DMTspurs

Where Do You Wear Your Spurs?

DMTspursSpurs are an invaluable tool for cueing and guiding your horse. To get effective use from your spurs they need to be positioned functionally on your boots.

1. Spurs should rest on the spur ledges of your boots.

2. Spurs should not be placed so high that they ride on the heel counters or so low that they ride on the heel bases of your boots.

3. The bands of the spurs should be adjusted so they’re very slightly wider than the heels of your boots. This will allow slight movement to occur. The slight movement is important when cueing your horse. In addition, spurs that are so tight that they can’t move on the boot will end up hurting your feet. Spurs that are too loose will slide down on the heel bases of the boots and may slip completely off.

Although use of leg aids or cues is beyond the scope of this writing, it should be remembered that as a general rule of good horsemanship, they are used in the order of lightest to strongest and only used until you get a response from your horse. While keeping heels down, start by applying pressure with the side of your leg or foot, and if you get no response, then gently press with the side (shank) of the spur. If you still get no response, turn your toes outward so the rowels can be used. The strength of the spur cue can be gradually increased until the horse responds. Release the pressure to reward your horse for the correct effort. For help with proper cue and aid use, Dennis Moreland Tack recommends consulting with a professional instructor.

Dennis Moreland Tack makes spurs to fit everyone in the family. You choose the band size and width, the length and curve of the shank and even the rowel to meet your horse’s needs. Crafted from aerospace industry steel and hand engraved nickel silver, these spurs will last a lifetime. For more information on our professional quality handmade spurs, visit http://www.dmtack.com/pcategory/spurs/ or call 817-312-5305.

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