Earning your Spurs Sue Miller Ever wonder where this term came from?

“Yippee-ki-iy-ay He shouts and he sings When a cowboy trades his spurs for wings”

(When a Cowboy Trades His Spurs for Wings from The Ballad of Buster Scruggs)

Earning your Spurs

Sue Miller - Sharon, VT

Ifeel spurred to write about the equestrian equipment known as spurs. (Sorry for the pun) I recently picked up three different publications that mentioned: “earning your spurs” in riding. As a young rider, I often heard the term, “earning your spurs”. I admit that as a young impressionable rider I wondered when that day would be. I think I mistakenly believed that one of my riding instructors would one day say, “That’s it, you’re doing great! Today you’ve earned your spurs!” Or something to that effect. The sad reality is, no one presents you with spurs and deems you a worthy rider. You have to make that decision on your own. Unless you’re in the cavalry. Many traditions in horseback riding come from the military. Such as leading and mounting the horse from the left-hand side so a soldier could navigate around their saber. It should come as no surprise that the term, “earning your spurs” also comes from the military. It originally started in days of yore with chivalrous knights. Gold or gilded spurs were only worn by knights or royalty. Spurs were a symbol of a knight’s status. Spurs became an integral symbol of chivalry and were one of the tokens given during a knighting. It’s believed that this practice is the origin of the term “earning your spurs.”

The cavalry, a division of the United States Army also has an “earning your spurs” challenge that tests one’s mettle over a grueling contest that can take 3 days to complete. One is awarded spurs for completion of a spur ride or combat service in a cavalry unit. A trooper is tested performing such tasks as operations, call for fire, first aid, medical evacuation, communications proficiency, and individual movement techniques. Upon successful completion of this series of mental, physical, and leadership tests, a trooper will be awarded silver spurs. Troopers who have earned both silver and gold spurs are known as “Master Spur Holder.” The Gold Spurs, often referred to as “Combat Spurs” are awarded to Troopers during their combat deployments.

The dictionary defines the term as: To have shown that you are capable of doing something well and that you can be relied on to do it well in the future. In reality, YOU decide in horseback riding when you’ve earned your spurs.

Early spurs were simply a tool for armies to guide their horses with their legs, while leaving their hands free to fight. While we no longer have to wield swords while astride, the goal in most riding classes is to ride effortlessly off the leg, just like the ancient cavalry riders had to do. A spur has a more precise point of contact with a horse’s side than a heel or leg aid, they can offer more precision of control of a horse’s movements. A well-trained horse will learn to move off the subtle pressure of a spur, which can save time and effort for the rider.

A misconception of spurs is that they are worn to make the horse go faster. If that were the case you would see jockeys wearing them in horse races. Spurs are an aid to help elevate your horse into your hand and engage their hindquarters. Used correctly with finesse spurs can help to get lift, collection, and a nice frame.

What exactly is a spur?

It’s a medal tool attached to the back of the rider’s boots by a strap. The basic design of spurs has changed very little. The prick spur was the first type of spur to be invented. It consisted of a pointed goad that was connected to a metal band that was bound around the heel. I surmise from the spur designs of yesteryear that the term, “royal prick” came about from the deadly-looking medieval spurs knight and royals wore. The very earliest spurs were probably simple thorns attached at the back of the heel.

Modern spurs are comprised of a few parts – the heel band (also known as a yoke or shank), goes around the back of the heel of the boot. The neck/shank is what protrudes from the band, and ends with rowels or a blunt end. The rowels provide the contact point to the horse.

Most simple English spur designs have a single blunted tip, whereas Western riders are more likely to use something more ornate with spinning rowels.

The spur as a tool or a weapon? Any piece of equestrian paraphernalia can be used incorrectly in the wrong hands, or in this case on the wrong boots, the spur does have the ability to sore a horse. But when used correctly helps to make the cues lighter. A rider should use the leg first and then use the spur to reinforce never for cruelty or discipline. Spurs are closely regulated in some competitions.

Some cowboys wear “jingle bobs” on their spurs. Jingle bobs are small metal, often pear-shaped ornaments or charms worn on western spurs. They hang from the axel of the rowel. Today the jingle bob is mostly a fashion statement. Though I’ve heard that the jingle bob was a badge of honor for cowboys as they were awarded jingle bobs for recognition of their better horsemanship from the ranch boss. Another theory is the gentle noise was also a cue to the horses and could be used much like a metronome in keeping time with the movement of the horses.

Collecting antique spurs has become a popular pastime for aficionados of western lore and cowboy culture. Anyone can participate in the mystique of the American West by collecting western spurs. They truly are an art form of all different styles, metals, materials, and rowels. A good quality spur can become an heirloom item passed down to younger generations. For a good horseman there is no end to learning, evaluating, and growing. You constantly evaluate and reevaluate your riding skills and training to the horse you are on that day. What worked and what you can improve on next time. Having precise communication and consistent cues is a common goal. Spurs can be helpful tools when worn by a worthy rider.

Susan Miller is a PATH Advanced instructor and ESMHL. Program Director at High Horses Therapeutic Riding Program and serve on the boards of the Vermont Horse Council and Vermont Horse Shows Association