page_title: Spur
section_title: Types
hierarchical_section_title: Spur / Types
caption_attribution_description: Eperon prince de Galle avec une molette lisse
context_page_description: A spur is a metal tool designed to be worn in pairs on the heels of riding boots for the purpose of directing a horse or other animal to move forward or laterally while riding. It is usually used to refine the riding aids and to back up the natural aids. The spur is used in many equestrian disciplines. Most equestrian organizations have rules in about spur design and use and penalties for using spurs in any manner that constitutes animal abuse.
context_section_description: 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 according to the length of the neck, with ¹⁄₄ in (0.6 cm) being relatively small (and a common size in children's spurs), with some being 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) long.  Many competition rules limit the length of the neck.
  Round end: The end is a metal ball about the size of a small marble, making it one of the milder spurs.
  Knob end: The end of the spur is squared off, but blunted at the edges.
  Prince of Wales: This style has a flat end, making it slightly sharper. It is a popular spur style.
  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, its severity depends on the thickness of the disc.
  Roller spur: The 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): The spur has 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, it is 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-mounted or double-mounted: The spur is decorated on both sides (in and out) with precious metals, images, and designs.
caption: Disc
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