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On Whips and SpursRead the article this discussion is about
This archived discussion is "read only".
» caballus - Let's have a *friendly* discussion on this! I'd really like to see some comments on the use of spurs, crops, martingales, tie downs and other forms of "artificial aids". If you use them, why? what do you think you could do differently to ride without these aids? Or, if you honestly feel you NEED them, tell us about it! Do you feel that some horses are just too hot to not use them? Or too balky, stubborn, whatever? Why do you think that? What do you feel about "natural" horsemanship? Have you tried any 'techniques' associated with it? Whatever you'd like to discuss but please keep it friendly!*S* --caballus -- posted by caballus » Harimad_Sol - Re: Let's have a *friendly* discussion on this! Well, I'm all for *friendly* discussions, so here goes. First of all, I completely agree that whips and spurs should never be used as objects to force a horse into doing anything. However, I see so many people who automatically assume that if a rider is wearing spurs, for example, that person tries to force their horse into doing things, that they're cruel, etc. I'd like to point out that I've grown up around horses, and I've always worn spurs, except for the occasions when I'm riding bareback; and that's simply because I'm usually riding without my actual riding boots--on which I wear my spurs. I've trained all of my horses wearing my spurs. I have never used them to force a horse to do anything, and I think any responsible rider knows this. None of my horses need the person who's riding them to wear spurs to be responsive, not in the least, and this is because I used the spurs correctly. The purpose of spurs isn't to jab them into your horse and make them do what you want, or to hurt them. They're simply another aid, or tool, call them what you want, to help you teach your horse different things. The spur is used to cue your horse, and that's all. As I said, my horses are not dependent on spurs or any other training aid, and that's because I use them correctly. As for other training devices, I personally don't believe in using tie-downs or whips/crops when riding. I do use a running martingale on occasion, depending on the horse I'm training, simply as a device to teach the horse to keep his nose down, etc. I don't like tie-downs because it's a set length, it's unnatural for a horse to have his head down like that at all times. A martingale, however, allows the horse freedom of movement when the rider gives him slack in the reins. Therefore I see it as a good training device that allows for good communication and working between the rider and the horse. Of course, a martingale isn't meant to use for a long period of time. Once the horse learns where to keep his head, his nose, when pressure is applied by the rider's hands, the martingale should be removed. I want to be sure and say here that there haven't been many horses I've trained at all with which I've used a martingale, because I keep my hands low the way they're supposed to be so the horse's head stays low as well. But once in a while, depending on the horse, they do come in handy. I can very comfortably and confidently ride any of the horses I've trained without spurs or any other "artificial aids" and we get along fine. It's completely relative to the horse, as I said, because most horses don't NEED any kind of training aids, just a kind, patient, responsible, intelligent rider. The training devices I've mentioned I use purely for assistance on occasion, and are meant to help the horse and his learning, not to harm him in any way. Here's a link to my articles: http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/hors... -- posted by Harimad_Sol
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