Types of Western Spurs
- Cowboy Spurs — traditional western spurs used for ranch and rodeo riding
- Roping Spurs — designed for quick and precise cues during roping
- Training Spurs — used for schooling and everyday riding
- Show Spurs — decorative spurs for competitions and western events
Pair your spurs with quality western riding boots and explore our full Horse Tack Store for saddles, bridles, and complete equestrian equipment.
Western Spurs — How They Work
Spurs are used by western riders in most disciplines of western horse riding and are the way for horse riders to communicate with their horses. The western spur becomes an extension of the rider's legs, assisting riders in sending signals to their horse. In western riding, horses are sometimes trained to have a spur stop — when the rider puts slight pressure on the side of the horse with their spur, the horse breaks down into a stop. This is a subtle cue used by western pleasure riders to keep judges from seeing them move their hands.
Western spurs are made of metal and designed to be worn in pairs. The spurs sit on the edge of the heels of western riding boots and are used to refine the rider's aids. Many western riders keep their spurs on their boots at all times — once the spur is securely attached with spur tie-downs, it takes some effort to remove.
Western spur sizes are determined by the spur band and are sold in sizes ranging from child's spurs, youth western spurs, women's western spurs, and men's western spurs. A man may need a ladies' spur to properly fit their boot, or a woman with a larger foot may need to move into a men's western spur. This is why Tack Warehouse recommends bringing in the boots you plan to use to find the exact fit of western spur and strap.
As a horse becomes spur trained, the western spur gives precise cues from the rider to their horse for more complex western movements. Western spur shanks become extensions of the western rider's leg — subtle aids that direct the horse and help guide them for which direction to move off the rider's leg.
How to Select the Correct Western Spur
Western Rider Spur Use
Western spurs are a tool meant to be used by skilled horsemen to communicate clearly with the horse. When using spurs it is imperative the rider does not overdo the needed aid or they will end up teaching the horse problems. Tack Warehouse recommends customers consult with a western trainer to find the best type of western spur for their riding level. Riders just getting started should use the snap-on type without spur straps.
Western Spur Band
Find a fairly snug western spur band to fit around the rider's boot heel. Most western spur bands can be bent for minor fit adjustment. The general rule is that women's spurs fit boot sizes 5.5–9, and men with boot sizes under 7.5 will generally fit best with ladies' western spurs. Choosing a spur that is too loose and not properly secured can be dangerous.
Western Spur Shanks
The western spur shank is the arm that attaches the spur rowel to the band of the spur. The goal is to have a solid point of contact between the western rider's leg and the side of the horse. Riders with shorter legs or horses with round barrels tend to need a shorter shank.
Rowels for Western Spurs
Western rowels range from a short round end or ball to a large wheel with teeth of varying sharpness. A western rowel with fewer teeth and more spacing between them is more severe. Riders should feel the end of the rowel for sharpness. Spurs with more teeth that are close together are much more gentle and subtle.
Western Event Spurs
Western riding events and competitions vary in the kind of spur the western rider is permitted to use. It is up to the rider to know the rules of their horse event or association as they relate to spurs.
Our Western Spur Selection
Tack Warehouse offers western show spurs and horse training spurs from quality western brands including Partrade, M&F, Classic Equine, Equibrand, Metalab, Professional's Choice, Weaver Leather, Myler, and Reinsman. From short shank ball spurs for beginning western riders and ropers, to advanced long shank western pleasure spurs, cutting horse rock grinders, and the subtle side-shaped rowel used by gymkhana riders and barrel racers — we carry every type and selection of western spur.
Our western spurs come in a wide variety of widths, shanks, and colors including antique brown, sterling silver, bronze, stainless steel, black steel, and combinations. Many are hand-engraved sterling silver filigree with copper highlights. Some feature silver engraved overlays, silver florals, dot studs, and fashionable western designs. Custom sterling silver spur options are also available.
How to Choose Western Spurs
Choosing the right western spurs depends on riding discipline, rider experience, and horse sensitivity. Beginners often prefer shorter shank spurs for gentle cues, while experienced riders may use longer shank spurs for precise control. Spurs should fit securely on riding boots and be used correctly to avoid discomfort to the horse.
Explore related western riding gear including western spur straps, western riding boots, and western horse tack.
Western Spurs — Frequently Asked Questions
What are western spurs used for?
Western spurs are used by riders to communicate subtle cues to their horse. They act as an extension of the rider's leg, helping guide the horse's direction, speed, and collection. Properly used spurs improve precision and responsiveness without causing discomfort.
What size western spur do I need?
Spur size is determined by the spur band width. Women's spurs typically fit boot sizes 5.5–9, and men with boot sizes under 7.5 often fit best in ladies' spurs. The best way to find the right fit is to bring your riding boots to the store and try several options for the most secure and comfortable fit.
What is the difference between a short shank and long shank western spur?
Short shank spurs deliver gentler, less precise cues and are ideal for beginners or horses with sensitive sides. Long shank spurs provide more leverage and precision, making them popular with experienced riders in disciplines like western pleasure, reining, and cutting.
Are rowel spurs more severe than ball spurs?
It depends on the rowel design. Rowels with fewer, more widely spaced teeth are actually more severe than rowels with many closely spaced teeth. Ball spurs and round-end spurs are generally the gentlest option, making them ideal for beginners and young horses.
What brands of western spurs does Tack Warehouse carry?
Tack Warehouse carries western spurs from top brands including Partrade, M&F Western, Classic Equine, Equibrand, Metalab, Professional's Choice, Weaver Leather, Myler, and Reinsman — covering every discipline from trail riding and roping to western pleasure and reining.
Can western spurs be used by beginners?
Yes — beginners should start with snap-on spurs without straps that can fall off, and choose short shank or ball-end rowels for the gentlest cues. It is always recommended to consult with a western trainer before using spurs on a young or inexperienced horse.
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