Best Horse Spurs

Last Updated on September 1, 2020

Are you searching for the best horse spurs?

There are tons of spurs out there and a number of types to consider. This guide will cut through the excess and narrow down the options so you can get the best boot spur for your needs.

Check the quick list below for links to customer reviews and prices for my top horse spurs picks, or read on for the full review:

1. Weaver Leather Women’s Roping Spur 
2. Weaver Leather Men’s Spur
3. Weaver Leather Women’s Antiqued Show Spur with German Silver Floral Trim
4. AJ Tack Men’s Longhorn Floral Show Spurs
5. Weaver Leather Men’s Spur with Engraved German Silver Trim
6. Coronet Women’s Soft Touch Roller Ball Humane Spurs
7. Lami-Cell English Flexi Spur Black
8. Korsteel Ladies Roller Ball Horse Spurs

Horse Spurs Buying Guide

Horse riding spurs have a long history going at least back to the Greeks and continue to be used in multiple horseback riding disciplines across the world today.

Horse riders can be found utilizing spurs in dressage, english equitation, western, rodeo and more riding events.

A proper horse spur can be a safe and integral part of communicating with your horse. When an experienced rider uses spurs they are able to convey cues in a gentle and direct manner.

Features to Consider

Rowel: The rowel of the spur is the extended portion that is used to make contact with the horse. Rowels often have wheels that spin and small teeth. Other rowels have just a dull point or a rounded ball.

When a spur has teeth, the more space between the teeth the more intense the contact is with the horse. These spurs can be used in a manner that does not inflict undue pain, which is key when using a spur with spaced teeth. These particular types of horse spurs are generally used with horses who do not respond to simple leg cues without spurs or ball rowel spurs.

Conversely, spurs with no teeth or just a ball on the end are less intense. They must still be used with care as cueing a horse too hard with these spurs can also inflict unnecessary pain on the horse.

Shank Length: A horse spurs shank is the section that holds the rowel. Shank length should be considered as an appropriate length spur shank will allow the rider to make contact with the horse at the intended area. This will increase the effectiveness of the cue and lead to better performance from your horse. Additionally, a shorter shank tends to lead to softer contact with the horse and a more precise cue. Ideally you should opt for the shortest shank spur that allows you to make contact with the intended location on your horse.

Top Horse Spurs

Selecting the right spur for you and your horse will make a positive impact on the quality of your cues, and in turn, your horses performance. Be certain to select a horse spur that is optimal for your size, your riding discipline, and you and your horse’s skill level.

Western Horse Spurs

Western spurs can be found everywhere from barrel racing, western pleasure, and the trails. I’ve reviewed the most popular western spurs for quality, durability, and value.

Weaver Leather Women’s Roping Spur 

This is a high quality pair of stainless steel womens spurs. They feature a 1.75″ shank and a .5″ wide band. The rowel is ten points. These fit snug and are an excellent value.

• Stainless steel construction
• 1.75″ shank
• .5″ wide band
• 10 point rowel
• Excellent value

Weaver Leather Men’s Spur

This is a great set of men’s western spurs. They have an antique look to them for those not into the shiny spurs. They fit snug on my boots and didn’t budge while riding. The shank is 2″ and the band is 1″ wide. It has an 8 point rowel.

• 2″ shank
• 8 point rowel
• 1″ wide band
• Durable
• Snug fit

Weaver Leather Women’s Antiqued Show Spur with German Silver Floral Trim

These high quality western show spurs come with a replaceable 6 point rowel. The shank is 1.5″ and the band is .5″ wide. The German silver floral pattern stands out well against the black metal base.

• German silver floral pattern
• 1.5″ shank
• 6 point replaceable rowel
• Great look

AJ Tack Men’s Longhorn Floral Show Spurs

Solid pair of men’s western horse spurs with a 2″ shank and a 1″ wide steel band. The 10 point rowel is stainless steel as well. They measure 2.75″ at the opening and are 3.5″ deep.

• Stainless steel construction
• 2″ shank
• 1″ wide band
• Excellent value

Weaver Leather Men’s Spur with Engraved German Silver Trim

I really like the look of these spurs. They have just enough to be noticed without being overly done. The shank is 2″ long and the band is 1″ wide. It has an 8 point rowel.

• 2″ shank
• 1″ wide band
• 8 point rowel
• Great look

English Horse Spurs

English spurs are characterized by the absence of a rowel with teeth. English spurs can be used in numerous disciplines beside traditional english riding. These spurs have been reviewed for quality, durability, and value.

Coronet Women’s Soft Touch Roller Ball Humane Spurs

These women’s stainless steel spurs are gentle and perfect for all english disciplines. The roller ball softens the touch of the spur and makes it a great spur for skilled and novice riders.

• Size Ladies
• Stainless Steel
• The Original Soft Touch Spur
• A Humane Spur

Lami-Cell English Flexi Spur Black

These unique English horse riding spurs are constructed of durable and flexible plastic making them exceptionally lightweight. They are also very soft and allowing for subtle cues.

• Flexible plastic construction
• Lightweight
• Durable
• Includes a set of nylon spur straps
• Adjustable

Korsteel Ladies Roller Ball Horse Spurs

These are a durable and lightweight english horse spur. They feature a humane roller ball that allows very gentle cues. These are an excellent value women’s riding spurs.

• Roller ball is gentle
• Lightweight
• Durable
• Excellent value

For more horse riding guides and tips read these articles:

• Great Western Cowgirl and Cowboy Boots
• Jodhpur Boots Buyers Guide
• Highest Rated English Boots
• Leather and Nylon Horse Bridle Reviews

When selecting your horse spurs make sure to consider your riding skill level. Spurs are a great tool we can use to communicate with our horse but without the right touch they can cause undue stress on our horses. Consider your horse’s skill level too, as that will impact your final decision as well. Horse spurs should be used with care like any training tool but with the right spurs they are a great way to communicate our cues to the horse.

Here is the quick list with my best horse spurs picks one more time. To see prices and customer reviews view the links below.

1. Weaver Leather Women’s Roping Spur 
2. Weaver Leather Men’s Spur
3. Weaver Leather Women’s Antiqued Show Spur with German Silver Floral Trim
4. AJ Tack Men’s Longhorn Floral Show Spurs
5. Weaver Leather Men’s Spur with Engraved German Silver Trim
6. Coronet Women’s Soft Touch Roller Ball Humane Spurs
7. Lami-Cell English Flexi Spur Black
8. Korsteel Ladies Roller Ball Horse Spurs