Spurs and safety

["robert and carla lawson" <robandcarla@hotmail.com>]

I will have to admit until I saw spurs in action I have to agree that they 
scared the witts out of me.
My friend was having some problems with her mare speeding up towards home 
instead of keeping the pace with me. So the next ride we took she donned on 
her spurs I reminded her that those I thought were for John, her 
husband..hee hee....
Laughing aside...when riding in side by side formation Missy took to Pushing 
my horse off the trail. Not a bad thing if you show horses since the one 
thing you want to do if you are a coward and afraid your horse won't win on 
his own credits. Still, It is bad manners. I personally don't want to be 
accused of some heinous crime, so my education began on the use of spurs and 
legs. She applied some pressure to Missy. Missy responded by swishing her 
tail and laying ears back. But the course was still charted moving Baru off 
the trail. Lisa then Dug her heels into Missy and Missy was more than happy 
to respond. On down the trial further and she proceeded to try it again!
A light touch of the rein.. no response. A touch of rein and heel. Still the 
stubborness continues. A touch of rein and gouge in the side.. okay I will 
move. Missy behaved rather well after the second incident. Now.. at a nice 
little clip if you are trotting side by side with your buddy and their horse 
would you not want to give some insurance where insurance is due?
I choose not to wear spurs while riding a horse unless if occasion has 
called for it. Previous rides will tell you if your horse is not listening 
to your legs or hands. Spurs tell him to shape up and listen before he gets 
into further trouble.
I do agree to a point that maybe there could be some abusive decissions made 
with use of spurs. However is that not noted on medical evaluations when 
vetted out? You can tell if a horse has been spurred hardly. Don't forget we 
often have wittnesses! And those incriminating owie places!
Perhaps vets can Check the rider for spurs and check the sides for bruising, 
chaffing, or blood.
I prefer a punch.. I remove the rowel from the spur and make a rounded punch 
that feels like a finger poking me.
Carla (off to save the world!)
Ansata (Never been spurred!)
Haley (owwch...owie...ohhh...mom he's tryin to dehide me!!)
Rob (I just reached over to tie my shoe I swear!!!)
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