FAQ

One pair of spurs: permitted, provided they are not likely to cause puncture or cut injuries during normal use, max. length 4.5 cm, measured from the boot (incl. cog, movable). The spur shall be attached so that the spike is oriented horizontally or downward at the end." (Source: LPO 2018, p. 76f)

Dressage subtest: "A pair of spurs only permitted as follows: max. length 4.0 cm, measured from the boot (incl. cog, if applicable, movable - but without prongs), with smooth end surfaces that are not likely to cause puncture or cut injuries when used normally. The spur shall be mounted so that the end of the spur is oriented horizontally or inclined downward." (Source: LPO 2018, p. 77)

Partial test cross-country test of all types and suitability test with partial test cross-country, combined dressage/jumping test analogous to suitability test with partial test cross-country: "A pair of spurs only permitted as follows: Length max. 4.0 cm, measured from the boot (if applicable incl. cog, movable - but without prongs), with smooth end surfaces, which are not likely to cause puncture or cut injuries when used normally. The spur shall be mounted so that the end of the spur is oriented horizontally or inclined downward." (Source: LPO 2018, p. 78; incl. changes/additions by the FN calendar publication of 01.01.2018).

Partial test jumping: "A pair of spurs only permitted as follows: max. length 4.0 cm, measured from the boot (if applicable, incl. cog, movable - but without serrations), with smooth end surfaces that are not likely to cause puncture or cut injuries when used normally. The spur shall be mounted so that the end of the spur is oriented horizontally or inclined downward." (Source: LPO 2018, p. 77f)

In principle, each rider is responsible for checking his or her own equipment with regard to LPO approval. The contact for all questions regarding the LPO is the FN, Show Sport Department.

For which disciplines and classes the individual bit models are approved can be found in various places:

• The LPO equipment catalog of the FN summarizes the basic regulations for bits, spurs and the other equipment per category with corresponding illustrations.

• When selecting a product in the Sprenger online store, a reference to the LPO approval is provided.

• The complete LPO in printed version is available at the FNverlag.

Stainless steel and Argentan spurs can be refurbished. Even missing cogs can usually be reinserted by Sprenger, provided the mandrel is still intact.

When choosing the appropriate spurs, the first priority is always the well-being of the horse, which you do not want to injure under any circumstances by using the spurs. Therefore, spur beginners should first ride with rounded and not too long spurs until they are practiced enough to use the spur sensibly.

When choosing the right spurs, you should consider several factors.

What about the age and level of training of you and your horse?

Only those who already have a balanced seat and a calm leg position are able to use the spurs correctly and sensibly. But not only for untrained riders, also for young horses the use of spurs should be avoided in the beginning. They must first get used to the flat calf of the rider, learn to know and understand the driving aids and build up trust in the rider and his aids.

As training progresses, spurs with a softer action should be used initially and the degree of action increased as needed. In different phases of training, the short-term use of stronger spurs can also be helpful, in order to then switch back to a "softer" one.

What is the character of your horse?

Character always plays an important role in the selection of equipment, including the choice of appropriate spurs. Phlegmatic horses can logically tolerate stronger spurs than nervous or very eager horses.

What is the distance between your thigh and the horse's belly?

Riders with shorter legs and little distance between horse and thigh can manage with shorter spurs. Riders with long legs should use longer spurs so that the leg can lie more quietly. For extreme cases there are so-called "swan neck spurs", which are additionally bent upwards and shorten the distance to the horse's belly even more.

How sensitive is your horse, especially during the coat change?

For very sensitive and delicate (coat and skin) horses or during the coat change, it is essential to use rather soft spurs or spurs with a wide wheel. Often in such cases our Comfort Roller spurs are ideal, because the wide wheel rolls on contact and there is no friction on the sensitive coat.

In which discipline are you riding?

Of course, the choice of spurs also depends on the disciplines ridden and the respective rules and regulations. In Western riding, different spurs are used than in the English disciplines. In eventing, the use of wheel spurs is only permitted to a limited extent and in the individual disciplines and age groups there are restrictions regarding the length of the permitted spurs.

Basically, the spurs should be chosen rather soft/rounded in order to make the impact as soft as possible. However, before the leg becomes restless due to spurs that are too short or too blunt, it can make sense to use somewhat longer or stronger spurs, if these can be used in a more measured manner and the leg can lie more calmly as a result. After all, the rider is not supposed to act permanently with the spurs.

It is important that the driving leg is not replaced by the use of spurs. Through improper use of spurs, a horse can become dulled or, in the worst case, injured.

Spurs are available in different materials, qualities and price ranges. The important thing with all materials is that the surface finish of the spurs cannot cause injury.

High-quality spurs are made of rust-proof, break-proof material such as stainless steel or Argentan, have a good fit and do not have any sharp edges that can injure a horse or damage the leather of the boot.

Our Ultra fit and Ultra fit Extra Grip spurs can be adjusted to your foot by bending. The material (stainless steel) is unbreakable and stable.

Whether a spur with a wheel is sharper than without cannot be answered in a general way. It varies from horse to horse and also depends on the nature of the wheel or spike. Some horses react more strongly to spurs with a flat mandrel/neck end, others to spurs with a wheel.

Here you can simply remember:

For spurs without a wheel, the edgier and narrower the spike or neck end, the stronger the effect.

For spurs with a wheel, the thicker the wheel, the softer the effect. Wheels with prongs have a stronger effect than circular wheels.

Make sure that the wheel does not get stuck. To avoid injuries, it should always be able to turn freely. You have to be careful especially during the coat change. Then it can happen that hair and dirt get stuck between the wheel and the mandrel. Especially around the wheel you should clean your wheel spurs thoroughly on a regular basis.

The rubber of System 4 and Bow Balance stirrups can be repaired if the stirrup is otherwise in completely safe and serviceable condition. This repair may only be carried out by Herm. Sprenger.

The quality products produced by Sprenger usually have an above-average service life. Nevertheless, it is important to regularly check the condition of the products for proper functioning. A product should be replaced as soon as there is a safety risk for the horse or rider. For example, if a fall has bent the stirrup.

Stirrups have to withstand enormous loads while riding. Therefore, please make sure that your stirrups are in perfect condition at all times.

Especially after falls or hitting the stirrup against the rail, walls or obstacle stands, the stirrup and, if necessary, the joints should be checked for proper function.

The tread surface must provide sufficient support and grip for the rider's foot. Especially for beginners, it is important that the foot stands securely in the stirrup.

Stirrups with a step width of 110mm are recommended up to shoe size 38. From a shoe size of 39 to 44 we recommend a step width of 120mm, and from a shoe size of 45 you should choose stirrups with a step width of 130mm.

Stirrup protectors prevent your saddle and stirrups from getting scratched or dirty. So you can protect them in the long term.

With a stirrup with an offset eye, you can pick up the stirrup again more easily if you slip out of it. Also, you can put your thigh even closer to the horse's belly.

The jointed stirrups allow a springy movement of the hock. As a result, the joints, tendon apparatus and ligaments are relieved. In addition, jointed stirrups facilitate the release of the foot in the event of a fall.

For each stirrup we offer matching replaceable stirrup inserts. On the individual product pages you can read for which stirrup, which of the inserts fit.

Our anti-slip rubber inserts, made of solid rubber, are provided with a dimpled structure and thus offer you optimal grip and stability. The non-slip inserts made of stainless steel allow you, especially in wet weather conditions, an even more secure grip in the stirrup.

Our Flexcite stirrups are a further development of the Bow Balance stirrups. What's new is that the joint is specially protected by a hermetic seal. The Flexcite stirrups also make it easier for your foot to slide out in the event of a fall, are shock-absorbing, non-slip and ensure optimum balance. The modern timeless design also makes them a real eye-catcher.

Our stirrup inserts are available in solid rubber, as well as stainless steel.

The principle is the same for both inserts. You press the insert out of the holder of the stirrup and can then simply press the new one in.