A spur is any attachment to the heels of a rider on horseback provided for the purpose of goading or directing the horse, that is, to direct a horse to move forward or laterally while riding. Generally used in pairs, over their history, spurs have been composed of varying materials, with the projection of the spur—the prick or the rowel—in almost all cases being of metal; historic and contemporary uses employ leather and other materials to attach the spur to the heel of a riding boot, often with adornments of fine materials. Spurs are used in every equestrian discipline,^{[not verified in body]} usually to refine riding aids (voice commands), and as a back-up to natural guides for the ridden animal (the rider's legs, seat, and hands).^{[not verified in body]} Equestrian rules and penalties cover spur design and use, with misuses being construed to constitute a form of animal abuse.^{[not verified in body]}

A spur is "an instrument attached to the heel of a rider's boot for the purpose of goading the horse",^[2] that is, for the purpose of directing a horse to move forward or laterally while riding.^{[citation needed]} They are generally always in worn in pairs, and have had various designs over history; archaeologic through current examples have the spur projection being made of metal, with overall composition of various materials.^{[citation needed]} Current designs are worn on the heels of riding boots.^{[citation needed]}

Spur is a very old word deriving from the Anglo-Saxon spore and spura, where it is related to sporran and spurnan, to "kick" and "spurn"; it is further related to Medieval High German Sporn, and thereafter Frisian spoor, and modern German and Dutch Sporn and spoor, respectively.^[2][3] The generalized sense of "anything that urges on, stimulus" is recorded in English from late 14th century.^[3]

Early forms of the horseman's spur had a neck that ended in a point, called a prick; the earliest were armed with a single such projection on each spur.^[2] In some early cases, the prick was riveted to the heel band.^{[citation needed]} Spurs of this type were mentioned by Xenophon (ca. 430-354 BC), and were used by the Celts during the La Tène period (beginning ca. 5th century BC).^[4][5] Iron or bronze spurs were also used throughout the Roman Empire.^[6] The spur also existed in the medieval Arab world.^[7] Prick spurs had straight necks in the 11th century and bent ones in the 12th.^{[citation needed]} The spurs of medieval knights were gilt and those of squires were silvered.^{[citation needed]}

Prick spurs were the standard form until the 14th century, when the rowel—a small, flat plate, most often circular, with projecting spikes around its edge^[1]—began to become more common.^[2] Earliest rowels were probably fixed rather than revolving.^{[citation needed]} The rowel spur is seen In England, for instance, in the first seal of Henry III (as well as on monuments of the 13th century^{[citation needed]}), and is seen in general use in the next century.^[2] As the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica further notes, spurs in "the 15th century... appear with very long shanks, to reach the horse's flank below the outstanding bards [(horse armour)]."^[2] The prick design never died out entirely, but instead became a thicker, shorter neck with a dulled end, such as the modern "Prince of Wales" design commonly seen in English riding (see below).^{[citation needed][dubious – discuss]}

Though often decorated throughout history, in the 15th century, spurs became an art form in both decoration and design, with elaborate engraving, very long shanks and large rowels.^{[citation needed]} Though sometimes it has been claimed that the design changes were used because of barding, the use of barding had fallen out of fashion by the time the most elaborate spur designs were created.^{[citation needed]} More likely, the elaborate designs reflected the increased abundance of precious metals, particularly silver, that followed the European exploration of the Americas that began in 1492.^{[citation needed]}

Spur designs in Spain and colonial Mexico were particularly elaborate. For example, the spurs of the Spanish Conquistadors were sometimes called Espuela Grande, the "Grand Spur," and could have rowels as large as six inches around.^[8]

In northern Europe, the spur became less elaborate after the 16th century, particularly in England following the Stuart Restoration.^{[citation needed]} But elaborate spur designs persisted, both in elite equestrian circles in Europe, and in particular in the Americas.^{[citation needed]} Descendants of earlier elaborate designs are still seen today, particularly in Mexico and the western United States, where the spur has become an integral part of the vaquero and cowboy traditions.^{[citation needed]}

From military history, it is clear that there is an inextricable symbolic link between the spur and the knight or cavalry man in battle. After the battle of Courtrai in 1302, where French knights suffered a humbling defeat, "the victors hung up bushels of [knights'] gilt spurs in the churches of Courtrai and Maestricht as trophies of what is still remembered by the Flemings [Flemish]," as the battle of the golden spurs (Guldensporenslag).^[2] A similar name is given for the English rout of the French cavalry in the Battle of Guinegate in 1513 during War of the League of Cambrai of the ongoing Italian Wars,^[9] where English and Imperial troops under Henry VIII and Maximilian I defeated the French under Jacques de La Palice, near Thérouanne, France^[10]—the "Battle of the Spurs" (Fr., La Journée d'Esperons), because of the reported haste with which French horse fled the field.^[2][11] Lord Berners, the English ambassador in Spain in 1518 said in jest that the French cavalry learned the skill of riding fast at the "jurney of Spurres."^[12]

Historically, "to win his spurs" meant to gain knighthood;^{[citation needed]} "gilded spurs were reckoned the badge of knighthood, and in rare cases of [the] ceremonious degradation spurs were hacked from the disgraced knight's heels by the cook's chopper."^[2]

Just as a medieval knight was said to have won his spurs, the awarding of spurs has continued in the modern era as an honour bestowed upon individuals in organizations with military heritages, and among motorcycle riders. Members of the Papal Orders of Knighthood receive gilt spurs directly from the hands of the Pope; members of the British Order of the Garter similarly receive gilt spurs from the Monarch. Inductees into the American Order of the Spur receive gold-coloured (usually brass) spurs if they have earned their membership through combat, or silver-coloured (usually nickel) spurs if they have not seen combat, but complete a rite of passage.

In modern designs, rowels or simplified pricks are generally used as the prod, and the part of the spur bearing this projection is usually held on by a leather or leather-like strap, called a spur strap that goes over the top of the midfoot and under the sole in front of the boot heel. The further parts of a modern spur include:

• The "yoke", "branch", or "heel band", which wraps around the heel of the boot.
• The "shank" or "neck", which extends from the back of the yoke and is the area that touches the horse.
• The prick, or the rowel, a revolving wheel or disk with radiating "points" at the end attached to the shank.

Some western designs have a leather strap that goes only over the top, with a heel chain or a rubber "tiedown" instead of a strap under the boot. There are also styles with no straps where the heel band simply is very tight and slips on wedged between the sole and heel of the boot. Some spur designs have a slot for running the spur strap through, others have "buttons," sometimes on the heel band itself and sometimes attached to the heel band by hinges, that allow a strap with buttonholes to be attached.

When used in military ranks, senior officers, and officers of all ranks in cavalry and other formerly mounted units of some armies, wear a form of spur in certain orders of dress which is known as the box spur, having no spur strap but a long metal prong opposite the neck, extending between the arms of the heel band, which is inserted into a specially fitted recess or "box" in the base of the boot heel. Due to the prong, such spurs can only be worn with appropriately equipped boots. This construction is shown in the illustrations of the swan neck and Waterford spurs below.

Spurs seen in western riding may also have small curved-up hooks on the shank in front of the rowel, called "chap guards," that were originally used to prevent the rider's chaps from interfering with the rowels of the spur. The shank angle from the yoke can vary from "full". to "one half", to "one quarter" to "straight". Some cowboys also added small metal Pajados, also known as Jingo Bobs or Jingle Bobs, near the rowel, to create a jingling sound whenever the foot moved. Rowels can vary in size and number of points.

Spurs are worn with the tip of the neck pointed downward, sitting on the spur rest of the riding boot, if there is one, with the buckle of the spur strap worn on the outside of the foot.^[ambiguous] Specific styles and how they are worn differ between disciplines. Spurs for western riding tend to be heavier, often decorated, and have rowels that rotate. The neck of western spurs is usually longer and the rowel wide in diameter, to accommodate the leg position of the Western-style rider, where the stirrup is adjusted long, and the heavy leather used for the saddle's fenders and stirrups places the rider's leg a bit farther from the horse.

Spurs in English riding tend to use a spur that is very sleek, slim and conservative in design, with a shorter neck, as the saddle and leg position is closer to the horse. They usually have a rounded or blunt end. Rowels are not as popular as the plain blunt end, although there are types that include a rowel or smooth disk on the end. When used in sports requiring finesse, such as dressage, the spur's purpose is not to speed up a horse, but to give accurate and precise aids in lateral and complex movements, such as pirouettes, travers and renvers, and the airs above the ground. Dressage riders tend to ride in "Waterford" style spurs with a rounded knob at the end. Conversely, show hunter and jumper riders may use a flatter end to encourage forward movement, such as the Prince of Wales design.^{[dubious – discuss]}

Spurs are divided into Men's, Women's, and Children's, according to width (which must fit on the heel of the rider's boot). Spurs are further divided into length of the neck, with 1/4" being relatively small (and a common size in children's spurs), with some being 2-3" long. Many competition rules limit the length of the neck.

• Round end: end is a metal ball about the size of a small marble, making it one of the milder spurs
• Knob end: end of the spur is squared off but blunted at the edges
• Prince of Wales: has a flat end, making is slightly sharper. This is a popular spur.^{[dubious – discuss]}
• Rowelled spur: the end of the spur has a toothed wheel which spins. This is the most common western-style spur, although it is seen on some English-style spurs. Teeth are dulled at the points. A rowel with many small teeth is milder than one with only a few, larger teeth. Most rowels have at least eight teeth on each wheel. Other variations, more common in English riding, include:
  • Disc: the end has a small rowel-like rolling disc without teeth, which allows the spur to roll on the horse's side when applied, decreasing chance of spur marks. Popular in dressage. Severity depends on thickness of disc.
  • Roller spur: end of the neck has a plastic "roller," which moves as the horse's side is touched. This spur tends to reduce spur-rubs on sensitive horses. It is considered very mild.
• Swan-neck: the neck of the spur goes upward at an angle, before leveling off, looking similar to the neck of a swan. This is commonly seen in dressage.
• Waterford: the end of the neck has a large, round metal ball, making the spur softer and less likely to cause spur rubs.
• Le spur (English) or Barrel Racing Spur (Western): a spur with small "teeth" or ridges on the inside of the heel band, instead of a neck. For use, the rider does not have to turn in the heel. A quicker and more subtle design, but also more apt to be accidentally used when not intended.
• Half Mounted: The spur is decorated on one side only with silver, copper or bronze decals, logos or coverings.
• Full or Double Mounted: The spur is decorated on both sides (in and out) with precious metals, images and designs.

The spur is a refined tool, designed to allow the rider to transmit very subtle signals to the horse that are nearly invisible to any other observer. No matter the discipline, it is important that a rider has a correct position before using spurs, with a deep seat, legs lengthened to the extent allowed by the stirrups, heels down, with knees and thighs rolled in so that the rider has a solid base of support. A swinging or unstable leg may inadvertently jab the horse with the spur as the rider sits, thus irritating, distracting, or frightening the animal, and chronic misuse may deaden the horse to the leg aids. Improper use may also provoke dangerous or undesirable behaviors such as bucking or running away. Most spurs are activated by the rider flexing the heel slightly up and in. A roweled spur permits an additional type of action; a rider can roll the spur lightly against the side of the horse rather than being limited to simply pressing inward.

The exception to the use of spurs in a subtle fashion is in the rodeo events of bull riding, saddle bronc and bareback riding, where the rider is required to spur in an elaborate, stylized fashion, touching the horse or bull at every stride. This requirement is designed to resemble the behavior of old-time horse-breakers who would deliberately provoke a horse to buck. In modern times, riders are required to use spurs in a manner that is merely encouraging an animal that is already predisposed to buck; they are not to produce pain. Spur design and use is strictly defined by rodeo rules, spurs are dull and rowels must turn freely. In fact, the way spurs are to be used in bucking events generally makes it harder for the rider to stay on: in bareback bronc competition, the spurs must be above the point of the horse's shoulder at the first jump and remain forward at all times, deliberately creating a very awkward position for the rider that requires both strength and coordination to stay on the horse. In saddle bronc competition, the rider must make a full sweep with the spurs from shoulder to flank with each jump, requiring great concentration and any error in balance putting the rider in a position to be quickly unseated. Bull riders are allowed a position that is the closest to that of classic equestrianism, they are not required to spur the bull, but if they choose to spur, may do so with their legs down in a style that resembles a normal riding position.

Spurs are rarely used in sports such as horse racing, where the rider's leg is not significantly in contact with the horse.

Given the centrality of the knight and subsequent cavalry officer in military history, and of these offices as hallmarks of personal and political achievement, representations of spurs appear throughout recorded history of portraiture and of other genres of representational art.^{[citation needed]} Examples include Antonio Vivarini and Giovanni d’Alemagna's Adoratione ("Adoration of the Magi") which features gold, 8-point rowel-type spurs in several details (see image).^[13]

For the same reasons, and because of the high craftsmanship that was afforded to riding regalia, spurs from various periods are recognized as objects of high craftsmanship and art.^{[citation needed]} For instance, pairs of rowel spurs:

• iron, 5-point, 2 7/8 inch rowels, French or Dutch in origin, ca. 1650, are a part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection (Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gift, nos. 2011.81a/b).^[14]
• silver, 12-point, 3 1/2 inch clean spike rowels, American-Mexican, before 1952 (William Spratling, artist), are a part of the Brooklyn Museum's Museum Collection Fund (Dick S. Ramsay Fund, no. 52.166.22).^[15]
• iron, 5-point, 2 7/8 inch sturdy, face-carved rowels and bodies, Mexican, 18th or 19th century, are a part of the Art Institute of Chicago's George F. Harding Collection, nos. 1982.2208a/b).^[16]

Collecting of particularly beautiful antique spurs is a popular pastime for some individuals, particularly aficionados of western history and cowboy culture. The spur as a form of contemporary artistic craft is seen in western riding, where spurs with engraving and other artistic elements, often handmade and utilizing silver or other precious metals are worn.

In addition to equestrian use, another type of modern spurs are motorcycle spurs. They are characterized by rowels worn as foot jewelry, hung off of boots. They can be similar in appearance to spurs worn by equestrians. Their bright material attracts motor vehicle drivers to the presence of motorcyclists, especially to their feet where riders are most vulnerable when stopped in traffic. Their owners may further customize them by adding miniature strobing LED lights. They help traffic light sensors detect their presence in intersections where inductive loops are used. They are also awarded by motorcycle clubs.

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)

• Cowboy Spurs 101