Why Cowboy Boots Have Spurs? Plus 5 Tips For Using Them

Last updated: February 18, 2026

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

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Quick Answer: Why Cowboy Boots Have Spurs

Plain and simple: Spurs let you give quieter, more precise leg cues so you don’t have to kick or jab a horse in the ribs.

• They’re for refinement, not power. A trained horse responds to light pressure from the spur, not pain.
• They only belong on trained riders and horses. If you or your horse are still learning basic leg cues, you don’t need spurs yet.
• Shape matters. Rounded or “soft touch” ends are far more forgiving than sharp rowels and are better for most everyday riders.

Spurs don’t replace training—they refine it.

I’ve spent a lot of time around riders who use spurs every day, and the good ones all have the same attitude: the spur is there to whisper, not shout. If you need to jab a horse to get a response, you’ve got a training problem, not a spur problem.

In the sections below, I’ll walk through why cowboys started using spurs in the first place, when they actually help, and five practical tips to keep them fair and comfortable for your horse.

Table of Contents

• Why Cowboy Boots Have Spurs: Understanding Their Purpose
• Do Spurs Hurt The Horse?
• Did Cowboys Really Wear Spurs?
• A More Forgiving Spur Style
• Can you wear spurs with any cowboy boots?
• How do you put spurs on cowboy boots?
• Tips for using spurs:
• FAQs About Why Cowboy Boots Have Spurs

Why Cowboy Boots Have Spurs: Understanding Their Purpose

Spurs are metal tools that fit around the heel of your riding boots. They have three main parts: the yoke (or heel band) that wraps the boot, the neck or shank that sticks out from the back of the heel, and the rowel, the small rotating disk at the end. Used correctly, that little wheel is there to refine your leg aid, not to jab the horse.

These spurs are kept in place by crescent-shaped leather “spur straps.” In olden times, cowboys would fix small pendants to the shaft of their spurs, calling them “jingle bobs” because of the jingling sounds they produced.

You can still buy Jingle Bob spurs if you like to hear the sound of your spurs when you walk. Check out Tough-1 BS Jingle Bob Spurs for sale on Amazon; they spin and jingle when you walk.

These days you’ll see plenty of folks wearing spurs on their cowboy boots just for the look, especially around rodeos and stock shows. But on working horses and in the arena, spurs still earn their keep as a way to fine‑tune communication, not just as a bit of Western decoration.

When to Leave the Spurs in the Tack Room

Spurs are optional, and in many cases, they’re the wrong tool. Leaving them off your cowboy boots is often the smartest, kindest choice you can make for your horse.

• Green Riders: If you’re still working on a steady leg and soft seat, spurs will magnify every wobble. Master your basic cues first.
• Green Horses: A young or uneducated horse needs to understand calf and heel pressure before you ever add a spur to the mix.
• Sore or Anxious Horses: If a horse is already tight, nervous, or showing pain, more pressure won’t fix it. Spurs will only escalate the issue.
• Angry or Frustrated: If your temper is up, you’ve lost the precision needed for spurs. They should never be used to “teach a lesson.”
• Trainer Recommendations: Trust your coach. If they say you aren’t ready for that level of refinement yet, ride without them.

My rule of thumb: If you aren’t confident you can keep a quiet, controlled leg and release pressure the instant the horse responds, you’re better off riding in your cowboy boots without spurs.

If you want to see how many different shapes and neck lengths are out there, take a look at the full range of spur styles on Amazon. You’ll see everything from short necks and blunt rowels to long shanks and ball‑ended designs.

The Purpose of Spurs: How They Help Riders Communicate with Horses

Spurs are used to refine leg and seat cues, enhancing subtle communication between rider and horse. A gentle touch can signal the horse to move forward, change pace, or turn, making commands more precise without force.

It works on a pressure-and-release principle: the horse learns to respond to light contact, and the rider releases immediately when the desired action occurs. Both rider and horse must be trained for this system to work effectively.

Used correctly, spurs aren’t punishment—they’re a tool to improve communication, motivation, and responsiveness during riding.

Miles’ Take

If you have to dig a spur in to get a response, you don’t have a spur problem—you have a training problem.

Do Spurs Hurt The Horse?

Spurs are not cruel inventions; they don’t hurt horses when used correctly. The horse is supposed to feel pressure, not pain when poked.

Spurs that can wound the animal are inhumane, and using them to injure a horse is illegal for obvious reasons. The spurs are an extension of your feet and shouldn’t be pointy. When you buy your spurs, ensure they are rounded, not pointed, before using them.

The tips might become a bit sharp over time, so watch for that. The spur should also not be too long. If you’re unsure, consult a professional with experience riding with spurs to choose the right pair for you.

Not every horse needs spurs. When they’re used, it should be because they make your cues gentler and more precise—not because you’re trying to force a reaction.

If you want to ride with spurs but are worried about hurting your horse, some spurs are designed with special ends to prevent injuring horses. One option is the Coronet Soft Touch Roller Ball Humane Spurs.

These spurs have a rollerball instead of a pointy rowel and work great for sensitive horses. The area of the spur that touches the horse is smooth and humane. Read reviews from other riders.

Did Cowboys Really Wear Spurs?

Yes, cowboys really wore spurs. Spurs have been around since the Iron Age. Romans would even use them in combat. However, western movies often don’t use real spurs simply because actors aren’t trained to use them.

Spurs are not meant to serve as a disciplining tool, and riders know that. They value their horses, and most of the time, they know not to mistreat them. If you have mastered the art of riding with spurs, don’t shy away from using them. Mere touches should be enough most of the time, so put pressure only when and as needed.

Over time, you will develop a nonverbal connection with your horse, and it will probably understand what you want simply by a gentle nudge of your legs. Spurs are beneficial to gain control over the horse, but only if the horse is trained correctly and if and only if used correctly.

The bottom line is that spurs should enhance communication, not distort it. Therefore, use as little pressure with spurs as possible but as much as you need.

Ariat Men’s Sport Wide Square Toe

Built with 4LR stability and a barn-acid resistant Duratread sole. A reliable everyday choice that stands up to heavy work.

Check Price on Amazon Miles’ Take

This boot is a favorite for spurs because of the 1.5″ Horseman heel. The defined spur ledge keeps your branches locked in place, preventing them from shifting during cues.

A More Forgiving Spur Style

If you and your horse are ready for spurs, start with a humane design. I like styles that spread out the pressure and roll instead of poking. They add clarity to your cue without digging into the horse’s side.

One example is a soft‑touch or roller‑ball spur. Instead of a sharp rowel, they have a rounded end or a little rolling ball that slides along the horse’s coat. You still feel a difference when you use your leg, but it’s much harder to accidentally jab too hard.

Whatever you choose, pair a gentler spur with good horsemanship: light contact, clear release as soon as the horse tries, and a trainer watching you the first few rides. The spur should back up your leg—not replace it.

Can you wear spurs with any cowboy boots?

Spurs fit most cowboy boots, and you only need to check the rear portion of the boots to ensure it has a spur ledge. The spur ledge is the part of the boot that extends beyond the heel and prevents the spur yoke from slipping off.

Every pair of cowboy boots I’ve seen has a spur ledge. My favorite boots for riding are Justin Ropers. I review these boots and two others in an article you can read here: The 3 Best Cowboy Boots for Western Horseback Riding.

How do you put spurs on cowboy boots?

Spurs are designed to attach to cowboy boots with two small leather straps that connect in front of your boots like a simple belt. The ends of the leather straps fasten to the spur yoke by sliding its holes onto the yoke buttons.

When you put your spurs on your boots, ensure they are tight enough to prevent them from slipping past your heel ledge; this is your primary consideration. Your spurs should fit snugly but not tight.

If you’re in the market for new leather straps for your spurs, Amazon has a large selection.

Tips for using spurs:

• Don’t ride a horse with spurs unless you’ve been trained in their use. This is critical because improperly using spurs can damage a good horse.
• Only use spurs on horses that are trained with leg cues.
• Cue your horse with your legs even while riding with spurs; only use the spurs when the animal misses a cue or makes a mistake, and then you slightly touch the horse with the spurs to get its attention.
• Adjust your spurs to ride comfortably without inadvertently hitting your horse with the rowels.
• Ride sparingly with Spurs. My son-in-law rides horses daily but only puts his spurs on when he works cows. His horse gets excited when he rides with his spurs and anticipates a fun-filled day.

Below is a helpful YouTube video explaining how to use spurs correctly.

FAQs About Why Cowboy Boots Have Spurs

Are spurs cruel to horses?

No. When used correctly, spurs are a gentle tool that helps riders give precise leg cues without causing pain. Misuse can lead to scratches or discomfort, so only experienced riders should use spurs. Always choose rounded or soft-touch designs for humane riding.

What are spurs used for?

Spurs help riders communicate more clearly with their horses. They refine leg cues to prompt movement, speed, or direction. While often associated with cowboy culture, spurs are valuable in many riding disciplines when used responsibly and with a trained horse.

Can beginners use spurs safely?

Beginners should avoid spurs until they have mastered basic leg and seat cues. Using spurs too early can confuse the horse and cause unintentional discomfort. Always learn from a trainer before introducing spurs into your riding.

What is the best type of spur for sensitive horses?

For sensitive horses, use humane designs like soft-touch or roller-ball spurs. These spread pressure or roll along the horse’s coat instead of digging in, allowing gentle, precise cues without causing pain.

Miles Henry

About Miles Henry

Racehorse Owner & Author | 30+ Years in Thoroughbred Racing

Miles Henry (legal name: William Bradley) is a Louisiana-licensed owner #67012. Beyond the racetrack, he’s cared for Quarter Horses, Friesians, Paints, and trail mounts for 30+ years—bringing hands-on experience to every breed profile, health guide, and gear review on this site. His racehorses have finished in-the-money in 30 of their last 90 starts Equibase Profile.

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