Correct way to wear spurs

[3dazey]

Where is the smiley that turns red with shame???

I have to confess I've never had a pair of spurs with one shank longer than the other...hard to believe since I'm older than Methusalah...but I digress. :eek:

So what's the correct way to wear these things? And the methodology behind it? Don't want to look like more of a bonehead than necessary. :confused::o

[NRB]

what do ya mean, 1 shank longer than the other? The shank is the part that comes off of the U shape and "pokes" the horse.

oops my bad, wikipedia says (so it must be right right?) that the shank is the U shape.

Can't wait to hear the correct response. But my guess is that you would place them on your boot and see which way looks more effective??? Bonehead answer I know. When I put on the spur straps I make sure that the buckle centers on my boot and the excess runs to the outside of the the boot.....ie my right spur has the buckle in the center but the extra leather runs to the right.....and make sure that you DO NOT have the spurs on upside down, which is cause for elimination in eventing or dressage....or both.

[ss3777]

longer side should be on the outside of the boot, not sure why but I am sure someone will have a great reason :)

[Dr. Doolittle]

What ss3777 said; I believe it's because the spur is supposed to be positioned slightly to the inside of center--both to be effective as an aid, and also to help the rider's leg position remain "correct" when using it (and to prevent the "toes out heel up" position when using the leg ;))

More educated posters will no doubt weigh in here :)

[snoopy]

What ss3777 said; I believe it's because the spur is supposed to be positioned slightly to the inside of center--both to be effective as an aid, and also to help the rider's leg position remain "correct" when using it (and to prevent the "toes out heel up" position when using the leg ;))

More educated posters will no doubt weigh in here :)



This is how I understand it as well....

[Snapdragon]

I learn something new every day! Inside is shorter to better fit the curve of your foot, or at least my Google search came up with that! DD, your explanation makes sense too.

[AdAblurr02]

<SNIP>and make sure that you DO NOT have the spurs on upside down, which is cause for elimination in eventing or dressage....or both.

really? wow. Wouldn't think those little short shanks would be much different either way!

OK, another question - are offset shanks legal? I saw a pair someplace (probably ebay!) that has shanks offset to the inside, kinda like a bull spur... made sense, as you would not have to rotate your foot outward to apply them.

[Eventer13]

All I know is, if I wear the longer side on the inside of my foot, it hurts like hell. So I keep the longer side to the outside.

[3dazey]

All I know is, if I wear the longer side on the inside of my foot, it hurts like hell. So I keep the longer side to the outside.

And I like that explanation the best. I do not like pain! :lol::lol::lol:

Seriously though, my DH who does not ride, took one look and knew how they should be worn. There's something really smart about that man! :D

[Aussie08]

It's funny what work for different people. I've found that if I wear the longer portion to the inside that it doesn't hurt my ankle. Has something to do with the anatomy of my ankle.

They are probably designed to be worn with the long portion to the outside.

But, if it doesn't change the position of the spur and doesn't cause it to be illegal, then all should be well.

[RiverBendPol]

No, off set shanks are not legal.

The rule changes below were approved by the USEF Executive Committee on February 19, 2008, effective immediately.

EV113 Dress
.4 SPURS. Spurs may be worn at any time. Spurs are required in the dressage test at the Intermediate and Advanced levels. Spurs capable of wounding a horse are forbidden. Spurs must be of smooth metal. If there is a shank it must not be longer than 3.5 cm (1 3/8 inches) and must point only towards the rear. Rowels are not permitted except as in 5 (c) (below). If the shank is curved, the spurs must be worn only with the shank directed downwards. Metal or plastic spurs with round hard plastic or metal knobs are allowed ("Impuls" spur). "Dummy spurs" with no shank and swan neck spurs are allowed.

[purplnurpl]

My spurs have a short side and long side but a shank right in the middle.

I have to wear them with the straps a little bit short so the shanks kinda but not really point up.
Even then they are almost usless. My legs hang waaaaaaay down.

That's why Booms gets 'pig stickers' on lazy days. The 1 3/8" babies. muahuahahahaha!

useless post I know. going now. bye!

[lizathenag]

the part that goes attaches to your boot is the yoke or the heel bank

the part that touches the horse (the long pokey part) is the shank (or the neck)

and of course the rowel is the turney thing shaped like a star or whatever

now who knows what the horizontal seam on the boot that the spur yoke should cover is called. . .?

seriously, I can't remember but I know I was asked at turnout (after they removed my horses bridle because my throatlatch was too loose...

[NRB]

RiverBendPol so where does it say that off set shanks are illeagle??? NOT disagreeing with you, but I didn't see any mention of off set in the rule posted, so maybe it's elsewhere??? I confess to being LAZY and not going online to look up the rules......

No, off set shanks are not legal.

The rule changes below were approved by the USEF Executive Committee on February 19, 2008, effective immediately.

EV113 Dress
.4 SPURS. Spurs may be worn at any time. Spurs are required in the dressage test at the Intermediate and Advanced levels. Spurs capable of wounding a horse are forbidden. Spurs must be of smooth metal. If there is a shank it must not be longer than 3.5 cm (1 3/8 inches) and must point only towards the rear. Rowels are not permitted except as in 5 (c) (below). If the shank is curved, the spurs must be worn only with the shank directed downwards. Metal or plastic spurs with round hard plastic or metal knobs are allowed ("Impuls" spur). "Dummy spurs" with no shank and swan neck spurs are allowed.