Western Spurs and Accessories

Monday, March 9th, 2009 | Horse Product Reviews, Horse Training Tips, Horseback Riding Lesson

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There are quite a few types of spurs, but my absolute favorite is a dull 9 point rowel. They look a bit intimidating but they are actually not harsh when used correctly. If you were to kick a horse with this type of spur, of course it could do some damage, so these as any spurs are really for experienced riders that have control over their legs.

The parts of the spur are:

Heel Band - The part that wraps around your heel
Neck - The part that protrudes from the heel band The neck can be curved, straight, short, or long.
Rowel - The round part that spins. There are different sizes and types of rowels ranging from dull to not so dull.

Every rowel spins, that way it rolls over the horse as opposed to jabbing into him. The rowel that spins is what keeps the spur humane.

There are two more important things that are need for a spur to fit and function properly:

Billy Royal Spur Straps

Spur Straps - The spur straps are used to connect the spur to your boot. The pair pictured are made by Billy Royal. You don’t need your spur straps to be so blinged out, a plain spur strap will do, it’s just not nearly as much fun.
Spur Tiedown or Spur Keepers - The spur tiedowns connect to side of spurs between the spur and the spur strap and run under your boot just in front of the heel. This will keep the spur snugly in place. I sometimes use rubber bands or bailing twine in a pinch.

Rubber Spur Tiedown

If your spurs are a perfect fit, you may not need the tiedown for them but I liket to use them regardless of the fit. Especially since I wear different boots on different days so some are wider than others. I don’t like it when the spur slides up and down on my boot. I keep the spur pretty loose because I don’t want it to be tight on my heel.

The Purpose Of Spurs

Tags: spur straps, spurs, tiedowns

4 Comments to Western Spurs and Accessories

vintage cowboy spurs
March 10, 2009

A nice little article about your spurs and their usage.
I agree that the rotating rowel is the most humane type to use and that ONLY the very experienced rider will be able to use them without hurting the horse.

dcastro
March 12, 2009

Thanks, and good point!

Leanna
April 28, 2009

What do you think about spurs without rowels?

dcastro
May 2, 2009

I sometimes use them as long as the end of the spur is dull or a ball, the severity lies in the person who is using the spur.

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