How Do Spurs Work? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAs noted, spurs are used as a way to communicate commands to a horse, and can be used to enhance voice, leg, hand, and seat commands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, their primary function is to effectively communicate these commands, but how does a rider use spurs to do this? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, spurs are used to apply slight pressure to a horse\u2019s flank where the muscles and nerves cross. This is an extremely sensitive area of a horse, and even the slightest amount of pressure there can cause involuntary movement – which is pretty similar to being poked in the ribs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through subtle movements, a rider can use spurs to encourage a horse to move forwards, move faster, move left or right, and turn around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, riders (especially those trained well enough to use spurs) will use the lightest pressure they can, as you should barely touch the horse to get them to follow your command. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through practice and training, a horse will learn to understand what messages or commands you are trying to give them with the spurs. A horse will learn what to do and when to do it through training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One you have released the pressure from a spur, your horse knows that they have done the correct command. Unlike most other training methods, spurs training uses a pressure and release method. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, it is not only horses that need spurs training, but riders as well, as riders often have to \u201cearn their spurs\u201d. This is because you need to learn how to use the right amount of pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If a horse kicks, pins it\u2019s ears back, or bucks, it means that the horse feels frightened, agitated, or tense – so, you\u2019re doing something wrong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, if you accidentally touch the horse with your spurs when you didn\u2019t mean to, you\u2019re giving the horse mixed signals. This can confuse your horse, so, the better trained you are the easier it is to communicate commands to your horse using spurs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n