Spurs and whips for finer aids
The communication between horseand rideris crucial for how well they harmonize as a team. To support this communication, spurs and whipscan be used. The ridercan use them to give their horsetargeted and subtle aids, so that the interaction ultimately works with minimal effort. We have summarized below the types of spurs and whipsavailable and how to use them correctly.
Why and for what are spurs needed?
When riding, many signals are transmitted to the horsevia the rider'slegs. Spurs help to improve these signals and give gentle impulses. They are attached to the riding boot. It is important that only very experienced ridersuse spurs when riding, so that the spurs can be used purposefully and injuries are avoided. The impulses given by the riderwith the spurs must be very finely tuned to the horseand its character to avoid unexpected reactions from the animal.
Important to know:
Spurs should not cause pain to the horseor injure it. They merely serve to give more direct impulses. It is therefore all the more important to choose the right spurs for your horseand to use them correctly. In addition to the correct type and length of the spur, the timing is also important. Spurs must stimulate the muscle as long as the respective hind leg is in the air.
What types of spurs are there?
Spurs are an aid in riding with which the ridercan give clearer signals to their horsethrough a leg aid. Various types of spurs are available for this purpose.
- Swan neck spursThese spurs get their name from their elongated design, which resembles a slender swan's neck. They are more of an exotic among spurs and are suitable, among others, for riderswith particularly long legs. This allows the riderto reach the horse'sbelly more easily. They can also be advantageous for well-built horsesif you want to maintain contact with your horsedespite smaller foot movements.
- Spurs with a straight shankWith these spurs, the shank is straight, but can also be slightly angled or rounded at the end. These spurs allow for gentle impulses when riding. They are particularly well suited for horsesthat are sensitive to touch and only need a minimal impulse.
- Rowel spursWith rowel spurs, there is a flexible wheel at the end of the shank that can rotate. Numerous variants, sizes, and shapes exist for this type of spur. The points at the end can also vary in sharpness. These wheeled spurs are well suited for horsesthat need short but intense impulses. If you are working with rowel spurs for the first time, you should start with wheeled spurs with rounded points.
- Hammerhead spursVisually, these spurs resemble a hammerhead in shape, which is how they got their name. This type of shank is well suited for less sensitive horsesthat rely on clear aids.
- Wheel spursThese spurs have a small wheel at the end of the shank. This allows you to give your horsegentle impulses when riding. These spurs are ideal for sensitive horsesthat usually accept this gentle aid very well.
- Ball-end spursThese spurs have a ball at the end of the shank. Ball-end spurs are among the gentlest types of spurs, as they make only a minimal difference to the heel. Therefore, they are particularly suitable for very sensitive or young horses. In addition, they are good for riderswho are riding with spurs for the first time and want to get used to them.
Buy the right spurs in the kavalio online shop
In our online shop, you will find a large selection of different spurs that improve communication between horseand rider. Our manufacturer Sprengeroffers a wide variety of types and shapes of spurs made of stainless steel.
For very subtle and discreet aids, you will also find spurs from our brand Stübben Steeltecfor very effective and precise aids.
Whips as a fine instrument for communication
Another aid for communication between horseand riderare whips. They serve to give clear and direct impulses. A brief touch is usually enough to elicit a reaction from the horse. Especially in dressage, whipscan, for example, help to activate the hindquarters by lightly touching the hind legs.
Dressage whips for tapping the hind leg
A dressage whipis - as the name suggests - used in dressage and serves to tap the horse'shind leg with an additional touch. Since the whipmust reach the hind leg, it is usually longer than other whips. It should extend 10cm beyond the hip when held by the rider.
Dressage whipsare offered, among others, by our manufacturer Fleck. In addition to the correct length and high-quality workmanship, this manufacturer also pays attention to an appealing design. Thus, you will find dressage whipsfrom this brand that are set with small crystals.
Jumping bats as a guiding instrument in show jumping
A jumping batis a variant of classic whipsand crops, but it is shorter. They are used in show jumping.
Jumping batsare very stable and in most cases have a wider leather element at the end.
When buying a jumping whip, pay attention to the following characteristics: The jumping whipshould not be longer than a maximum of 75 cm. In addition, most jumping batsare made of flexible fiberglass and equipped with a non-slip grip.
Whips for lunging and ground work
The whip is significantly longer than a riding cropor a jumping batand is explicitly designed for ground work or lunging. It consists of a stick and a lash with which you can give light impulses. It is important not to use the whip too often so that the animal does not become dull. Likewise, a whip is not meant to hurt the animal. Respectful communication is always the prerequisite for a good relationship that develops between you and your horse.
Also discover our other aids for communication between you and your horse.
