Starting your equestrian journey is an exciting time, and having the right gear is crucial for both you and your horse. Spurs are a classic tool used to refine leg aids, providing subtle cues that enhance communication. For a beginner, the goal is to find a spur that is effective yet gentle, helping you build confidence without being overly harsh on your mount.
Navigating the different styles, from Western roping spurs to English Prince of Wales, can be confusing. This roundup simplifies the process by highlighting spurs designed with the novice rider in mind. We’ve focused on features like smooth rowels, bumper designs, and comfortable fits to help you make an informed and responsible choice for your riding development.
Our Top Picks for Beginner Spurs
- Weaver Leather Women’s Roping Spur
- AJ Tack Sidewinder Bumper Spur Youth
- Weaver Equine Men’s Show Spurs
- Coronet Soft Touch Roller Ball Spurs
- Tough 1 BS Jingle Bob Spurs
- Weaver Leather Men’s Cutting Horse Spurs
- AJ Tack Men’s Prince of Wales Spurs
- Professional’s Choice Floral Bumper Spur
- Outdoor Advantage Spurs with Jingle Bobs
Weaver Leather Women’s Roping Spur
This Weaver Leather spur offers a simple, classic design perfect for a beginner learning to apply leg aids. The plain band and 1.75-inch shank provide a straightforward feel, allowing you to focus on your technique. Its chrome-plated finish ensures a durable and corrosion-resistant build.
With a 1/2-inch wide band, this model sits comfortably on your boot, minimizing slippage during use. The unadorned design makes it a versatile choice for various Western disciplines, from trail riding to basic arena work. It’s a no-fuss, reliable tool for building foundational skills.
AJ Tack Sidewinder Bumper Spur Youth
Specifically designed for younger riders, the AJ Tack Sidewinder is an excellent introductory spur. Its unique bumper design provides subtle, effective cues without being harsh, which is ideal for a beginner’s sometimes inconsistent leg position. The antique brown finish gives it a traditional look.
The swinging spur hangers are a key feature, allowing the spurs to move naturally with the rider’s heel for increased comfort and a more consistent application. Made from sturdy steel, this spur is built to withstand the rigors of learning while being gentle on the horse.
Weaver Equine Men’s Show Spurs
For the beginner interested in Western pleasure or showmanship, these Weaver spurs combine style with function. The engraved German silver trim offers a touch of elegance, while the 2.25-inch shank provides a moderate length for clear communication. The antiqued finish helps conceal minor scratches.
This model balances aesthetic appeal with practical use, making the transition from practice to the show ring seamless. The design is substantial enough to be effective but not so long that it becomes difficult for a novice to manage, promoting good habits from the start.
Coronet Soft Touch Roller Ball Spurs
Often considered the original humane spur, the Coronet Soft Touch is a top recommendation for any beginner. Instead of a traditional rowel, it features smooth, free-moving roller balls. This design provides a broad, gentle pressure that is easy for the horse to understand and accept.
Made from stainless steel and sized for a ladies’ fit, these spurs are both durable and comfortable. They are an ideal tool for riders who are still refining their leg aid precision, as the roller ball design minimizes the risk of accidental harshness. You will receive them as a ready-to-use pair.
Tough 1 BS Jingle Bob Spurs
Add a classic Western feel to your ride with the Tough 1 Jingle Bob spurs. The gentle sound of the jingle bobs can be a useful auditory cue for your horse, complementing your physical aids. This feature makes them a fun and functional choice for riders.
Built with the Tough 1 reputation for durability, these spurs can handle daily use. The traditional design is straightforward, allowing beginners to focus on their application without complicated mechanisms. They bring a piece of Western heritage to your training sessions.
Weaver Leather Men’s Cutting Horse Spurs
Constructed from solid stainless steel, these spurs from Weaver Leather are built for longevity and performance. The 2-inch shank and 3/4-inch wide band offer a solid, secure feel on your boot, providing clear and consistent communication with your horse.
While designed for cutting, their balanced proportions make them suitable for a beginner looking for a slightly more substantial spur. The robust construction ensures they will last through years of use as your skills progress, making them a solid long-term investment.
AJ Tack Men’s Prince of Wales Spurs
For beginners in the English discipline, the Prince of Wales style is a timeless and effective choice. This set from AJ Tack is made from high-quality stainless steel, offering excellent rust resistance and durability. The included leather straps ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
The 20mm (3/4-inch) neck length is ideal for providing precise cues without being overly long or intimidating for a new rider. This design encourages accuracy and helps develop a refined leg aid, which is fundamental in English riding.
Professional’s Choice Floral Bumper Spur
The Professional’s Choice bumper spur features a decorative floral design, adding a bit of style to your tack. The bumper itself is a valuable feature for beginners, as it helps position the spur correctly on the boot and can soften the contact with the horse.
With a 3/4-inch heel band, this spur is designed to fit securely. The combination of the bumper and the moderate band width makes it a user-friendly option for those still getting accustomed to wearing and using spurs effectively.
Outdoor Advantage Spurs with Jingle Bobs
These Western riding spurs from Outdoor Advantage feature the classic jingle bob attachment, providing both visual and auditory stimulation for your horse. This can be particularly useful for reinforcing cues during training, making the learning process clearer for both rider and horse.
The Western design is straightforward and functional, suitable for a variety of riding activities. For a beginner, the audible feedback can help in timing aids correctly, adding an extra layer of communication to your riding toolkit.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in Your First Spurs
So, you’re thinking about getting your first pair of spurs. It can feel a bit overwhelming with all the different styles and materials out there. I remember when I was starting out, I just wanted something simple that wouldn’t accidentally be too harsh on my horse. The goal for any beginner is to find a spur that offers clear communication without being severe. Let’s talk about the key things I look for when helping new riders pick out their first set.
First up is the shank. This is the part that sticks out the back of your boot. For beginners, I always suggest a spur with a short, straight shank. A shorter shank gives you less leverage, which means your cues are gentler and you’re less likely to apply too much pressure by mistake. You might also see curved shanks; a slight curve can help the spur sit more naturally against your horse’s side, which is another good option. Just avoid long shanks or those with sharp angles until you have more experience.
Next, let’s talk about the rowel. This is the little wheel on the end of the shank. For your first spurs, you want a rowel that is blunt and smooth. A wide, flat rowel with rounded points is perfect. It spreads the pressure out over a wider area, making the cue feel softer to the horse. Some spurs even come with a completely smooth, “dummy” rowel that doesn’t spin, which is a fantastic and super-safe choice for getting used to wearing spurs. Stay away from small, pointy rowels; they concentrate the pressure and are for much more advanced riders with refined leg aids.
The fit on your boot is super important, too. Spurs come in different sizes, usually measured by the width of the band (yoke) that goes around your boot heel. A well-fitting spur should sit snugly on your boot without being tight or pinching. It shouldn’t slide up and down or spin around freely. Most brands offer size guides based on your boot size, so be sure to check that. A loose spur is not only annoying but can also bang against your horse’s sides unintentionally.
Finally, consider the material. For the 9 best spurs for beginners 2025, you’ll mostly find stainless steel or nickel-plated options. These are durable and easy to clean. You might also find some made from synthetic materials, which are lightweight and often more affordable. Whatever you choose, make sure the finish is smooth with no rough edges that could rub your boots or your horse. Starting with the right, gentle equipment builds a better partnership with your horse from the very beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should a beginner rider start using spurs?
This is probably the most common question I get. You shouldn’t think of spurs as a beginner tool. Before you even consider them, you need to have a very independent, steady seat and leg. This means you can keep your legs still and in the correct position at the walk, trot, and canter without gripping or swinging. If your legs are bouncing all over the place, a spur will just be poking your horse randomly, which is confusing and unfair. A good instructor will tell you when you’re ready, which is usually after you have solid control over your basic leg aids without them.
Are spurs cruel or painful for the horse?
This is a really important one. Spurs themselves are not cruel; it’s how they are used that can be. In the hands of a skilled rider with quiet legs, spurs are a tool for precise, subtle communication. They are not for kicking or forcing a horse to go faster. For a beginner using the right kind of blunt, gentle spur, the risk of causing pain is very low. The pressure should be a light, momentary squeeze, not a jab. If you see any marks on your horse’s sides, your spurs are too sharp or you’re using them incorrectly.
What is the difference between English and Western spurs for a beginner?
The main differences are in the style of the neck (shank) and the rowel. English spurs for beginners often have a very short, straight shank and a small, smooth rowel. Sometimes they are just a simple “nub” called a knob spur. Western spurs for beginners might have a slightly longer shank, often with a gentle curve, and a larger but very blunt rowel. The band that goes around the boot can also look different. However, the principle is the same for both: choose a design that is mild and forgiving while you’re learning.
How do I know if my spurs fit my boots correctly?
A good fit is crucial. Put your boot on and fasten the spur around the heel. The band should be snug but not so tight that it’s difficult to buckle. The spur should sit comfortably with the shank pointing straight back. When you lift your foot, the spur shouldn’t flop around or slide down. It should move with your boot. If it’s too loose, it will be distracting and ineffective. If it’s too tight, it can damage your boot and be uncomfortable. Most spur brands have a size chart that correlates with your boot size, which is the best place to start.
Can I use the same spurs on different horses?
You can, but you might not want to. Just like bits, different horses respond differently to equipment. A spur that is perfect for a lazy, thick-bodied horse might be too much for a sensitive, thin-skinned horse. As you gain experience, you might find that having a couple of different pairs for the 9 best spurs for beginners 2025 list is helpful. For example, a dummy rowel for a very sensitive horse and a spur with a smooth, rolling rowel for a horse that needs a clearer cue. Always use the mildest spur that gets the job done.
What is the proper way to apply pressure with a spur?
It’s not a kick or a poke. The cue comes from your whole leg. You start by closing your calf against the horse’s side. If you don’t get a response, you then roll your heel in slightly so the spur makes contact. The pressure should be applied and released immediately—think of it as a nudge, not a constant push. Your leg should not swing back to jab the horse. The motion is subtle and comes from a slight rotation at the ankle, not a big movement from the hip. Practice the motion without your horse first to get the feel for it.