What are Spurs and why do people use them?
Spurs are a metal tool attached to the heel of riding boots for the purpose of making a horse move forward.
The Bob Ewing Custom Rasp Spurs allows the rider to give subtle signals to the horse that can be almost invisible to the watching eye. They're usually used to back up a rider’s natural aids (seat, hands, leg and voice) on horses that need more motivation
When Bob Ewing Custom Spurs are used correctly, they can improve your horse’s responsiveness. But, improper use of spurs can spark fear and resentment. Wearing spurs doesn’t mean you have to use them. They should only be used when you need to reinforce cues from your legs. The different types of spurs may look different, but they all include the same parts or components. Parts of a Bob Ewing Custom Rasp Spur
Rowel: revolving wheel or disc end of the spur that makes contact with the horse
Rowel Pin: attaches the rowel to the shank
Shank: a metal bar that holds the rowel to the Heel Band, holding it away from the boot.
Heel Band: U-Shaped Rasp piece fits that around the heel of the boot. Sometimes referred to as the yoke or branch.
Button:Â Holds the spur on the strap strap.
Swing Arm or Spur Hanger: Connects the button to the Heel Band.
The Bob Ewing Roper Rasp Spur Collection
1. Roper Spur with Cloverleaf Rowel
A Good choice for inexperienced riders and sensitive horses.
Cloverleaf Rowel: This is a blunt-edged rowel resembling a cloverleaf, one of the mildest rowel configurations. It’s prefect for a horse that only needs a tap to reinforce your leg cue.
Short Roper Shank
The shank is a bit longer than the roper-style, but is still considered as a short shank.
These shanks require less leg control than spurs with longer shanks, avoiding unintentionally jabbing your horse.
2. Roper Spur with With a 6-Point Rowel The Roper Spurs are best for Ropers, Trail Riders, and Short-Legged Riders. The 6-point rowel is offers good control for most horses.
6-Point Rowel
The 6-point rowel is more aggressive than the cloverleaf. This small-diameter rowel is somewhat blunt, but the pointed configuration makes it slightly more severe.
Chap Guard Shank
This roper spur has a short shank. When a roper stands up, leans forward to throw a loop, a short shank helps to prevent the roper from accidentally jabbing their horse when they stand.
3. Roper Spur with With a 10-Point Rowel These Spurs are good for Long-legged riders with effective leg control who desire minimal foot movement when applying spur. The 10-point rowel makes this one good for most horses.
10-Point Rowel
This 10-point rowel's design has points are that are slightly longer and narrower than the 6-point roper-style rowel. It's as a step up from that and the cloverleaf, although the blunt points keep it from actually being sharp. (Please remember: even the mildest spur can become abusive when used improperly)
Goose Neck Shank
The long length and upward curve of the shank position the rowel much closer to your horse’s side than the roper’s short shank.