Buzz
Spurs can enhance communication between rider and mount. If you've acquired a new pair of spurs and are unsure how to affix them to your favorite cowboy boots, fear not. The process is straightforward and should only require a few minutes. Once you've familiarized yourself with the process and assembled your spurs, you'll be ready to ride in no time.
Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Spur
Identify the spur ledge on the back of your cowboy boot. The spur ledge is a raised section of the boot heel that provides a small shelf for the spur heel band to rest on.
- The spur ledge is subtle, designed to prevent the heel band from slipping down the boot.
- Most cowboy-style boots feature a spur ledge. If uncertain, bring your boots along when purchasing spurs.
Locate the heel band section of the spur. The heel band is a U-shaped metal piece that encircles the boot's heel and is secured with a strap. It may feature buttons for attaching the straps or bars for threading them.
- Ensure the heel band is approximately the same size as your boot's heel.
Opt for a single long strap if the heel band features bars. In cases where the heel band has bars on both sides, a single long strap with a buckle at one end is required to secure the heel band to the boot.
- Check for any decorative elements or designs on your strap. The decorative side should face outward when attached to the boot.
Select two small straps if the heel band has buttons. For heel bands with buttons on both sides, two smaller straps with buttonholes are needed. Once attached to both sides of the heel band, these straps will buckle together.
- Inspect the straps for decorative features or fancy designs. The decorative side should always be visible on the outside of the boot.
Identify the shank on the spur. The shank is a small metal extension located in the center of the heel band. It should point downward once the spur is fitted onto the boot.
Locate the rowel at the back of the spur. The rowel is a rotating disk with blunt points attached to the shank on the heel band. This component is crucial as it's used to gently prompt the horse's side to communicate intentions.
- Handle the rowel with care to avoid accidental injury. While not extremely sharp, mishandling could still cause discomfort.
Constructing the Spur
Collect all necessary components for assembling your spur. Ensure you have your boots, heel band (complete with attached rowel), and the chosen straps. Take this opportunity to position any decorative sides of the straps before attaching them to the heel band.
Secure button straps onto heel bands with buttons. If your heel band features buttons, you'll require two small straps with buttonholes. Attach these straps to each side of the heel band and buckle them across the boot later.
- Hold the heel band with the shank facing downward.
- Starting with one side, place the first strap's buttonhole over the corresponding button on the heel band.
- Expand the buttonhole to accommodate the button.
- Rotate the strap around the button until it lies flat.
- Repeat the process with the second strap on the opposite side of the heel band.
Thread straps through heel bands with bars. For heel bands featuring bars, you'll need one longer strap with a buckle. Thread this strap through both sides of the heel band and buckle it across the boot later.
- Hold the heel band with the shank facing downward.
- Start threading the strap from the inside of the outward-facing bar on the heel band.
- Thread the strap through the bars, ensuring the buckle ends up on the outside of the boot.
- Leave some excess strap to pass under the boot, then thread the same strap into the opposite side of the heel band through the bars.
Fixing the Spur onto Your Boot
Position the heel band onto the spur ledge of your boot. The heel band should sit snugly on the spur ledge with the shank facing downwards. Ensure the fit is just right—not too tight, not too loose. There should be a slight amount of movement for proper fitting. If it's slightly off, you can gently adjust it to loosen or tighten it.
Buckle the straps to secure the spur onto your boot. Once the heel band is properly positioned at the back of your boot, fasten the strap or straps over the boot to achieve a secure fit.
- Position the buckles on the outside of the boots to prevent discomfort caused by rubbing together at your ankles if they face inward.
Fine-tune the strap to ensure the spur fits snugly on the boot. If the spur feels too tight or loose after buckling it onto your boot, adjust the length of the strap accordingly to achieve the desired fit.
- Start by unbuckling the strap, then make necessary adjustments to its length. Finally, buckle the strap back into place.
Pointers
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If you encounter difficulty attaching the spur to your boot while wearing them, try fitting the spur onto the boot and securing it in place before putting the boot on your foot.
