Cinch Magazine

Talk to an individual outside of the equestrian community, and at the mention of whips, a look of terror will cross their face. The images of brutal slashings on the widescreens of the old westerns are one of the first images which come to mind.

While this imagery may be an exaggeration, the truth remains that many horses are inadvertently abused by the improper use of such tools. Many riders simply aren’t educated on how to use whips or spurs correctly. This lack of understanding leaves many horses terrified of the mere sight of these objects, and riders frustrated with their lack of efficiency.

Spurs too, are so commonly misused. The sight of young riders with a pair of rowels clamped onto their paddock boots can send shivers up any avid equestrian’s spine- why are they carrying them? Is it a fashion statement, or a pitiful attempt of erasing a horse’s stubbornness? This need not be the case with proper training and correct use of our natural and artificial aids.

Go to a horseshow. Notice the refusals, bucking, shuffling, swishing tails and pinned ears of many of the mounts. While not all of these side effects are to be blamed on the improper use of whips and spurs, you might be surprised, when you take a closer look, at how often these tools do just that. 

Whips and spurs need not be shunned from your ride. When they are used properly, they are very efficient aids, which can offer boosts in training and teaching respect.

Far too many riders rhythmically tap or rub their legs against the horse’s sides with each stride, often times with the addition of spurs, which only serves to dull the horse. Sometimes this is because of lack of stability in the rider's base. If this is the case, in no circumstances should such a rider be wearing any form of spurs.

For those who have a strong base of support, but have been in the habit of not keeping your legs still, it may take time to reorganize yourself and break this habit.

 The trick in asking your horse to move out, extend or speed up, is to start with gentle, but firm leg pressure placed to the horse’s side. If the horse doesn’t respond, applying a firm tap behind your leg with the crop will emit the desired results. Repeat this exercise every time you ride so your horse learns to be responsive.

Remember, horses can feel a fly landing on their back, they can easily feel your leg pressure. Excessive leg tapping is irritating and creates a less than willing partner.

I believe that a little bit of a 'sting' from the whip occasionally while the horse is being taught to respond to leg commands again is far kinder than, throughout the horses lifetime, exposing it to the pain and/or discomfort of constant pressure.

 Some people are dead against the use of whips. This is likely largely due to the abuse that they have seen happen. In reality, when properly used, a whip creates a respectful boundary for the horse. When the whip is applied it acts as a bite from another herd member- it's how they establish their hierarchy. Horses instinctively know how to respond to such cues.

Most qualified riding instructors will apply strict rules as to which students can use spurs. Beginner students, or those who cannot balance themselves correctly, let their legs slip back over a jump, or are still learning proper technique should not be allowed to use spurs- even on stubborn horses and ponies!

This is unfair, and infact, for those 'stubborn' horses, only further aggravates the problem. Ideally these horses should be retrained to better respond to cues, using the same technique as outlined earlier. 

Don't be fooled by stubby ended spurs. While they don't sting as much as rowels, they have more of a tendency to stick to the horse's sides- not a desirable situation! When applying spurs, NEVER jab the horse on the sides. Simply nudge the horse gently, and remove the contact. Remember, spurs stick out longer than your heel, so caution should be taken to note throughout your ride that you are wearing spurs.

Spurs can be extremely useful in training or correcting a horse by an experienced rider. Most horses become much more attentive to the rider and better focused. When used appropriately, spurs can make a good artificial aid.

Spurs allow you to communicate very precisely with your mount, using light, almost imperceptable aids. In fact, a good riding instructor often will recommend spurs to more experienced riders because of the enhanced control and precision their use can create. 

Some horses never need spurs, and the lightest brush with them will cause distress. On such horses, spurs should be avoided, and instead, the rider can opt for a longer riding crop, when necessary.

The horse community has to step up to the plate and ensure the proper use of their artificial aids. Whips and spurs need not receive the negative press which they do. They are useful tools when used properly and by experienced riders.