Spurs: An Essential Cowboy Gear

Spurs are an essential piece of equipment for cowboys and horseback riders. They allow riders to communicate subtle cues and commands to their horses using their legs and feet, reinforcing leg aids and providing additional motivation for the horse to respond. Different spur designs are used for various disciplines like roping, reining, barrel racing, trail riding, etc.

What Are Spurs?

Spurs are metal tools worn on the heels of riding boots, with a small rotating wheel or pointed projection used to cue and direct a horse by applying pressure to its sides.

Parts of a Spur

The main parts of a spur are:

• Yoke: Wraps around the boot

• Shaft

• Rowel: The spinning star piece

• Button: Connects to the strap

• Chap guard

Rowels

The rowel is the prominent spinning piece that rolls against the horse's side without getting stuck. Larger rowels can be gentler than smaller ones. Jingle bobs are metal charms that attach to the rowel and make a jingling sound.

Types of Spurs

Spurs vary based on several factors:

• Western spurs tend to have larger, more ornate rowels influenced by Spanish designs.

• Eastern/English spurs have smaller rowels and simpler styles.

• Function: Roping, reining, etc.

• Region

• Decoration

• Aggression level

Proper Use of Spurs

Spurs should be used gently as a communication aid, not for punishment. Proper leg position is important to avoid digging spurs in unintentionally. Spur length should match the rider's leg length for proper contact. Safety straps can be modified to break away in case of emergency.

Choosing the Right Spurs

When choosing spurs, consider the following factors:

Riding Discipline

Different equestrian disciplines require different spur designs and levels of cue intensity. For example:

• Roping and reining often use longer shanks and larger rowels for stronger cues

• Trail riding favors shorter shanks and smaller rowels for subtler aids

• Barrel racers may prefer bumper spurs with rounded rowels to avoid accidental spur marks

Shank Length

• Riders with longer legs may need a longer, more curved shank to properly reach the horse's sides.

• Shorter shanks are suitable for riders with a closer leg position or for disciplines requiring milder cues.

Rowel Design

• Rowels with fewer, wider-spaced teeth or bumps can prompt a sharper response

• More numerous tightly-spaced teeth deliver a gentler cue

• Larger, smoother rowels are generally considered milder than smaller, sharper rowels

Proper Fit for Spurs

Try on spurs while wearing your regular riding boots to ensure a proper fit around the heel. The spur should fit snugly but not tightly, allowing it to pivot but not spin freely. Spur straps or keepers can help keep the spurs securely in place.

Horse's Sensitivity to Spurs

• A hot or sensitive horse may respond better to spurs with shorter shanks and smaller, smoother rowels to avoid over-cueing.

• Dull or less-responsive horses may require longer shanks and larger rowels for clearer communication.

The ideal spur matches your riding discipline, leg position, horse's sensitivity, and desired intensity of cues - allowing clear but refined communication with your mount.

Differences Between Western and English Spurs

Spur Design

• Western spurs typically have larger, more ornate rowels influenced by Spanish designs. The rowels can have varying numbers of points or teeth.

• English spurs tend to have smaller, smoother rowels or no rowel at all, with a simple knob or button at the end of the neck/shank.

Shank Length

• Western spurs often have longer, more curved shanks to provide leverage and reach the horse's sides easily.

• English spurs have shorter, straighter shanks since the rider's leg is carried closer to the horse.

Spur Attachment

• Western spurs are secured with a leather strap or spur keeper around the boot heel.

• English spurs are designed to fit into a spur rest or spur ledge on the heel of the riding boot.

Purpose

• Western spurs are used for more overt cueing and to reinforce leg aids, especially in sports like reining and cutting. The rowel's rotation provides a distinct signal.

• English spurs are intended for very subtle, refined aids in disciplines like dressage. The smooth end provides a softer cue.

Rowel Design

Differences Western Spur Rowels

• Tend to be larger in diameter, often 1 inch or more across

• Typically have fewer teeth or points, ranging from 5-16 points

• The points or teeth are more widely spaced apart

• The teeth can be blunt, rounded, or sharp depending on the intended use

• Larger, smoother rowels with fewer teeth are considered milder

English Spur Rowels

• Generally smaller in diameter, around 1/2 to 3/4 inch

• Have many more closely-spaced teeth or points, often over 20

• The teeth are narrower and more numerous for a finer, sharper feel

• Smaller rowels with tightly-packed teeth are seen as more aggressive

• Some have very small smooth rowels or just a knob at the end

In essence, Western spur rowels are larger with fewer, wider-set points for more distributed pressure, while English rowels are smaller with dense clusters of sharper teeth for more concentrated cues. The rowel design matches the needs of the respective riding disciplines.

Why Cowboys Wear Spurs

Cowboys wear spurs for several key reasons:

To Communicate with Horses

• Spurs allow riders to reinforce leg aids and provide clearer signals to the horse, especially when voice commands are ineffective

• The rowel of the spur gently rolls against the horse's side to get its attention or convey a command

For Practical Purposes

• When the rider's hands are occupied (e.g. with ropes or weapons) and they need to cue the horse with their legs/feet

• To prompt a horse to speed up, slow down, or turn quickly if needed

• In certain rodeo events or ranch work where spurs are required or expected

As a Fashion Statement or Symbol of Skill

• In the Old West, ornate or jingle-bobbed spurs were sometimes awarded to skilled cowboys as a mark of their expertise

• Decorative spurs became a way to display one's cowboy identity and craftsmanship

For Tradition and History

• Spurs have been used by horsemen for over 2,000 years

• Spanish vaqueros and Mexican cowboys heavily influenced the large rowelled Western spur designs used today

• Wearing spurs connects modern cowboys to this deep heritage

So in essence, spurs allow cowboys to communicate more clearly with their horses when needed, while also serving as emblems of the cowboy lifestyle, skills, and traditions. However, they should always be used gently and properly as riding aids, not for punishment or harm.

Modern Uses of Spurs in Ranching

Ranchers and cowboys still commonly use spurs when working with horses for several practical purposes:

• To communicate cues and commands more clearly to their horses, reinforcing leg aids when voice commands are ineffective or hands are occupied with tasks like roping cattle.

• To prompt a horse to speed up, slow down, turn, or stop more responsively when needed during active ranch work like herding, cutting, or sorting cattle.

• Longer shanked spurs with larger rowels provide stronger cues and leverage to get a dull or less-responsive horse's attention.

• Different spur designs are favored for different ranch work - for example, roping spurs may have longer shanks and larger rowels than those used for general riding.

• Spurs allow riders to convey precise aids without having to rely solely on kicking, which can be imprecise and stressful for the horse.

• The sound of jinglebobs (small bells or chains hanging from the spur) can help alert cattle to the rider's presence when needed.

However, proper training is essential to use spurs humanely as a communication aid, not for punishment. On modern ranches:

• Spurs are intended for gentle, refined cues and only applied with minimal force as a last resort.

• Milder spur designs with shorter shanks and smaller rowels are preferred for most general ranch riding.

• Younger or less experienced riders often start with very smooth, rounded spurs to learn proper leg cues first.

Spurs remain an important tool for most professional ranch hands and cowboys to effectively communicate with and control horses during active cattle work when needed, but only when used correctly and humanely as a training aid.

Use of Spurs by Western Riders

Western riders commonly use spurs when riding horses for the following reasons:

Purpose:

• Spurs allow riders to communicate subtle cues and aids to the horse using their legs and feet, reinforcing leg pressure.

• They provide a way to get the horse's attention or prompt a specific response like speeding up, slowing down, turning, etc.

• Spurs are especially useful when the rider's hands are occupied, such as during roping or cutting cattle.

Spur Design for Western:

• Western spurs typically have longer shanks and larger, more ornate rowels compared to English spurs.

• The larger rowels with fewer, wider-spaced teeth or bumps can provide a stronger cue when needed.

• Longer shanks allow the rowel to properly reach the horse's sides given the leg position in a Western saddle.

Proper Use:

• Spurs should only be used as a refinement and extension of the rider's natural leg aids, not for punishment.

• Excessive or improper spur use can make a horse dull to the aids or cause injuries.

• Proper leg position and applying spurs with calf muscle rather than just the heel is important.

• Milder spur designs with shorter shanks and smaller rowels are often used for general riding.

The traditional Western spur designs with larger rowels and longer shanks allow riders to communicate more clearly and effectively with horses, especially during active ranch work or performance events when strong but refined cues are needed.

How to Properly Fit Spurs to Boots

Here are the key steps to properly fit a pair of spurs to your boots:

Spur Fit on the Boot

• The spur should sit snugly in the spur ledge or groove at the back of the boot heel. It should not be able to slide up and down the heel.

• The spur band or yoke should be slightly wider than the boot heel to allow a little side-to-side movement.

• The spur shank should angle down slightly so the rowel is positioned just below the ankle bone.

Adjusting the Spur Band

• If the spur band is too tight, use pliers or a vise to gently spread it wider until it fits comfortably over the heel.

• If too loose, pinch the band ends inward with pliers until it's a snug fit.

• The band should be tight enough to prevent vertical movement but allow the spur to pivot side-to-side.

Attaching the Spur Strap

• Run the spur strap under the arch of the boot and up the front.

• Adjust the strap length so it holds the spur securely against the heel when fastened, without being overly tight.

• Excess strap can be tucked under itself or the spur band.

Securing the Spur

• Some riders use spur strings, wires, or additional straps that run under the boot to prevent the spur from lifting up.

• This extra security is especially important for activities like bull riding where spurs can get pulled off easily.

Checking Fit and Comfort

• With spurs attached, walk around to ensure they don't rub or pinch.

• The spur should remain stable with only slight pivoting allowed.

• Proper leg position is important to avoid inadvertently driving the rowel into the horse.

The key is achieving a snug but comfortable fit that keeps the spurs securely in place without restricting foot and ankle movement. Improperly fitted spurs can be unsafe and ineffective for aiding the horse.

How Often to Check Spur Fit

Here are some tips on how often to check the fit of your spurs:

• Check the spur fit every time you put them on before riding. A quick check can identify any loosening or shifting that may have occurred.

• Do a more thorough spur fit check at least once a month. Remove the spurs completely and inspect the heel bands, straps, and overall positioning on your boots.

• Check the spur fit anytime you get new boots or if your current boots have become significantly more worn. Boot shape and spur ledge depth can change over time.

• If you notice the spurs slipping, rubbing, or not pivoting properly during your ride, stop and readjust the fit as needed.

• Check spur fit more frequently if you ride in demanding conditions (ranch work, roping, etc.) where spurs may get pulled or knocked out of position more easily.

The key is to not let an improper spur fit go unchecked, as ill-fitting spurs can rub your boots, pinch your ankles, lose effectiveness as an aid, or potentially cause injury to your horse if the rowels catch incorrectly. Developing the habit of checking spur fit regularly ensures they remain stable, secure, and positioned properly for safe and effective use during rides.

Use of Spurs by Rodeo Cowboys

Rodeo cowboys commonly wear spurs when competing in rodeo events:

Bareback Riding:

• Bareback riders wear spurs with longer straight shanks (around 2 1/4 inches) and a 15-degree offset rowel to help them spur and grip the horse during the ride.

• The rowels are typically dull and smooth to avoid injuring the horse.

Bull Riding:

• Bull riders use spurs with longer drop shanks (around 2 1/2 inches) and more aggressive rowels with sharper points.

• The offset angle of the rowel can vary from 22-33 degrees to allow the rider to spur and maintain position on the bull.

• Roughstock spurs are designed to be very secure on the rider's boots to avoid being pulled off during the intense ride.

Saddle Bronc Riding:

• Saddle bronc riders use spurs with shorter drop shanks (around 1 3/4 inches) and a milder 5-degree offset rowel.

• The shorter shank keeps the rowel closer to the horse's shoulders to encourage the bucking action.

In all roughstock events, spurs are an essential tool for cowboys to maintain proper form, balance, and score well by spurring the animal during the ride. However, excessive or intentional abuse of spurs is prohibited and can result in disqualification or fines.

The specific spur designs, shank lengths, rowel offsets, and aggression levels are tailored to the needs of each rodeo event while still prioritizing the humane treatment of livestock. Proper training on spur use is critical for both effectiveness and animal welfare.

Conclusion

In summary, spurs are an essential cowboy tool for refined communication and cues to the horse, with many design variations for different purposes. Proper training is required to use them correctly as an aid without harming the animal. The article covers the key points about the purpose, parts, types, proper use, and selection of spurs for various Western and English riding disciplines, as well as their specific application in ranching and rodeo events. It also provides guidance on how to properly fit and maintain spurs on riding boots for optimal safety and effectiveness.

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.