Thank you for your videos. When I was young and didn’t know any better, I thought spurs were awful because I would see a rodeo where the bronc rider would rack the horse with spurs. I haven’t seen a rodeo in many years. I hope they no longer do that. Your videos are so informative, thanks
What you said around the 5:40 mark is why I don't ever wear spurs. I have nothing against them and wish I could use them but I was partially paralyzed in the Marine Corps in my right leg so there are some movements I cannot make with that leg and I don't have complete control of it. Chances are I would end up gigging a horse with a spur and not even know what I had done, so, I choose not to wear them because they would not be a good choice of a tool for me.
I absolutely agree with your decision. It was a wise mature choice. I share your disappointment in not being able to use an aid which might otherwise be helpful. More importantly, thank you for your service and sorry for your injury.
I agree with most of what you said. I don't have a problem with spurs if used properly. But, people who say they rarely use their spur are the same ones that say they don't pull back on a snaffle bit. I watch a lot of videos of top trainers and If their toes are pointed out , their spur is engaged, and that is most of the time. I go to cuttings and sortings and watch these riders so that I can learn. They keep a spur stuck in the sides of a horse. Why does a barrel racer need a spur? They are not moving a horse's shoulder or rear end , as they say they are. They are flapping their legs like they are trying to fly. None of this is meant to be negative towards you. I watch you closely and you are a very good rider and a good horseman. We all want to learn and you are a good teacher.
Actions speak louder than words. I bet we all know people who talk a better ride than they ride one. That’s irrelevant. Spurs, like guns, are only dangerous in the wrong hands….. or feet. That’s the point of your video.
When you brought up the old fly on a horse cliche I knew you were going to say that the problem is when the fly bites! LOL. Or I was hoping you would. Have been hoping someone would finally point that out. I’ve been saying that a lot and no one seems enlightened because it invalidates the concept. Thanks!
I have also learned a bit about spurs from Tim Anderson and Pat Puckett , and from a sweet little mare that i exercise who has always been riddem with spurs. Pat says they can save your life if your in a bad bind and your horse needs to move to save your both. To access trails I have to use parts of a busy rural road with a lot of commercial truck traffic.
You certainly name a couple of really first rate horseman in Pat Puckett and Tim Anderson. I agree with pats statement that, correctly used, spurs can give you a margin of safety. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching.
@@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses your teachings are as much appreciated as your candid thoughts and observations. Yourself and Pat are in the same class. The class of honorable horsemen.
I don't appreciate the horse channels that play other people's videos and put them down. I would much rather watch someone who shows a technique all the way through where the horse comes through to the end and is calm and respectful. I don't much care what aids are used or how they are applied as long as at the other end the horse has learned to yeild to light pressure and is calm. If the person is causing extreme discomfort the horse will not be learning to yeild, but to escape. There is a noticable difference. Also, as a general rule, you can tell when spurs have been over applied because the horse will be swishing it's tail even when only leg is applied.
Thank you for addressing this subject. It absolutely pains me to walk through shows, horse facilities, etc. and see children no more than six years old wearing spurs!!! When I was learning to ride many years ago, I wore blunt spurs but none of my trainers ever taught me how to use them and I'm sure I used them incorrectly for many years as a result, which also pains me. I agree that they are a tool but a tool most don't know how to use, or when to use, or why/if to use, in my estimation. Everyone wears them! Surely not all horses need them. Just one more way the horse pays the price for our ignorance.
Thank you for the educational video! I’ve been observing how my trainer uses her spurs so that I’ll be prepared if/when I start to use them. I’m in my mid 50s and learning to control my legs first before trying spurs.
Herm - thank you for taking the time to make this video. I greatly appreciate your wisdom on the topic. I am relitively new to riding and have been looking for sensiable guidence on the communiation tool of spuurs. One of my goals with any of my horses is to use the least amount of input to get the desired action. This feels like it is in the context of using a rope halter verses a wide web halter for ground work where the rope has the ability to communicate with less input. I have one horse that will jump out of his skin if i bump with my heels above more than a gental squeez. Several other of my horses need way more input to have them understand what i am asking for. I would like to see that video you mentioned about riding with them. Thanks again!
I completely agree the use of any equipment is really pretty horse specific. Some horses require the occasional use of spurs and the rest of the time they just remain aware that that option is there. Others just find spurs to be an unnecessary source of stress. Horsemanship is in knowing the difference.
I agree. Its the user, not the tool. I have a ton of respect for those who ride quiet and one with the horse without being offensive to the horse. Its on the rider to be better every ride, better for the horse. Trying to perfect your own cues, timing and seat. When you see true horsemanship, its amazing, not just fancy stuff, its how the two connect as one. The haters just have an agenda and are likely paid.
I have an AQHA Western Pleasure spur broke horse. We don't stab him with the spurs, we lightly touch the spurs to precise spots to communicate with him. We show on a loose rein so need precise leg cues.
Without commenting at all on the process of “spur breaking” a horse to go slow I agree that the correct use of spurs is precision. Thank you for your comment and thank you for watching.
Sorry if this is a duplication. Having a few problems with technology as I often do. Without touching the question of “spur broke”horses I agree with you that precision riding is absolutely the best reason for wearing spurs
At 5'4", with short arms and legs, I've got to use spurs if I want to ride correctly. I cannot even push the heel of my foot to the side of a horse, and need the spur to extend the reach. Less spur is always better and overuse desensitizes and will eventually be of no use. It took me a while to move away from no bits, no spurs, no shoes (if not needed) and want to apply all three CORRECTLY. Would love to see a video on using spurs properly.
You and I are just about exactly 1 foot different in height! I agree that either extreme poses certain challenges. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching
We are almost exactly 1 foot different in height! I agree with you that either extreme poses it on challenges when it comes to riding. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching.
I have changed him from from numerous different bits styles to settle on a bitless bridal. He would constantly grab the bit. I dont have a spurs but would like some for a short legged girl but looking for the perfect set. Great video Sir!
Herm, thank you for responding to my question about spurs. Training a horse or pleasure riding is respectful. I have heard horror stories about bronc riders using spurs or burrs under a saddle to make their ride more wild. Also bull riders. I realize that situation is entirely different than training or pleasure riding. I attended one rodeo as a spectator and will never go again. I have learned so much about horses from your loving and respectful approach to these magestic creatures.
I will be completely candid. While I understand the basic concept of the “spur stop “it is incomprehensible and bizarre to me. I’ll have to leave it to someone else to explain this peculiar bit of training behavior which seems completely contrary to standard horsemanship practices.
I completely agree that spurs are best and most effectively used to refine directional and lateral cues. That said, they are of at least some value in driving a horse forward when used judiciously.
Good day to you Herm. In my earlier teens when I started training standardbreds I never carried a whip because (A) I was only allowed to go with older, more experienced horses and (B) I had small hands and the lines at that time were good leather one inch wide, a handful for me a lot of the time. One day on the track talking to a much older and extremely experienced horseman that I respected he noted that I had no whip and asked why. He then explained to me that he always carried a whip, most of the time sitting on it but he always one handy when on the cart. His reasoning was that when he was on a jog cart with the long shaves his only connections to the horse were the lines and his voice, both could be effective IF the horse wanted to listen but if the horse got excited they were easily ignored for a short time. Just tapping the horse on the butt with a whip gave you one more tool to get the horse's attention back on you and less chance of losing control in many situations. I carried a whip with me 95% of the time after that. From time to time they talk about banning whips in racing, but there is a very real safety concern in favour of having them but they must not be abused just like spurs for a rider. I am not a good enough rider to use spurs.
Great comment. Thanks. I hope others read it as your point is a valid one. I will take any tool that makes me a bit more safe and effective. The availability of a whip or the use of spurs are good examples.
Sorry if this is a duplication. I’ve been having some problems with getting my replies to go through. I appreciate your comment and completely agree with the point you make. Any tool which, if used correctly, promote safety is a good tool.
A number of people have suggested this video. I’ll try to come up with something. My problem is, frankly, that while I wear my spurs a lot I use them only a little and it may be a bit hard to stage a video that shows real life real time usage of spurs as opposed to just play acting. Hopefully we’ll figure something out. I think it would be a useful thing to put up. Not sure of the timing. Please keep watching.
Thank you for the insight on the topic of spurs. Lot of interesting comments as well. When I see someone with spurs on I sometime just wonder if they really need to use them or not. My only comment would be I have been around off track horses that were being re-trained to either working or trial horses and spurs may be a tool to help communicate and re-learn with some of these horses process / transitions. In rodeo, ur not going to change the cowboy or the way they ride lol.
Kicking can be abusive too. Gotta be firm but not aggressive or violent with your horses. Excessive kicking, whipping and like spurring is horrible. Aids are used to give direct cues to your horse, Not to harm them.
You are completely right that endless battering of the horses sides is at best annoying and at worst abusive. This leads to less sensitivity less response and poor performance. It is all about picking the right tools and then using them correctly. Thank you for your comment and thank you for watching.
Herm I was at a western show at the world equestrian center in Florida. I saw the following twice: there were guys riding with spurs and practicing their maneuvers over and over and at least two of the horses I saw had been rubbed raw, hide off and all, by the spurs. I felt terrible seeing that. One guy took his horse out and put some cream on the area and came back and continued with the same maneuvers. I just didn’t know what to do in these two cases other than feeling terrible for the horses. When you see something like this what do you do , if anything ?
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I share your concern at some of the things I have witnessed in terms of the use of spurs or the miss use of horses generally. As to what to do about that, the practical problem is that the “whistle blower“ often is punished more harshly in terms of social ostracism that is the abusive rider. That, unfortunately, has led many of us to simply avert our eyes which is really just a different form of sin.Bottom line you identify a real question to which I have no realistic answer.
Interesting point. If I was to guess it is probably because jingle bobs work best with very large rowelled spurs. You don’t see as many of that type of spur these days. Not sure, but that is my best guess.
You can not denigrate other sites as liberal minded and then come back and say you are open minded. That is what liberal minded is. Maybe your politics are slipping in?
I agree with you that that was a bad choice of words. Not political. I will stand by my distaste for the unrealistic “horses are unicorns” attitude that is just as harmful to horses has straight up abuse. Other than that we agree.
Thank you for your videos. When I was young and didn’t know any better, I thought spurs were awful because I would see a rodeo where the bronc rider would rack the horse with spurs. I haven’t seen a rodeo in many years. I hope they no longer do that. Your videos are so informative, thanks
Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching. You’re completely right that the misuse of spurs is pretty hard to watch. Hope you stick with us.
What you said around the 5:40 mark is why I don't ever wear spurs. I have nothing against them and wish I could use them but I was partially paralyzed in the Marine Corps in my right leg so there are some movements I cannot make with that leg and I don't have complete control of it. Chances are I would end up gigging a horse with a spur and not even know what I had done, so, I choose not to wear them because they would not be a good choice of a tool for me.
I absolutely agree with your decision. It was a wise mature choice. I share your disappointment in not being able to use an aid which might otherwise be helpful. More importantly, thank you for your service and sorry for your injury.
When I was a kid there was s book called "Winning Your Spurs" - meaning learn to ride correctly before you strap on spurs
The phrase you quote is a nice shorthand way of saying that only advanced riders should use advanced equipment. Thanks for sharing.
@@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses right, it was z horsemanship book for kids
I agree with most of what you said. I don't have a problem with spurs if used properly. But, people who say they rarely use their spur are the same ones that say they don't pull back on a snaffle bit. I watch a lot of videos of top trainers and If their toes are pointed out , their spur is engaged, and that is most of the time. I go to cuttings and sortings and watch these riders so that I can learn. They keep a spur stuck in the sides of a horse. Why does a barrel racer need a spur? They are not moving a horse's shoulder or rear end , as they say they are. They are flapping their legs like they are trying to fly. None of this is meant to be negative towards you. I watch you closely and you are a very good rider and a good horseman. We all want to learn and you are a good teacher.
Thanks for your comment. I agree that sometimes the same person who says he uses only subtle cues is the one with meat hanging from his spur!
Actions speak louder than words. I bet we all know people who talk a better ride than they ride one. That’s irrelevant. Spurs, like guns, are only dangerous in the wrong hands….. or feet. That’s the point of your video.
When you brought up the old fly on a horse cliche I knew you were going to say that the problem is when the fly bites! LOL. Or I was hoping you would. Have been hoping someone would finally point that out. I’ve been saying that a lot and no one seems enlightened because it invalidates the concept. Thanks!
I ride western but use an English spur. Use for certain cues. About the size of my little finger and about 1/2 inch long. Just a touch.
I have also learned a bit about spurs from Tim Anderson and Pat Puckett , and from a sweet little mare that i exercise who has always been riddem with spurs. Pat says they can save your life if your in a bad bind and your horse needs to move to save your both.
To access trails I have to use parts of a busy rural road with a lot of commercial truck traffic.
You certainly name a couple of really first rate horseman in Pat Puckett and Tim Anderson. I agree with pats statement that, correctly used, spurs can give you a margin of safety. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching.
@@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses your teachings are as much appreciated as your candid thoughts and observations. Yourself and Pat are in the same class. The class of honorable horsemen.
Very nice explanation about spurs, Thank you.
Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching. Hope you stick with us! Plenty more coming.
A very well explained & informative video. Thank you.
Thanks for your kind words and thanks for watching.
I don't appreciate the horse channels that play other people's videos and put them down. I would much rather watch someone who shows a technique all the way through where the horse comes through to the end and is calm and respectful. I don't much care what aids are used or how they are applied as long as at the other end the horse has learned to yeild to light pressure and is calm. If the person is causing extreme discomfort the horse will not be learning to yeild, but to escape. There is a noticable difference.
Also, as a general rule, you can tell when spurs have been over applied because the horse will be swishing it's tail even when only leg is applied.
Thanks for your comment. Good and valid observations.
Thank you for addressing this subject. It absolutely pains me to walk through shows, horse facilities, etc. and see children no more than six years old wearing spurs!!! When I was learning to ride many years ago, I wore blunt spurs but none of my trainers ever taught me how to use them and I'm sure I used them incorrectly for many years as a result, which also pains me. I agree that they are a tool but a tool most don't know how to use, or when to use, or why/if to use, in my estimation. Everyone wears them! Surely not all horses need them. Just one more way the horse pays the price for our ignorance.
Thank you for your comment. I completely agree that the incorrect use of spurs is extremely troubling to witness.
Thank you for the educational video! I’ve been observing how my trainer uses her spurs so that I’ll be prepared if/when I start to use them. I’m in my mid 50s and learning to control my legs first before trying spurs.
I love videos that address bits and spurs…
Thanks for your comment. I agree with you. The use of this type of equipment is something that has always intrigued me as well.
Herm - thank you for taking the time to make this video. I greatly appreciate your wisdom on the topic. I am relitively new to riding and have been looking for sensiable guidence on the communiation tool of spuurs. One of my goals with any of my horses is to use the least amount of input to get the desired action. This feels like it is in the context of using a rope halter verses a wide web halter for ground work where the rope has the ability to communicate with less input. I have one horse that will jump out of his skin if i bump with my heels above more than a gental squeez. Several other of my horses need way more input to have them understand what i am asking for. I would like to see that video you mentioned about riding with them. Thanks again!
I completely agree the use of any equipment is really pretty horse specific. Some horses require the occasional use of spurs and the rest of the time they just remain aware that that option is there. Others just find spurs to be an unnecessary source of stress. Horsemanship is in knowing the difference.
That was a great commentary
Thanks. I appreciate your comment and your support.
Thanks. Hope you keep watching.
Love your diplomacy and your videos
Thank you for your kind words and thank you for watching. Hope you will stick with us.
I agree. Its the user, not the tool. I have a ton of respect for those who ride quiet and one with the horse without being offensive to the horse. Its on the rider to be better every ride, better for the horse. Trying to perfect your own cues, timing and seat. When you see true horsemanship, its amazing, not just fancy stuff, its how the two connect as one. The haters just have an agenda and are likely paid.
Once you see it, you will never be able to not see it.
Thanks for your thoughts. Well said.
I have an AQHA Western Pleasure spur broke horse. We don't stab him with the spurs, we lightly touch the spurs to precise spots to communicate with him. We show on a loose rein so need precise leg cues.
Without commenting at all on the process of “spur breaking” a horse to go slow I agree that the correct use of spurs is precision. Thank you for your comment and thank you for watching.
Sorry if this is a duplication. Having a few problems with technology as I often do. Without touching the question of “spur broke”horses I agree with you that precision riding is absolutely the best reason for wearing spurs
At 5'4", with short arms and legs, I've got to use spurs if I want to ride correctly. I cannot even push the heel of my foot to the side of a horse, and need the spur to extend the reach. Less spur is always better and overuse desensitizes and will eventually be of no use. It took me a while to move away from no bits, no spurs, no shoes (if not needed) and want to apply all three CORRECTLY. Would love to see a video on using spurs properly.
You and I are just about exactly 1 foot different in height! I agree that either extreme poses certain challenges. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching
We are almost exactly 1 foot different in height! I agree with you that either extreme poses it on challenges when it comes to riding. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching.
I have changed him from from numerous different bits styles to settle on a bitless bridal. He would constantly grab the bit. I dont have a spurs but would like some for a short legged girl but looking for the perfect set. Great video Sir!
You are correct that spurs really depend on the riders conformation for a correct and useful fit.
Herm, thank you for responding to my question about spurs. Training a horse or pleasure riding is respectful. I have heard horror stories about bronc riders using spurs or burrs under a saddle to make their ride more wild. Also bull riders. I realize that situation is entirely different than training or pleasure riding. I attended one rodeo as a spectator and will never go again. I have learned so much about horses from your loving and respectful approach to these magestic creatures.
Thanks. And thanks for the inspiration!
Off topic, but Please, somebody explain to me the spur stop in a western pleasure class? How is it trained? I know the reins aren't employed..
I will be completely candid. While I understand the basic concept of the “spur stop “it is incomprehensible and bizarre to me. I’ll have to leave it to someone else to explain this peculiar bit of training behavior which seems completely contrary to standard horsemanship practices.
It's my understanding that spurs are never to be used for forward movement but for the refinement of lateral aids? Correct me if I'm wrong?
I completely agree that spurs are best and most effectively used to refine directional and lateral cues. That said, they are of at least some value in driving a horse forward when used judiciously.
Good day to you Herm. In my earlier teens when I started training standardbreds I never carried a whip because (A) I was only allowed to go with older, more experienced horses and (B) I had small hands and the lines at that time were good leather one inch wide, a handful for me a lot of the time. One day on the track talking to a much older and extremely experienced horseman that I respected he noted that I had no whip and asked why. He then explained to me that he always carried a whip, most of the time sitting on it but he always one handy when on the cart. His reasoning was that when he was on a jog cart with the long shaves his only connections to the horse were the lines and his voice, both could be effective IF the horse wanted to listen but if the horse got excited they were easily ignored for a short time. Just tapping the horse on the butt with a whip gave you one more tool to get the horse's attention back on you and less chance of losing control in many situations. I carried a whip with me 95% of the time after that. From time to time they talk about banning whips in racing, but there is a very real safety concern in favour of having them but they must not be abused just like spurs for a rider. I am not a good enough rider to use spurs.
Great comment. Thanks. I hope others read it as your point is a valid one. I will take any tool that makes me a bit more safe and effective. The availability of a whip or the use of spurs are good examples.
Sorry if this is a duplication. I’ve been having some problems with getting my replies to go through. I appreciate your comment and completely agree with the point you make. Any tool which, if used correctly, promote safety is a good tool.
Could you do a video on using spurs Herm? I'm in the UK and ride western, but when people see my western spurs they freak! Despite me explaining them
A number of people have suggested this video. I’ll try to come up with something. My problem is, frankly, that while I wear my spurs a lot I use them only a little and it may be a bit hard to stage a video that shows real life real time usage of spurs as opposed to just play acting. Hopefully we’ll figure something out. I think it would be a useful thing to put up. Not sure of the timing. Please keep watching.
Thank you for the insight on the topic of spurs. Lot of interesting comments as well. When I see someone with spurs on I sometime just wonder if they really need to use them or not. My only comment would be I have been around off track horses that were being re-trained to either working or trial horses and spurs may be a tool to help communicate and re-learn with some of these horses process / transitions. In rodeo, ur not going to change the cowboy or the way they ride lol.
I agree. Well said. Thanks for your comment.
Kicking can be abusive too.
Gotta be firm but not aggressive or violent with your horses.
Excessive kicking, whipping and like spurring is horrible.
Aids are used to give direct cues to your horse, Not to harm them.
You are completely right that endless battering of the horses sides is at best annoying and at worst abusive. This leads to less sensitivity less response and poor performance. It is all about picking the right tools and then using them correctly. Thank you for your comment and thank you for watching.
Herm I was at a western show at the world equestrian center in Florida. I saw the following twice: there were guys riding with spurs and practicing their maneuvers over and over and at least two of the horses I saw had been rubbed raw, hide off and all, by the spurs. I felt terrible seeing that. One guy took his horse out and put some cream on the area and came back and continued with the same maneuvers. I just didn’t know what to do in these two cases other than feeling terrible for the horses. When you see something like this what do you do , if anything ?
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I share your concern at some of the things I have witnessed in terms of the use of spurs or the miss use of horses generally. As to what to do about that, the practical problem is that the “whistle blower“ often is punished more harshly in terms of social ostracism that is the abusive rider. That, unfortunately, has led many of us to simply avert our eyes which is really just a different form of sin.Bottom line you identify a real question to which I have no realistic answer.
Why dont i see many spurs with jungle bobs being used these days.?
Interesting point. If I was to guess it is probably because jingle bobs work best with very large rowelled spurs. You don’t see as many of that type of spur these days. Not sure, but that is my best guess.
You can not denigrate other sites as liberal minded and then come back and say you are open minded. That is what liberal minded is. Maybe your politics are slipping in?
I agree with you that that was a bad choice of words. Not political. I will stand by my distaste for the unrealistic “horses are unicorns” attitude that is just as harmful to horses has straight up abuse. Other than that we agree.