Attaching spurs to your riding boots correctly is essential for effective communication with your horse and for safety. A pair of spurs, when used properly, can enhance your leg aids, but they must be fastened securely to avoid slipping or causing discomfort. In this guide, we’ll explain how to put spurs on boots using spur straps, offer tips to keep them in place, and highlight some quality spur strap options for Western riders.
What Are Spurs and Spur Straps?
Spurs are metal devices worn on the heels of riding boots to reinforce the rider’s leg cues. They typically consist of a heel band (a U-shaped piece that wraps around the back of your boot heel) and a neck/shank that may have a small wheel or knob (rowel) at the end.
Spur straps are the pieces of tack that secure the spurs to your boots. They are usually made of leather (or a durable synthetic) and loop through the spur’s heel band, buckling over the boot to hold the spur in place. In essence, the spur strap wraps around your boot and the spur’s heel band, ensuring the spurs stay put even during vigorous riding.
Not all boots are exactly the same when it comes to wearing spurs. Many English riding boots have small spur rests (little ledges or knobs on the back of the heel) which help prevent the spur from sliding down. Western boots often have a more pronounced spur ledge built into the boot heel. Regardless of boot style, the function of the spur strap remains the same: to stabilize the spur. Note that Western spur straps are generally wider and attach via buttons on Western spurs, whereas English spur straps are thinner and thread through slots on English spurs – they’re not interchangeable. Using the correct type of strap for your spurs and boots will make the process easier and keep your spurs secure.
Step-by-Step: Attaching Spurs to Your Boots
Putting spurs on your boots the right way may feel fiddly at first, but it becomes second nature with practice. Follow these steps to attach your spurs properly:
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Orient the Spurs Correctly: Identify the left and right spur (if applicable). Many English spurs are built with one side of the heel band longer than the other – the longer side should go on the outside of your boot. This ensures the buckle will end up on the outside as well. Also, make sure the spur’s neck on English or western spurs are angled downward or slightly toward the ground when worn. This is the correct orientation (an upside-down spur will be ineffective and look odd).
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Thread the English Spur Strap Through the Spur: Take your spur strap and thread it through the slots or openings on the spur’s heel band. Start on the outside branch of the spur: feed the strap through the top hole of the spur’s outer side, then down through the bottom hole. Next, run the strap under the boot’s heel (where it will sit when worn) and up through the inside branch of the spur (through the bottom hole then out the top hole on the inside). Essentially, you are weaving the strap through the spur’s loops so that the ends of the strap come out on each side of your boot. Adjust the strap so the buckle end is on the outside and the punched holes end is on the inside of the spur.
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Position the English Spur on Your Boot: Now slide the spur (with strap attached) onto the heel of your boot. The heel band of the spur should rest just above your boot’s heel. If your boots have spur rests or ledges, set the spur just above them (or on them, if designed that way) to help keep it from dropping. The spur’s neck should be pointing backward and slightly downward against your boot’s heel area, not digging into your boot. Make sure the spur is sitting level and at the same height on both boots.
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Fasten the English Spur Strap Around Your Boot: Wrap the ends of the spur strap across the front of your boot (over the arch or instep area). Bring the ends together on the outside of your ankle. Buckle the strap on the outside of your boot using the strap’s buckle and the appropriate hole. Having the buckle on the outer side keeps it away from your horse’s side and avoids rubbing on your leg. Tighten the buckle to a secure hole.
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Adjust for a Snug Fit: The English or western spur strap should be snug enough that the spur doesn’t flop around or slide excessively, but not so tight that it pinches or causes the spur to dig into your boot or foot. You should be able to fit a finger under the strap with a bit of effort – this indicates a secure fit that isn’t overly tight. When adjusted correctly, the spur should stay in place on your boot but still have a tiny bit of wiggle if you push it up or down (it shouldn’t be vised on so tightly that it can’t move at all). If the spurs are too loose, they might slip down below the heel or shift; too tight, and they could cause discomfort or damage your boots. Find a happy medium and double-check that both left and right spurs are buckled symmetrically at the same height.
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Final Check: Walk a few steps and flex your ankle. The spurs should remain in position just above your boot heel. Ensure that the buckles and strap ends are lying flat and not likely to snag on anything. The buckle tongue should be securely through a hole, and the excess strap (if any) should be tucked into any keeper loop or lying flat against your boot. Verify that the spur’s neck is in the correct orientation (usually pointing slightly downward and toward your horse’s barrel). Now you’re ready to ride with your spurs on!
Tips for Proper Spur Fit and Security
Even after you’ve attached your spurs, a few additional tips will help keep them properly positioned and safe throughout your ride:
Keep the Buckle on the Outside
Always buckle spur straps on the outside of your boot. This prevents the buckle from rubbing your horse or your ankle, and it reduces the chance of the buckle getting caught on your saddle or stirrup leathers. An inside buckle can chafe and is considered incorrect in most riding circles. By contrast, an outside buckle lies on the outward-facing side of your boot, away from contact points, which is both safer and more comfortable.
Ensure a Snug (Not Strangling) Fit
As mentioned, your spur straps should be tight enough to hold the spur steady against your boot, but not so tight that they cause pain or numb your foot. If you notice your spurs wobbling or sliding while riding, you may need to tighten the straps by one hole. Conversely, if they’re uncomfortably tight, give them a notch more slack. Properly fitted spur straps will keep the spurs snug but comfortable, preventing wobble without digging into your boot. The spur itself should rest on the heel or spur ledge of the boot and not slip below it during riding.
Use Spur Rests or Spur Guards if Needed
If your boots lack spur rests (or even if they have them), and you find your spurs tend to slide down or move too much, consider using spur guards (also called spur rubbers or spur protectors). These are rubber attachments that slip onto the metal spur heel band. They serve dual purposes: protecting your boots from rub marks and adding friction to help keep the spur from shifting out of place. Essentially, they act like a rubber lining on the spur, preventing unwanted up-and-down movement. They’re inexpensive and easy to use – simply stretch them over the arms of the spur before you put the spurs on your boots. This can be especially helpful if you’re riding in smooth leather boots that allow metal spurs to slide easily.
Regularly Check Straps for Wear
Make it a habit to inspect your spur straps periodically (ideally before each ride). Look for any cracks in the leather, stretched-out holes, or weak stitching. Spur straps undergo a lot of tension, and if a strap were to break mid-ride, you could lose a spur. Replace any strap that shows significant wear or damage. Using good quality straps to begin with is important – cheap or poorly made straps might crack or the buckle might fail under stress. A sturdy, well-crafted strap will last longer and keep your spurs secure.
Choosing the Right Spur Straps (Quality & Style)
Choosing a spur strap is not only about functionality but also about matching your riding style and personal taste. First and foremost, opt for high-quality leather or durable synthetic straps that match the width of your spur’s heel band and have reliable buckles. Quality straps are less likely to break or stretch out; remember, a broken spur strap at the wrong moment could lead to losing a spur or even an accident. Pay attention to the buckle! It should be solid and easy to fasten securely. Stainless steel or brass buckles are common in good straps and resist rust and wear.
Grewal Equestrian’s Western Spur Straps
A decorative Western spur strap (the Sheridan style by Grewal Equestrian) showcases how spur straps can be both functional and stylish, featuring genuine leather with teal cheetah-print hide, turquoise crystal accents, and a secure nickel-plated buckle.
For Western riders, spur straps are also an opportunity to add a bit of personal flair to your gear. You can find everything from plain, classic leather straps to highly ornamental ones. Grewal Equestrian offers a range of Western spur straps that combine durability with style.
Prefer something more traditional? Check out the Stillwater Western Spur Straps, which are made from high-quality natural leather with a classic basket-weave embossing and a dark brown backing for contrast. The Stillwater straps feature adjustable copper buckles and a timeless design that exudes rustic charm – ideal for riders who like a vintage cowboy aesthetic.
There are also designs like the Raleigh Spur Straps, which pair black leather with a natural tan basket weave pattern and iron engraved buckles for a sleek yet classic look. Whichever style you choose, make sure the straps are the correct size for your boots and spurs (most are one-size-fits-most, but extra-long or youth sizes exist). With the right spur straps, you’ll not only keep your spurs secure but also complement your overall riding ensemble.
Properly putting spurs on your boots is a small task that makes a big difference in your riding. By following the correct steps – orienting the spurs, threading and buckling the straps on the outside, and adjusting for a snug fit – you ensure that your spurs stay in the optimal position to aid your cues. This not only improves communication with your horse but also prevents potential mishaps (like a slipping spur or rubbed horse sides). Always take a moment to double-check your spur straps before mounting up, and invest in quality straps that you can trust. With securely fastened spurs and well-made straps, you can ride with confidence, knowing your equipment will perform as it should.
Happy riding, and may your spur straps always stay tight and your aids be subtle yet effective!
