Spur
This very old word derives from Anglo-Saxon spura, spora, related to spornan, spurnan, to kick, spurn; cf.
In the history of veterinary science, the word "rowel" described a small disk of leather or other material that was used as a seton stitch.
[citation needed] In the rare cases of ceremonious degradation, the spurs were hacked from the disgraced knight's heels with the cook's chopper.
More likely, the elaborate designs reflected the increased abundance of precious metals, particularly silver, that followed the European exploration of the Americas that began in 1492.
Collecting of particularly beautiful antique spurs is a popular pastime for some individuals, particularly aficionados of western history and cowboy culture.
The neck of western spurs is usually longer and the rowel wide in diameter, to accommodate the leg position of the western-style rider, where the stirrup is adjusted long, and the heavy leather used for the saddle's fenders and stirrups places the rider's leg a bit farther from the horse.
Spurs in English riding tend to be very sleek, slim, and conservative in design, with a shorter neck, as the saddle and leg position are closer to the horse.
When used in sports requiring finesse, such as dressage, the spur's purpose is not to speed up the horse but to give accurate and precise aids in lateral and complex movements such as pirouettes, travers, and renvers, and the airs above the ground.
Conversely, show hunter and jumper riders may use a flatter end to encourage forward movement, such as the Prince of Wales design.
Their bright material attracts motor vehicle drivers to the presence of motorcyclists, especially to their feet where riders are most vulnerable when stopped in traffic.
The spur is a refined tool,[8] designed to allow the rider to transmit very subtle signals to the horse that are nearly invisible to any other observer.
This requirement is designed to resemble the behavior of old-time horse-breakers, who would deliberately provoke a horse to buck.
In modern times, riders are required to use spurs in a manner that is merely encouraging a horse that is already predisposed to buck; they are not to produce pain.
In fact, the way spurs are to be used in bucking events generally makes it harder for the rider to stay on; in bareback bronc competition, the spurs must be above the point of the horse's shoulder at the first jump and remain forward at all times, deliberately creating a very awkward position for the rider that requires both strength and coordination to stay on the horse.
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).
