Proper Spur Placement on Paddock Boots

You should only consider using spurs when your leg is strong enough that it only moves when you are consciously giving your horse a leg aid. Spurs are considered an artificial aid (as opposed to natural aids, which are aids that are a part of your body, such as legs, voice and hands). You also need to remember to use a normal leg aid before applying your spur so that you don't train your horse to respond to the spur only.

  1. Putting Spurs On

    • You'll wear spurs on paddock boots (riding boots that cover your ankle and don't go up your calf) approximately the same way as on tall riding boots like field or dress boots, even if you're wearing chaps. The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship states you should use the boots' spur rests, which are small pieces attached to the back of the boots, or the stitching at the ankle if your boots don't have spurs rests as a guide for where the band of the spurs should lie. Your spurs will rest just above and parallel to these parts. The spurs straps are put on so that they are slid through the slots on the spurs, under your boots just in front of your heels and through the slots on the opposite side so that the ends buckle together on the outside of your foot. Make sure that the shank (curved end) is pointing down towards the ground, since paddock boots are an English style of riding boots. Be sure that your spur straps are buckled so the excess strap is not flopping around.