"You have to earn your spurs." This sentence has probably crossed the path of every rider at some point in their life. In my eyes, it’s a simple sentence, but one with great meaning. Spurs are a tool to refine the leg aid and belong on experienced legs.
The variety of spurs is large, in terms of Length, shape, and Material. I myself have different versions hanging in my tack room, but I must admit that they are rarely used in my daily training. Still, I find the use of spurs quite useful depending on the horse and training level, and a supportive aid.
As with many aids in equestrian sports, the right application determines how well this aid helps or becomes counterproductive.
fairRider – a spur without a rowel?
Admittedly, I first shook my head when I saw this product for the first time. You either ride with spurs or without. But this new development seemed to me neither fish nor fowl.
After a while, I talked to a few people about these spurs and became curious because their experiences were consistently positive. So I simply ordered the 20mm model – round, flattened. I ride my 16-year-old gelding almost exclusively without spurs in training, but from the L/M level lessons onward, it sometimes becomes difficult for me to get him properly engaged under the center of gravity. Using spurs with a rowel can sometimes have the opposite effect, making him tense and even lazier.
Used once and immediately impressed
So I tried the FAIRRIDER SPURS from the brand SPRENGER. They are very comfortable to wear and fit well on my boots. While riding, I immediately noticed positively how well he responded to my spur aids and that he accepted them much better. Thanks to the flattened sides, you can individually adjust the spur aid from pinpoint to broad and have many more "dosing options" than with a simple rowel.
I also tried the spurs once on my 4-year-old riding pony, who is already very responsive to leg aids. Here too, I noticed positively that she immediately understood the use of the spur and accepted it well.
Only fairRider spurs from now on?
In conclusion, I want to say that the FAIRRIDER SPURS are a great development. However, I wouldn’t necessarily say you have to make a choice between regular spurs and FAIRRIDER SPURS. Rather, it’s a both-and. Just as individual as our horses are, we should also ride them individually. I think the FAIRRIDER SPURS are a useful addition to a rider’s spur repertoire if they generally use these aids. I can only warmly recommend trying them out and forming your own opinion.
Curious now? Let’s test them!
Our dear Canan is convinced. Now it’s your turn – convince yourself! You can find the innovative FAIRRIDER SPURS and many other products from the brand SPRENGER in our shop. :-)
