, so nervous that he will not always give his best effort. Since spurs are used to signal that quick action is needed, and not for cruelty or discipline, sometimes a motion of the leg or calf is sufficient.

Usually, though, the mere touch of the spur to the flank is all a well-trained cow horse needs to get the point that quick movement is required to do his job. His spur is merely a signal for the horse to take action. Western spurs are usually held on by a leather or leather-like spur strap that goes over the arch of the foot. Due to the prong, such spurs can only be worn with appropriately equipped boots.

Rowels can vary in size and number of points. More on that later. Yippee-ki-iy-ay He shouts and he sings When a cowboy trades his spurs for wings. At the same time, spurs are not a weapon; improper use of spurs sparks fear and resentment. I wear mine all the time. Although these trainers compete in different western disciplines, they all agree that spurs serve their purpose only if they are used properly. They should never be used as a substitute for solid training or to intimidate the horse.

This article originally appeared in the February issue of Horse Illustrated. Click here to subscribe. I feel sorry for their horses with all their jab-jab-jabbing! I have used spurs with 2 different horses. If the horse and rider are trained for the use of spurs they can be a great aid or cue.

However if neither are trained to use the spurs they can find themselves in a dangerous situation. Use of spurs should not be taken lightly. Just my two cents. Personally im against spurs unless there necesary. All horses really need to do what is asked is an experianced, gentle rider and some kind words and the horse will try their best.

But if spurs are necesarry i would say you should indded go to an experianced trainer thats not rough with horses and ask their opinion. I ride a Norwiegen Fjord. My Coach requested i use spurs to get her going snd listening to me.

I have used spurs on her for a while now, and recently took them off, and my horse did great! I am not against spurs since when used properly can be very helpful, but are not for show! The first time I rode her, I had to kick her to go, but after I was finished, I only had to adjust my seat. Kicking teaches the horse to brace or ignore you, while a tap with the whip or touch with the spurs should bring attention to your more subtle cue given before the touch.

I personally like to adjust my seat, touch with my heels, then squeeze with my heels before using a stick or spurs. I am a good rider, but I still continue to dislike spurs. I would rather ride my horse, using leg aids…and he is trained western pleasure, he is just rusty. For now, I chose to ride without spurs. Excavations in England have uncovered spurs believed to belong to the Roman Legions of Julius Caesar. Spurs were also used during the conquests and wars of the Middle Ages so soldiers could use their upper bodies for combat.

During this period, they became a status symbol associated with knighthood. A spur can be a small spike of metal or a spiked wheel, attached to the back of a boot for the purpose of guiding a horse, not forcing it to perform. A rider may apply spurs to let a horse know it should increase its speed. Spurs are intended for use only when a horse fails to respond to leg pressure cues. When this happens, riders use spurs combined with leg pressure to reinforce cues.