Learn how to choose the right spurs when you’re learning how to ride.
The use of spurs while riding is a controversial topic. Spurs can be either a way to enhance communication with your horse or a source of physical and psychological damage. And as a new rider, it’s essential to be fully informed when it comes to the use and selection of spurs.
We highlight 7 options ideal for beginner riders (like Coronet Soft Touch spurs with rubber ends) so you can make a smart decision for you and your horse. Regardless of which spur you select, it’s best to seek help from a professional trainer in learning how to use this new piece of equipment correctly. Your horse will thank you!
Summary: 7 Best Spurs for Beginners
| Spur | Style | Overview |
| Colorado Saddlery Flying Heart Spur (Amazon) | Bumper Spur | A decorative leather bumper spur that’s a good choice for beginners. |
| Tough-1 AT Sidewinder Spurs (State Line Tack) | Bumper Spur | All metal, entry-level bumper spur that’s gentle and solid. |
| Coronet Prince of Wales Spurs (Amazon) | Roller Ball | Entry-level spur with a gentle metal roller ball and a good beginner option. |
| Coronet Rubber Soft Touch Spurs (Amazon) | Rubber Ball | Soft rubber ball spur that is easy for beginners but may not have the longevity of metal options. |
| Coronet Prince of Wales Spurs (Amazon) | Round End | Intermediate spur for riders who need a bit more than a roller or rubber ball. |
| Tough1 SS Long Knob End Equitation Spur | Round End | Plain spur with a longer shank to minimize rider leg movement |
| Classic Equine Cowboy Spurs | Cloverleaf Rowel | Weighted spurs with a classic Western design |
Click to skip to details about each spur
Riding with Spurs 101
Spurs can be controversial and are often a misunderstood riding tool. Used correctly, spurs can help refine communication, especially when working on lateral movement.
Like all artificial aids (e.g. crop), spurs should be used carefully and only as a supplement to natural cues, such as your voice, hands, seat, and legs.
Learning to use spurs is a process.
For beginner riders, it’s better to focus on refining your natural cues before adding spurs to the equation. When you are ready to start riding with spurs, it’s a good idea to consult with a trainer.
Even a gentle horse can have very strong reactions to spurs and it’s important for riders to learn how to use them properly.
Click to skip to details about each spur
Getting Started With Spurs:
- Start by introducing your horse to spurs from the ground. Let him see, smell, hear, and feel them.
- If he is not spooked by them, you can start with groundwork. Use your voice and very gentle pressure of the spur to encourage your horse to move away from the pressure. When he responds, immediately remove the pressure.
- When you are both comfortable, you can ride your horse while wearing the spurs. Your natural aids should always be the first line of communication, only adding spurs when necessary.
If you’ve carefully introduced your spurs and use them gently, you should rarely, if ever, need much added pressure.
Need boots to go with your new spurs? Check out our 9 Rookie Approved Horseback Riding Boots for Beginners.
Colorado Saddlery Flying Heart Bumper Spur
Click to see it at Amazon
PROS:
- Gentle on the horse
- Good for beginners
- Decorative silver accents
CONS:
- No way to kick without applying the spur
Click to see these spurs at Amazon
Tough-1 AT Sidewinder Bumper Spurs
Tough-1 AT Sidewinders are popular and affordable, making them a wonderful entry level option.
Click to see it at State Line Tack
PROS:
- Gentle on the horse
- Quality construction
- Simple design goes well with any boot
CONS:
- No way to kick without applying the spur
Click to see these spurs at State Line Tack
Learning to ride well, with and without spurs, is critical. Check out our step-by-step article about How to Ride Horses for Beginners.
Coronet Prince of Wales Spurs with Roller Ball
Click to see it at Amazon
PROS:
- Can kick without spurs
- Gentle on the horse
- No sharp edges
CONS:
- Run wide and may not fit thinner boots
- Requires thin spur straps
Click to see these spurs at Amazon
Coronet Rubber Soft Touch Spurs
Click to see it at Amazon
PROS:
- Rubber ball is extra gentle
- Can kick without spurs
- Good for beginners
CONS:
- Rubber ball is less durable than metal
Click to see these spurs at Amazon
Coronet Prince of Wales Round End Spurs
Click to see it at Amazon
PROS:
- Short shank for easier control
- Quality construction
- Versatile option for all riding disciplines
CONS:
- Narrower fit, so you may need to widen them for some boots
Click to see these spurs at Amazon
Tough1 SS Long Knob End Equitation Spurs
The Touch1 SS Long Knob End Equitation Spurs are a standard spur with a neutral design. And the longer shank minimizes your leg movement while the sturdy design keeps the spurs exactly where they should be.
Click to see them at Amazon
- Unisex design
- Effective yet gentle enough for use by beginning riders
- Reasonable price point
CONS:
- Longer-shanked spurs may not be ideal for sensitive horses
Click to see these spurs at Amazon
Classic Equine Cowboy Spurs
If you want spurs with a slightly flashier look, these Classic Equine Cowboy Spurs might just be what you’ve been missing! Sturdy yet functional, they add a bit of that classic Western cowboy/girl vibe to your outfit.
Click to see it at Amazon
- Weighted to stay in the place on your boot where they function most effectively
- Subtle yet elegant design
- Heavier duty spur than others on this list
CONS:
- May need extra care to prevent tarnishing
Click to see these spurs at Amazon
Riding Western, but still not sure what you want to focus on? Check out our 20 Different Types of Western Riding (With Video Examples).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are spurs for horse riding?
Spurs are metal attachments to riding boots that can be used as an additional riding aid. Ideally, spurs should be used to refine lateral movement and not to encourage speed.
They come in a variety of styles and can be very gentle or quite harsh.
Q: Do you need spurs to ride a horse?
Many riders never use spurs, and not all horses respond well to spurs.
Like many things in riding, whether or not spurs can and should be used depends on the rider, the horse, and the intended outcome.
Q: Do spurs hurt the horse?
While spurs should not hurt a horse, they absolutely can hurt a horse.
You can minimize risk by using the gentlest spur your horse will respond to, only using the spur as a last resort, and under the guidance of a trusted instructor.
Q: How do I choose the right spurs?
If you are new to spurs, choose something gentle, such as roller ball or bumper spurs. You’ll want something that fits correctly, doesn’t stick out too far from your heel, and that your horse responds well to.
It’s always best to work with a trainer, especially if they know your horse, to decide what would be right for you.
Q: How do you fit spurs to your boots?
Spurs should be loose enough to slide easily onto the back of your boot without sliding down below the spur ledge on your boots. They should be slightly wider than the boot and have some wiggle room.
Spurs that are too tight can damage your boots and cause foot pain, while spurs that are too loose can slide out of place.
Q: What are bumper spurs?
Bumper spurs are a softer option for riders who would like to try spurs or horses that are particularly sensitive. Rather than a shank, bumper spurs have a curved metal piece around the heel that is fairly flat rather than spiked.
They are a great option for horses who just need a little bit of extra encouragement but don’t need a full spur.
Q: What about wearing spurs in public?
In general, spurs should only be worn if you’ll be using them.
While you don’t need to remove them immediately after dismounting your horse, it’s generally frowned upon to wear spurs for fashion or outside of functional purposes.
Q: Should you use a whip on a horse?
Whips are a hotly debated topic in the equestrian world. They should only be used as a signal, a simple correction, or to enhance a leg command. NEVER use a whip to punish or lash out at your horse.
A whip should be an extension of your arm or leg and used with a light touch.
Sometimes, just carrying one can encourage a lazy horse to move better off your leg. On a horse that’s learned to pop his shoulder, you can use a whip to correct him.
Whips can also be used on the ground while training or for lunging.
Q: Are English and Western spurs different?
There are some pretty noticeable differences between English and Western spurs. Both are used as a way to enhance a leg aid.
English spurs are typically smaller, lighter, and lack a rowel (a pointy revolving disk or wheel at the end), ending instead in a nub of varying length. These types of spurs also lack decoration, and the strap that attaches them to the stirrup is small.
Western stirrups tend to be loud and flashy, and many have a rowel at the end. They are much heavier than English spurs and often have fancy designs or thicker leather straps.
Spurred to Success
No one pair of spurs is the perfect option for any horse and rider combo. No matter which spurs you choose, remember to introduce them slowly and gently to your horse, and always use caution when riding with them.
Using them responsibly will support a healthy, happy relationship with your horse.
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
- How to Ride a Horse for Beginners (Basics, Safety, Mistakes)
- 13 Best Horseback Riding Boots for Lessons
- 20 Different Types of Western Riding (With Video Examples)
- Horseback Riding Safety Equipment That’s Worth Every Penny
- 9 Rookie Approved Horseback Riding Boots for Beginners
- 6 Best Horse Bits for Beginners (English and Western)
- Friendly and Fun: 4 Best Horse Breeds for Beginners
