The Pony Club has reviewed its spurs policy and introduced the following change:
Members wishing to use spurs as an aid for enhanced rider-to-horse communication must now demonstrate both a thorough understanding of spurs and their proper use, as well as a secure lower leg position while riding.
From 1 January 2025, riders who want to wear spurs must have successfully completed the C+ Riding Testor the updated Spurs Test.
The Spurs Test must be assessed by an independent C+ or higher-level assessor, ensuring an impartial evaluation of the rider’s readiness to use spurs appropriately.
In order to easily identify if a Member is able to wear spurs a yellow hat tag will be introduced, and it will be available as soon as possible.
Guidelines on the Use of Spurs
Members wishing to ride with spurs at Pony Club activities must have achieved the C+
Riding Test or The Spurs Test. Spurs must be only worn by riders who have a stable lower leg and who are able to use – or not use – the spur intentionally.
Minimum expected requirements that should be discussed by the rider and coach If wearing spurs, the rider must:
▪ Have achieved the C+ Riding Test or The Spurs Test.
▪ Have still hands and a seat that is sufficiently independent that they can maintain
a quiet, stable, still leg position.
▪ Understand that spurs are a refinement of a leg aid.
▪ Be able to use their seat, hand, and leg aids individually.
▪ Be mindful of the impact spurs may have on the horse/pony they are riding. If wearing spurs, the spurs must:
▪ Comply with the maximum dimensions defined in the rulebook for the sport in
which the member is participating.
▪ Be fitted correctly, with the shank pointing slightly downwards.
▪ Only be used as an additional aid, to back up and refine the leg aids.
▪ Never be used to punish the horse. If the pony/horse needs a strong bit for control, spurs are unlikely to be an appropriate
aid.
Misuse of spurs
Failure to meet the minimum expected requirement constitutes a misuse of spurs, as does
evidence of spur-induced rubs or injuries. A rider misusing spurs will be required to remove
their spurs and should only resume wearing spurs when they have demonstrated to an
accredited Pony Club coach that they can meet the minimum expected requirements
consistently and understand that the misuse of spurs is never acceptable.