Spurs in Polo: When, Why, and How to Use Them

Spurs are one of the most misunderstood pieces of riding equipment — at once overused by riders who see them as a shortcut to impulsion and underused by those who fear causing harm. In polo, where the demands of the sport require quick, precise responses from the horse, spurs occupy a specific and legitimate place in the player's toolkit. But they are not for everyone, and they are certainly not a substitute for correct leg position and riding skill.

This guide explains the purpose of spurs in polo, the types available, how they should be fitted and used, and the conditions under which they are appropriate. For a broader view of polo equipment, see our [equipment guide](/equipment).

What Spurs Do in Polo

A spur is an extension of the rider's heel that allows a more precise, lighter leg aid than the boot heel alone. When used correctly, a spur:

It is critical to understand what spurs do not do: they do not replace leg position, they do not compensate for a rider who lacks an independent seat, and they are not appropriate for instilling obedience in a genuinely resistant horse — that is a training problem, not an equipment problem.

The Prerequisites for Using Spurs

Before any rider begins using spurs — in polo or any other equestrian discipline — three conditions should be met:

**1. A stable, independent leg**: The rider's lower leg must not swing or grip involuntarily. A rider whose leg moves with the horse's motion will inadvertently spur the horse continuously, which causes discomfort, confusion, and eventually desensitisation or resistance.

**2. Knowledge of the horse**: You should know whether the horse is spur-sensitive, spur-confirmed, or genuinely resistant to leg aids. Starting spurs on an unknown horse is inadvisable.

**3. Appropriate spur type for experience level**: Beginners should use very short, blunt spurs if they use them at all. Longer or sharper spurs require a well-established leg position to use safely.

If you are unsure whether your leg is stable enough for spurs, ask your polo coach to observe your position in a working chukker before introducing them.

Types of Spurs Used in Polo

Prince of Wales (English) Spurs

The most common spur type seen in polo. A short, slightly angled neck with a blunt, smooth ball at the end. The shortness (neck length of approximately 0.5–1 inch) makes these the safest option for players with a developing leg position. The smooth end minimises the effect of an accidental touch.

Rowel Spurs

A rowel is a rotating wheel at the end of the spur neck. Rowel spurs are common in South American polo and among professional players. The spinning action of the rowel means that a momentary touch rolls along the horse's side rather than pressing in a fixed point — some consider this gentler than a fixed point for the same leg movement, though this depends on the size and design of the rowel.

**Small, smooth-edged rowels**: Gentle. Appropriate for competent intermediate players.

**Large, blunt rowels**: Common in Argentina. The spinning action is considered an effective, relatively mild spur for horses accustomed to them.

**Sharp-edged or star rowels**: Not appropriate for polo or any equestrian sport in the modern welfare context. These cause skin irritation and distress.

Dummy (Rubber) Spurs

A rubber or plastic spur that simulates the feel of a metal spur on the rider's boot without providing any real mechanical aid. Sometimes used by beginners who want to acclimatise to the feel of wearing spurs on their boots before introducing a real aid. These have no practical effect on the horse.

Long-Neck Spurs

Spurs with a neck length of 2 inches or more. These require a very stable, experienced leg position to use without causing accidental harm. Not recommended for players below an advanced club level.

Spur Fit and Placement

A spur must be correctly positioned on the boot to function as intended. An incorrectly positioned spur can slip during riding, apply aids at the wrong point on the horse's side, or become a welfare concern.

Placement on the Boot

Spurs fit around the heel of the riding boot. The spur strap passes under the boot from the outside band to the inside band. The spur should sit in the natural groove at the back of the boot heel, centred horizontally.

**Position relative to the seam**: The neck (the part that contacts the horse) should project rearward from the centre of the heel. If the spur has dropped or rotated, the neck points downward — this causes the spur to dig into the horse with any heel-down position rather than only on deliberate application.

Spur Strap Position

The spur strap passes under the boot in the natural strap groove. For polo boots, this is the narrow section just behind the sole. The strap should be tight enough that the spur does not slide or rotate but not so tight that it creates pressure points across the top of the foot.

The Two-Finger Check

When the spur is fitted and the strap is fastened, you should be able to fit two fingers between the spur strap and the boot across the top of the foot. Too tight restricts circulation; too loose allows spur movement.

How to Apply a Spur Aid Correctly

A spur aid is not a kick or a dig — it is a subtle rotation of the lower leg outward, bringing the spur lightly into contact with the horse's side. The technique:

1. Maintain a stable, still lower leg as the baseline

2. To apply a spur aid, rotate the heel inward slightly (the outside of the boot moves outward, the inside of the boot — and the spur — moves toward the horse's side)

3. The contact should be brief and light — a touch, not a sustained press

4. Release immediately and allow the leg to return to the neutral position

The most common error is applying the spur with a backward-and-inward action — combining a kick and a rotation. This creates a longer, sliding contact that is less precise and more likely to cause skin irritation.

When Not to Use Spurs

**On a spur-sensitive horse without prior assessment**: Some horses are extremely sensitive to spur contact and react with explosive evasion. Know the horse.

**On a young or green horse**: Young horses in the early stages of training do not yet have the training language to distinguish between a spur aid and a general leg pressure. Introduce spurs only when the horse has a consistent response to basic leg aids.

**In your first months of polo**: Build your leg position before introducing spurs. The unpredictability of early polo riding makes accidental spur contact almost inevitable.

**When the horse is showing resistance that isn't impulsion-related**: If a horse is resistant due to pain, tack issues, or fear, adding spur pressure escalates the problem rather than resolving it.

Polo Spur Regulations

Most polo associations permit spurs for play. Some associations have specific regulations:

Always check the current rules of your national polo association. In the UK, the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) regulations apply. In the USA, USPA rules govern competitive play.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what [handicap](/glossary/handicap) level should players start using spurs?

There is no handicap threshold — it depends on riding background and leg stability. Some players with strong equestrian backgrounds use spurs from early in their polo career. Others at 2 or 3 goals play without spurs effectively. The question is whether your leg is stable enough for safe use, not your [goal](/glossary/goal) rating.

Are rowel spurs cruel?

Rowel spurs are not inherently cruel. The welfare consideration is the size and sharpness of the rowel and how the spur is used. A smooth-edged rowel used with a skilled, still leg is not more harmful than a Prince of Wales spur used correctly. A large, sharp rowel used by a rider with an unstable leg is a welfare problem regardless of type.

Should I use spurs in [arena polo](/glossary/arena-polo)?

Arena polo's enclosed space and boarded sides create a more reactive environment for horses. Some players remove spurs for arena play — particularly if their horse is sensitive — to reduce the risk of an unexpected reaction. Others continue using the same setup as on grass. Assess per horse.

Can polo spurs damage a horse's side?

Correctly used spurs should not cause skin damage. Signs of inappropriate spur use include hair rubbing on the sides, broken skin, or scabbing at the spur contact point. If these are observed, the spur is being applied too forcefully, too frequently, or with an unstable leg.

Do professional polo players use spurs?

Yes, most do. The majority of professional polo players use spurs — typically rowel spurs in the Argentine tradition. The difference from beginner use is that professional players have very still legs and apply spurs with extreme precision and restraint.

How do I introduce a new horse to spurs?

Start in a calm, controlled environment. Apply very light spur contact and observe the response. If the horse responds calmly, proceed carefully. If there is a sharp or anxious response, remove the spurs and work on desensitisation without them before reintroducing. Never introduce spurs in a match or fast practice session.