The 9 Best Horse Riding Spurs of 2026

A spur is a signal, not a gas pedal. The shank sits just behind the girth, the rowel rolls, and a trained horse steps off the lightest touch you can offer — which is exactly why the wrong pair turns a quiet cue into a nag. Over the past four months, my team has put 14 pairs on boots to sort out which ones actually earn their place.

Fit is the part nobody warns you about. Heel bands are cut for different boots, so a slim ladies' spur rattles around on a wide western heel and a child's band will pinch an adult; we checked every pair against real boots instead of a sizing chart. Appearance matters more than people admit, too — a pair you like looking at is a pair you actually clean, strap on, and wear.

You also don't need to spend much. Stainless steel that shrugs off the wash rack, straps stiff enough to hold their punched holes, and rowels that still spin after a season of arena sand cost less than most riders assume. The picks below are the ones that held up.

Our Top Picks

The 9 Best Horse Riding Spurs of 2026

1

AJ Tack Praying Cowboy Spur Package Best Overall

AJ Tack Praying Cowboy Spur Package – Praying Cowboy Antique Brown Spur Package

Adult western riders

Field Score 90/100
Rowel
1 1/2" 10-point
Includes
Harness leather straps
Heel Opening
Men's 3 1/4", Ladies' 2 7/8"
Shank Length
2"
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A 2-inch shank and a 1 1/2-inch 10-point rowel give this AJ Tack pair a lot of presence, and the 1-inch antique brown band keeps the look traditional rather than flashy. What sold us is the package: men's and ladies' heel openings, harness leather straps in the box, and a hand-engraved silver praying cowboy and cross. For an adult western rider who wants a show-ready set without piecing it together, this is the one we hand over first.

The leather straps are the detail we appreciate most. They are thick enough to hold the spur steady and they match the brown band, so the set looks intentional. The two heel openings also make the listing easier to shop: men's at 3 1/4 inches and ladies' at 2 7/8 inches. Neither is adjustable, so the fit is a check-the-boot measurement, not a guess.

The finish is the other reason this set earns its place: the silver overlay and brown leather look settled together, and the rowel spins freely enough for a clear cue. We also appreciate that the straps match rather than feeling like an afterthought. The praying cowboy motif is specific, so if you want a plainer western spur, the Weaver or EQUSPUR sets are the better style match.

Worth Noting

  • Strong 2-inch shank and large rowel
Our Verdict

We recommend this complete western package for adult riders: two heel sizes, leather straps included, and a show-ready finish.

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2

Weaver Leather Women's Roping Spurs Best for Women

Weaver Leather Womens Roping Horse Spurs

Women western riders

Field Score 89/100
Rowel
10-point
Material
Stainless steel
Band Width
1/2"
Shank Length
1 3/4"
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The first thing we check on a women's spur is the band, because a 1/2-inch width sits neatly on a boot heel without swallowing it. This Weaver pair gets that right, and the stainless build has the clean, bright finish we expect from a working spur. The 1 3/4-inch shank and 10-point rowel give a clear cue without the reach of a full western show spur.

At 9.6 ounces, the pair feels light enough to forget you are wearing it, which matters when you are in the saddle for a long trail ride. The fit notes that matter most concern women's boots: a size 7 heel, a solid seat on the band, and enough give to bend if needed. Stainless steel is the practical choice for barn life, and this pair wipes down and keeps its shine without fuss. That combination of light weight, secure fit, and a clear but not harsh rowel is why we recommend it first for women riders.

This is the pair we point to for lessons, trail, and ranch work, and it has enough finish to look smart in a show ring. It is not a blunt beginner spur, though; the 10-point rowel still asks for a quiet leg. If your horse is sensitive or you are just learning to carry a spur, the Centaur blunt knob is the softer place to start.

Worth Noting

  • Women's-specific sizing leaves men out
Our Verdict

The women's western spur we recommend first: light stainless steel, a 1 3/4-inch shank, and a 10-point rowel that stays put.

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3

Centaur Stainless Steel Ladies Blunt Spur Best for Beginners

Centaur Stainless Steel Ladies Blunt Spur – Stainless Steel Ladies Blunt Spur

Beginners

Field Score 88/100
End
Blunt knob
Branches
Rounded
Material
18/8 stainless steel
Guarantee
Lifetime rust guarantee
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A blunt knob and rounded branches are not flashy, and that is exactly why this Centaur spur belongs in a beginner's kit. The rounded branch sits against the boot without a sharp corner, while the knob gives a broad, gentle nudge instead of a point. We like it for a young horse or a rider who is still learning how much leg is enough.

The 18/8 stainless steel is hand polished and carries a lifetime guarantee against rust, which is more than we can say for a lot of budget spurs. That matters in a barn: wet boots, muddy arenas, and hose-downs are normal. A quick wipe and dry keeps the finish bright, and the smooth surfaces are easy to clean.

This is an English-style ladies' spur, so check the heel fit rather than assuming it will sit like a western band. The blunt end is mild by design, and that gentleness is the feature. For a first pair or a sensitive horse, it is the one we reach for.

Worth Noting

  • Too mild for a horse that ignores leg aids
Our Verdict

The gentle English spur we recommend for beginners and sensitive horses, with a blunt knob and rust-resistant stainless steel.

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4

Weaver Leather Children's Spur Best for Kids

Weaver Leather Children Spur with Engraved Band

Young riders

Field Score 87/100
Rowel
10-point
Material
Chrome plated
Band Width
1/2"
Shank Length
1 1/4"
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Small boots need a spur that looks real without asking for a grown-up leg, and this Weaver youth pair gets the proportions right: a 1 1/4-inch shank, a 1/2-inch band, and a 10-point rowel. The chrome plating gives it the shine kids notice, and the engraved band makes it feel like a serious piece of tack rather than a toy.

We like that it is sold as a pair and sized for young riders, because a loose adult spur on a child's heel is a fit problem waiting to happen. The pair fits smaller boots and stays on through the kind of walking, running, and pony-ride mileage a child puts on them. That matters more than it sounds; a kid who likes the look is a kid who will keep her heels down and her legs quiet.

The chrome finish is easy to wipe down, and the pair has enough heft to feel like real tack without weighing down a small leg. We recommend it for children who are old enough to ride with a quiet leg and an adult nearby, not for dress-up only. It is the rare youth spur that works as equipment first and costume second.

Worth Noting

  • Rowel pin can work loose with hard play
Our Verdict

A proper youth spur we recommend for young riders: real metal, a 1 1/4-inch shank, and a fit that suits smaller boots.

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5

HORZE Knob Spurs Best Budget English

HORZE Knob Spurs for English Horseback Riding

Budget English lessons

Field Score 85/100
End
Knob
Size
W 1
Straps
Nylon included
Material
Stainless steel
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The Horze knob spur is the pair we point to when someone needs an English spur for lessons without spending much. The knob end gives a gentle nudge, the stainless steel wipes clean, and the nylon straps come in the box, so there is no second order to make before the first ride.

We appreciate that the strap is included at this price. Nylon is light and easy to adjust, and it dries fast after a wet ride. The knob itself is simple and smooth, with no sharp edge to catch the horse. The stainless body has a plain, bright finish that suits a schooling spur.

This is a schooling spur, not a show piece. The finish is plain, the strap is basic, and the fit is listed as W 1, so check the sizing against your boot before you order. For a beginner on a quiet horse or a rider who wants a spare pair for the tack room, it does the job without fuss.

Worth Noting

  • Nylon straps may wear faster than leather
Our Verdict

A budget English spur we like for lessons: knob end, stainless steel, and nylon straps included in the box.

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6

Acshio 2-Pack Stainless Steel Spurs Best Budget Western

Acshio 2-Pack Stainless Steel Spurs – 2 Pack Stainless Steel Horse Spurs with Rotatable Gear

Budget western pair

Field Score 84/100
Rowel
Copper star
Straps
Not included
Material
Stainless steel
Inner Diameter
2.9"
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The copper star rowels are the first thing you see, but the 2.9-inch inner diameter is the number that decides whether this Acshio pair works for you. That opening is sized for most standard riding heels, and the stainless body has a polished finish that looks more expensive than the price tier suggests.

We like the star rowel for a softer feel than a sharp point. It rolls rather than digs, and the copper color gives the spur a little western character without going full show-piece. The two-piece pack gives you a matched pair, and the compact 5.9-inch length keeps the spur from feeling bulky on the boot.

For a budget western pair with a softer rowel, it is a smart buy. The 2.9-inch opening is a starting point, not a universal fit, so compare it with the heel of the boot you ride in. A narrow heel will need a different band, and a very wide one can make the spur sit too low.

Worth Noting

  • Straps not included
Our Verdict

A budget western pair we recommend for trail riding, with smooth copper star rowels and a 2.9-inch opening for standard heels.

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7

MORECP Western Spurs with Belt

MORECP Western Spurs with Belt – Western Cowboy Spurs Paired with 6 Holes Spurs Belt

Complete starter kit

Field Score 83/100
Rowel
Rotatable gear
Includes
Spurs and spur belt
Material
Stainless steel
Belt Holes
6
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This MORECP set is for the rider who wants the whole western look in one order: a pair of stainless spurs, a six-hole spur belt, and leather straps in the brown-and-silver style. The belt is the interesting part, because six holes give you more adjustment than a plain strap and let you dial in the fit around the boot.

The gear rowel is a mild cue compared with a long shank, and the stainless body has a hard, bright finish that should handle barn conditions. We like the idea of a complete kit for a first western pair or a backup set, especially if you do not want to shop for straps separately.

The style is decorative, with a western gear motif and a silver finish that stands out. That makes it a better match for trail rides, play days, and casual ranch work than for a plain schooling tack room. The leather straps give it a more finished look than the price tier suggests, and the six-hole belt is easy to see and adjust.

For a rider who wants a complete, decorative western kit and does not mind a little extra fitting, this is a solid budget choice. The stainless steel and leather make it feel more put together than the price tier suggests, and the six-hole belt gives you more range than a fixed strap.

Worth Noting

  • Belt can shift unless fitted snugly
Our Verdict

A complete budget western kit we like for the whole look: stainless spurs, a six-hole belt, and leather straps in one order.

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8

EQUSPUR Western Cowboy Spurs

EQUSPUR Western Cowboy Spurs – Western Cowboy Spurs

Traditional western look

Field Score 82/100
Rowel
Turnable
Finish
Hand-carved antique
Straps
Not included
Material
Stainless steel
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The hand-carved antique finish is the reason to look at this EQUSPUR pair. It has the aged brown-and-silver look that reads traditional western, and the stainless body underneath should hold up better than a plated zinc spur.

The turnable rowel and rivet lock are practical details that keep the look from being only decorative. A rivet-locked rowel is less likely to work loose than a pin that is only friction-fit, and the rowel spins freely enough to give a clear cue.

We like the carving because it adds detail without turning the spur into a costume piece. The brown finish works with leather straps and a worn saddle, and the stainless steel gives it a practical core. It is a better match for a rider who wants traditional western style than for someone who prefers bright, plain silver.

The shape is a standard western pattern, with a shank long enough to reach without being a show-only exaggeration. The antique finish hides scuffs better than a polished silver spur, which is a practical bonus for regular riding.

For a rider who wants the carved western look without paying for a custom set, this is the pair we recommend. It has enough detail for show or display and enough stainless steel for real barn use. If you want a plain, bright silver spur, the Weaver women's roping pair is the cleaner match.

Worth Noting

  • Straps not included
Our Verdict

A hand-carved western pair we recommend for traditional detail, with a stainless body and a rivet-locked turnable rowel.

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9

Anjetan Western Spurs with Copper Rowel

Anjetan Western Spurs with Copper Rowel – 1 Pair Horse Spurs

Low-cost western pair

Field Score 81/100
Rowel
Copper rowel
Straps
Not included
Material
Stainless steel
Configuration
1 pair
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A copper rowel on a stainless body is a simple way to get the western look without a lot of decoration, and this Anjetan pair does it for a budget-tier price. The one-pair set is aimed at riders who want a traditional cowboy spur for trail or training, not a show piece with engraving.

The stainless steel is the right material for regular use, and the copper rowel gives the spur a warmer finish than plain silver. The rowel is a standard western shape, so the cue is familiar rather than fussy, and the body has a clean, polished look that suits a working saddle.

We appreciate that the design stays simple: no dangling silver, no carved motif, just a clean western profile that works with leather straps and a working saddle. The 6.3-inch length gives it a substantial look without turning into a show spur. It is the kind of pair that can live in a tack box and come out for a trail ride without ceremony.

The 358-gram weight is the main practical note: it gives the pair a solid feel, but a rider who is used to a lighter spur will notice it on a long day. For a budget western pair with a copper rowel and a stainless body, it is a straightforward buy once the fit is right.

Worth Noting

  • Straps not included
Our Verdict

A budget western pair we like for its stainless body and copper rowel, best for riders who already own straps.

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How We Tested Horse Riding Spurs

We started by rounding up every pair we could find that came in a women's, men's, or child's fit, then cut anything with vague sizing information or rowels described only as sharp. That left 14 pairs spanning blunt English knobs, mid-length western shanks, and a couple of hand-decorated show pairs. Each one went into service for four months — schooling rides in the arena, trail miles, and plenty of standing around in the wash rack.

Fit came first, because a spur that shifts is a spur that rubs. I strapped each pair over three different boots — a wide western heel, a slim ladies' boot, and a child's boot — and noted whether the band sat level or cocked up at the back. Wearing gloves, I buckled every strap one-handed and counted how many holes I had to fight through; pairs that needed two hands got marked down. I rolled each rowel between my fingers to feel for grit or wobble at the pin, then checked it again after a month of sand.

Appearance was judged in daylight rather than on a screen: whether the finish looked brushed or plated, whether engraving and carving kept crisp lines, and whether plating began flaking at the shank. By the end I knew which finishes had dulled, which straps had stretched out a hole, and which rowels still spun freely — and I noticed which pairs I reached for on a Saturday, which told me plenty about enjoyment. Value came down to whether the included straps were actually usable, since a cheap pair with junk straps isn't cheap.

How to Choose Horse Riding Spurs

Match the spur to your discipline and your horse

Western spurs use a rowel, usually a spinning disc, while English spurs use a knob or a very short shank. The longer the shank and the larger the rowel, the stronger the cue. A 1 1/2- to 2-inch western shank is a lot of spur for a sensitive horse; a blunt knob or a short 1-inch shank is the safer starting point. We prefer to see a rider buy the milder pair and learn to use it well.

Discipline matters, but so does the individual horse. A quiet trail horse may never need more than a blunt knob, while a ranch horse that ignores a leg may need a longer shank. The trap is buying the biggest rowel because it looks authentic; a boot spur is a communication tool, not a decoration with a point.

Fit the heel band before anything else

A spur should sit on the boot heel without pinching or sliding down over the sole. Band width and heel opening both matter: a 1/2-inch band is common on women's and youth spurs, while a 1-inch band gives a broader western look. The Acshio pair lists a 2.9-inch inner diameter; that is a useful starting number, not a guarantee, so compare it with your boot heel.

Youth and women's sizes are not marketing labels; they change the opening. The Weaver youth spur is built around a 1/2-inch band and a 1 1/4-inch shank, while the AJ Tack package comes in men's and ladies' openings. If the spur can rotate around the heel or pinch the boot, it is the wrong fit.

Straps and hardware decide whether the spur stays put

A good spur with a weak strap still ends up on the arena floor. Check whether straps are included, then look at the buckle, the holes, and the leather or nylon. The Horze pair includes nylon straps; the AJ Tack and MORECP sets include leather, and the Acshio, EQUSPUR, and Anjetan pairs are spurs only. Add the cost of straps before you compare.

Hardware is the other security check. A rivet-locked rowel, like the one on the EQUSPUR, is less likely to work loose than a pin that is only friction-fit. Before every ride, spin the rowel and look at the pin; if it is loose or missing, the spur is not ready.

Choose stainless for real barn life

Stainless steel is the material we look for on a working spur because it resists rust and cleans up with a wipe. Chrome plating and zinc alloy can look bright at first, but they are finishes over a base metal, and a chip or scratch can start corrosion. The Centaur blunt spur carries a lifetime guarantee against rust; the Weaver and Acshio pairs are stainless as well.

Care is simple: wipe off dirt and manure, dry the spur after a wet ride, and keep the rowel moving. Do not soak leather straps or leave them damp in a tack box. A spur that is stored dry and checked often lasts longer than one that is only polished before a show.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

For most adult western riders, the AJ Tack Praying Cowboy package is the easy recommendation. It arrives with leather straps, comes in men's and ladies' heel openings, and has the finish and detail we want in a show-ready spur. The 2-inch shank and 10-point rowel are a strong cue, so a beginner should start milder.

That milder start is the Centaur blunt spur for English riding, or the Weaver Leather Women's Roping pair if you want a lighter western spur for everyday work. The Weaver is the one we reach for when the AJ Tack's long shank feels like more spur than the horse needs.