Artificial Aids: SPURS 

I am often asked why I always train in spurs. My answer is “so you don’t need to ride with them”.

Obviously, the natural aid that precedes the spur is the leg. When a leg applies pressure to the horse the response we expect is for the horse to give to that pressure. When the expected response is complete, the pressure is removed (positive reinforcement based training: apply pressure, get a response, give a reward). However, what happens when “Roany” decides he is much more interested in the cute filly in the next pen instead of giving to your leg?

First, determine why Roany is failing to pay attention. Second, make sure you are skilled enough in asking for the task at hand and have done so properly. Finally, when everything else is in place and it’s clear that Roany just chose not to listen, we apply the spur.

Of course, this entire sequence took place within a matter of 3 seconds so that the horse can associate the spur with the failure to make the right choice in responding to the initial cue. There is also an assumption of a certain level of trust and respect established between horse and rider so that the spur is a fair means of communication at that moment.

The spur should always be our second method of pressure. This means we ask politely once and the second time the request is much more clear. In the long term, this makes the horse less anxious about transitions and complex tasks as he expects a fairly stress free initial request, always followed by a stronger request should HE choose to ignore the first. The key concept is that HE chooses. The spur does not force him into action, it simply states the same request with a louder voice, giving him yet another choice to make.

We allow the horse to make the wrong choice, but we also asked again in a different “language” so that a habit of not choosing properly is not established (ie a “bad habit”). Most of the time the horse will decide that it’s easier and more pleasant to respond the first time versus the consequence of a second request. This also keeps a horse’s sides light and responsive rather than encouraging dead-sidedness. Dead-sidedness occurs when riders dig their heels in repeatedly in an attempt to get a response. This practice of kicking a horse’s sides simply desensitizes the horse to leg and forces the rider into a “punishment” situation. In the same sense, using a harsh spur as the initial means of communication increases a horses anxiety level as he will perceive no reward for being “good’ as the extreme pressure is applied without warning, never offering him a choice before hand (no reward).

When choosing a spur, look for dull, small rowels or blunt, fat ends. Although any spur can be abused by a careless rider, these are less apt to cause injury and should be sufficient for any horse. If using spurs for the first time, simply duct tape the ends so that the impact of the end is minimized until your expertise improves.

Due to the thoughtful use of my spurs, during my next ride on Roany he calmly chooses to move from my leg on the first cue….although I still see one eye directed at that cute filly…..hmmmm?