Spursuaders Persuade…A Product Review
| July 26, 2011 | Posted by Calina under Product Reviews |
Historically, my approach to spurs has been simple – I use them only when absolutely necessary. I’m certainly aware that countless experienced horsemen subscribe to the “every ride” philosophy when it comes to spurs, and I actually completely agree on a theoretical level. I’ve just simply never gotten into the habit except with a few of the very lazy horses that I’ve ridden over the years. If I’m being honest, where the more sensitive ones are concerned, I’ve always been apprehensive about an inadvertent jab and the possible results! I am a mistake prone amateur, after all.
That said, I recognize the benefits of spurs – even for the more sensitive equines. They are an extension of the leg and, among other things, allow for a more refined use of the rider’s leg – particularly useful when it comes to lateral work. Lateral work, in particular, has been a focus of late with the sensitive young mare I’ve been riding. While generally willing to go forward, I had been struggling with her responsiveness while schooling leg yields, shoulder-ins, renvers and travers. It was for those reasons that I jumped at the opportunity to try the Spursuader, a spur specifically designed for sensitive horses.
First off, a few words need to be said about the Spursuader’s shape and weight. Sporting a large disk-like shape, it is quite the departure from the other spurs in my tack box, which are all mostly Price of Wales spurs of varying lengths. It is also heavier than any of my other spurs. The longest spurs I own weigh 42 grams each. By contrast, a Spursuader weighs-in at 108 grams – more than double the weight.
All that said, once they were strapped on, I quickly forgot about them and the extra weight didn’t bother me at all. They also feel substantial and appear to be a quality product.
Once mounted, I found that the Spursuader helped me encourage my horse to move her ribcage over and stop bracing against my left leg, one of her favourite habits, without adding any tension. Where the Spursuader really seemed to shine, however, was once we started our lateral work – the mare moved off my leg much more readily while schooling some leg yields and, later, the spurs helped produce some super haunches-out work on a spiraling circle without any chestnut mare complaints! I also appreciated the improved responsiveness within the trot as we played around with some lengthen trots.
On the whole, I was thoroughly impressed with the Spursuader and its positive effects on a more sensitive ride. As an added bonus for those who might have some lingering concerns about the risk of ‘inadvertent spurring’, we had barn cat antics-induced spook toward the end of our ride and, while I bumped her with the spur, it was a complete non-event. I would definitely encourage those with sensitive horses to try the Spursuader.
The founder of Spursuaders, Linda Hauck of Tapestry Equine Services, kindly donated a pair of Spursuaders as a giveaway. Please comment on this post with why you think they would be beneficial to your training to be entered to win. A poster will be selected by random draw on Monday, August 1st, 2011.
Be sure to check out Spursuaders’ website at www.spursuader.com for more information.
* UPDATE: The winner of the Spursuaders giveaway is Jenni Gelatt. Congratulations!!!!
Good luck with your Spursuaders! Let me know how you and your horse make out with them!
Happy riding!
Linda
I think the spursaders would help my riding ability because I currently don’t use spurs. It would be nice to feel the collection of the horse without kicking all the time.
I think a pair of Spursuaders would be an amazing addition to my apparel collection because they are perfect for those horses that just don’t NEED a spur but do need something extra to achieve great lateral work. Especially ex race horses. I have years of experience with these horses and I’ve had a lot of problem with normal spurs. I think Spursuaders would be so perfect for these horses because they aren’t “scary” or “mean”, they are just a little bit of extra encouragement and friendly help. I know many horses that would love Spursuaders, what a great idea!!
I think it would be beneficial for me because I tend to use my spurs far too often. I wish I could rely on my legs/calves more than my spur!
I have a rather lazy, sensitive horse and quit using spurs because he’d just get perturbed and kick out at them. I’m willing to bet that these spurs would give the reaction I’m looking for. I’d love to give them a try!
I ride lesson horses and keep ponies in shape for little kids, and I’ve considered that I would be better off using spurs instead of nagging with my leg. These would be a great all-purpose spur for me, since I’ve only used them once to date!
I have a 13yr old Hanoverian mare who is very sensitive. We have progressed to the point where her respect of my legs is waning in regards to lateral but the use of a conventional spur makes her cave in the ribcage (very annoying and counter-productive). I’d love to try a pair of Spursuaders to see if they could help us achieve a strong and straight leg yield.
I have an appaloosa mare that I rescued. She was abused by her previous owners. They would repetitively beat her with a crop over and over and over again until the point when I got her she we so numb to all pressure, you could spank her with a crop and it wouldn’t phase her. Same with your legs, it hardly phases her. For a very long time, I had to instill the use of a dressage whip to ask her to pick up by gently rubbing it against her hock. She’s a different horse since I’ve gotten her but she is still a smart one and loves to break at the canter. I’ve used spurs occasionally but I find them to be too harsh. I can justify doing that to her after all she’s been through. But these might just be able to do the trick for her and I. Please, choose me!
I have an Arab X gelding who, while being basically lazy, is also quite sensitive. I have used other kinds of spurs and found that for dressage he gets annoyed and puts his ears back, even though I am careful when I ride. He is resistant to bending, particularly on the right side, and these may be a great way to get his attention, while still appreciating his sensitive side.
I can honestly say I never have worn spurs and until last week I thought I would always be that way. I have reached a point in training my mare that requires more and more leg. My leg is about dead after a ride and I am finding total lack of respect from her. I’m looking at spurs and thanks for this review I know what I’m going to buy.