DefinitelyDressage.com

OK folks, I finally feel ready to accept that spurs are something we use for harder work that demands a quick reaction. I trust my leg enough to be clear and to know when the spur is on/off, and I'm ready to "graduate" from my cheap tiny nub spurs. I know a lot of dressage people like a rowl spur, but what is your preference?

I would also like to get something made of a material that will not leave any marks (from the metal side of the spur) on my very white horse :-0

I don't use spurs but this might work for you?

https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/centa ... iIQAvD_BwE

I wear something like this with the rounded end - longer so that I don't have to move my leg much, and rounded because I ride a lot of sensitive chestnuts and grays. I've never caused an issue in other spurs, but I like to be safe.
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/herm- ... -spur-9018

I use the Sprenger Balkenhol ones--they are heavy enough that I know I am wearing them and where my feet are, and they are long enough that I don't have to wave my legs around to make contact.

The only thing against them is that they will leave black marks on a grey horse. When I was riding Walker in them I used to paint them with clear nail varnish from time to time, which solved the problem.

Currently stainless steel Prince Of Wales Spurs, they don’t leave a mark. It all depends on how sensitive your horse is, it’s best to start small and work up so if you can borrow rather than buy. Probably better to Start with a small shank and toothed rowels.

Thanks, all. Good tip on the nail polish, M.! Even if I don't use the spur during a ride, the metal wears off on my horse's coat.

BTW, this is what I have been using, when I use something:
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/round ... spurs-2140

Also BTW: What on earth is "german silver"? Is it just a particular nickel or stainless alloy?

piedmontfields wrote:
Also BTW: What on earth is "german silver"? Is it just a particular nickel or stainless alloy?

German Silver is an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel, sometimes also containing lead and tin. It was originally named for its silver-white colour, but the term 'silver' is now prohibited for alloys not containing that metal.

i use spurs that look something like this:

https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/never ... traps-2142

it's a slightly squared off end, but no sharpe edges. I also have smooth rowels that I also use from time to time--I call them my show spurs because that's where i use them most.

I really do think of spurs as a refinement aid rather than a bigger bat (not implying anyone is saying that). They give a way to for the leg to have yet an additional extension of meaning. I also think that when used correctly, spurs are less of a 'go' aid and more of an engagement aid. I find they improve the collected work more than anything else.

Blob, I agree, and am definitely realizing I need them for "harder work requiring a quick reaction" aka engagement! I find the spur helps with specificity, too.

So do all of the metals rub off on white horses? I mean, I do not normally ride with my toes so far in/heels so far out that the side piece of the spur would never touch the horse (that is where I'm getting the color transfer).

piedmontfields wrote:So do all of the metals rub off on white horses? I mean, I do not normally ride with my toes so far in/heels so far out that the side piece of the spur would never touch the horse (that is where I'm getting the color transfer).

Hmmm I don't remember my spurs rubbing off on white fur but it's been awhile! I have a set that has that rubber around the part that goes on your foot-- I thought that's what might rub off, but maybe that's what WON'T. Have you ever tried any of those?

piedmontfields wrote:So do all of the metals rub off on white horses? I mean, I do not normally ride with my toes so far in/heels so far out that the side piece of the spur would never touch the horse (that is where I'm getting the color transfer).

That was never a problem for Mom or I on her all white Appy.

I have a pair i really love. I don't even know the manufacturer or where I got them. I call them "nickel" rowels. Smooth, a little thicker and slightly smaller than an actual nickel. Very mild, and my last two horses seem to like them. They have a little horse show ribbon stamped near the heel, and a slight extension under the shank and rowel so they won't slide down if your boots don't have stops.

I use these
https://www.dressageextensions.com/soft ... r/p/1266R/.
I do not consistently ride with spurs. I really don't need them but want something "soft" and that rolls easily for my sensitive mare when I chose to use them. If we get back to regular work (fingers crossed), I will start using them consistently when we get back to schooling 2nd-3rd for refinement.

Susan

Susan- that looks like what I need--something that covers the side of the spur.

Yes, that's the same rubber I was talking about--however, I imagine that rubber might ALSO leave a black mark....perhaps you can grab a set to borrow/test out?

Blob, I needed a visual apparently to understand. I was thinking of those rubber things you can put on your spurs to protect your boots, but not of spurs with rubber.

Only downside to rubber vs. metals is that they tend to rub more hair off/pull more hair out with use. So you may avoid the staining but get a bald patch.

Argh. Thanks for that info, Ponichiwa. Right now, I'm just quickly wiping off the grey residue from the side of the spur after each ride.

THis is what I use. I was told that smooth rowels are less irritating than a POW or other non-rowel spur; those pull at the skin whereas a rowel will roll over it. I found a nice german silver set at my local consignment shop - they were all tarnished but polished up great. https://www.dressageextensions.com/balk ... el/p/1231/