For decades, spurs have been a staple in equestrian sport, seen as a subtle aid for refining communication between horse and rider. But as equestrianism evolves, so do its rules. In January 2024, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) made spurs optional in international dressage competitions—a move widely seen as a step forward for horse welfare.
The change reflects a growing awareness that training should prioritise partnership over pressure. Rather than banning spurs, the FEI has placed the decision back into the hands of the rider, recognising that responsible horsemanship requires judgment, not obligation.
Understanding the Spur Regulations
The updated FEI dressage rules state that while spurs are now optional, those who choose to use them must adhere to strict welfare-based criteria:
- Material: Spurs must be made of metal.
- Design: The shank may be curved or straight but must point directly back from the centre of the spur when attached to the rider’s boot.
- Safety Features: Spur arms must be smooth and blunt. If rowels are used, they must be smooth, blunt, and rotate freely.
- Permitted Variations: “Impuls” spurs (with a round rotating knob) and “dummy” spurs (no shank) are allowed.
These regulations aim to balance rider effectiveness with equine welfare, ensuring that spurs—if used—are humane and non-abrasive.
Spurs in Broader Equestrian Sport
While dressage previously required spurs at international levels, other disciplines—including showjumping, eventing, and hacking—have always left the choice to the rider. This raises a broader question: should spurs be reconsidered across all levels of riding, particularly for younger equestrians?
Organisations like The Pony Club already enforce strict rules on spurs. Young riders are only permitted to use them if they have reached a certain proficiency level and, in some regions, must hold written approval. This system ensures that spurs are used correctly and ethically rather than as a shortcut for training issues.
But should stricter rules apply beyond Pony Club? Some argue that young riders often lack the leg stability and finesse needed to use spurs responsibly, making them unnecessary or even harmful. Others suggest that in certain cases—such as strong or unresponsive ponies—spurs may help small riders give clearer, more refined aids.
A Step Forward for Equine Welfare
As with any training aid, spurs are not inherently good or bad – how they are used matters. The FEI’s decision to make spurs optional in dressage represents a shift in mindset: riders should be free to decide what works best for their horse, provided all choices prioritise welfare.
Recent incidents, such as suspending Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin for excessive whip use, have put artificial rider aids under greater scrutiny. Many believe that further refinements to competition rules—perhaps regarding whips, nosebands, or bit designs—are inevitable as the sport continues to evolve.
Looking Ahead
The equestrian community largely welcomed the FEI’s rule change, marking an important step toward training methods that respect the horse first. But as the discussion continues, the question remains: should the use of spurs be further regulated, particularly for less experienced riders?
Ultimately, the onus is on trainers to instil correct riding principles early on. By focusing on effective communication and ethical horsemanship, the equestrian world can continue moving in the right direction—towards a future where training is defined by trust, not tools.
