Ken McNabb - Spurs (Part 2)

In part 2 of this series, we will focus on teaching the horse to respond to the spurs by collecting him up and moving different parts of his body.
Softening & Collection
To start, walk in a circle with the horse's nose soft to the inside. Leave the outside rein alone. Then I will roll my spurs up his ribs to get the horse soft and on the circle: 1) The inside leg spur is applied if he leans on the bit, and 2) The outside spur is used if he fades out of the circle.
Shoulders
Next, work on moving the horse's shoulders. Ride in that same circle with the horse's head soft. Then take your outside spur in position 1 at the shoulder until he moves his shoulders around the turn. Aid with the rein if he doesn't respond.
Hindquarters
Next, work on moving the hindquarters. Sitting still, take your leg back into position 3, cueing him to move the hindquarters. If he doesn't respond, take up the inside rein to enforce the cue.
Ribcage
Once you have worked on the shoulders and hindquarters, you are ready to move the ribcage in a side pass by placing your spur in position 2.
I hope this series helped you to better understand how, when, and why to use your spurs. Until next time, may God bless the trails you ride!
Ken McNabb

[@afoxinthewoods]

Love the point you made about spurs! They are a great aide, not for momentum, and are really helpful when used properly. :)

[@cheyennejt]

This is a great tutorial, patience and understanding. ❤

[@kabuti2839]

Love what you are doing, so simple. I used to show how you can move a horse forward & back & side to side from the ground & that is about 90% of training & few people could grasp that you begin with coarse aids & get lighter & lighter instead of getting stronger & stronger, lol. Impulsion! Thanks, great tips!

[@lalawyer11]

Thank you!

[@dallinoell2558]

Absolutely gorgeous grulla!

[@supersonicCoach]

I just learned something. I normally ride broke horse, but I dont hâve this system for sofening . I do this with two hands and two spurs if no response. Leave spurs and hands if he respond correctly but its seems more understable for the horse when you do like that. Thanks.

[@victorlarrosa]

👋👋👋🇺🇾🇺🇾🇺🇾.