Spurs, worn in pairs, are worn on riding boots and used to help direct a horse’s movement forward and laterally. In western riding the spurs are usually heavier and have rowels that rotate. The neck is usually a little longer to accommodate the leg position of the western rider on the saddle’s fenders. Some are highly decorated and engraved, and some western spurs have chap guards to prevent the rider’s chaps from interfering with the rowels of the spur. Sometimes decorative Jingle Bobs are also added for decoration.
Spurs are sized according to the size boot they are made to fit. Thus, men’s spurs have a wider heel band (the part that wraps around the heel of the boot) to fit wider boots than women’s and children’s spurs fit.
Rowels are described by the type and size of points. A rowel with many small teeth is milder than one with only a few, larger teeth.
Gal Leg Spur: The shank of the spur (between the band and the rowel) is shaped like a woman’s leg
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