Spurs Question?¿?

ok im getting spurs and i was wondering what kind should i get i was think of getting motavators my horse has never been rode with spours and i have never rode with spurs either and i think the  motavators would be good??? one more thing can you kick a horse with spurs im pretty sure you can't but i saw someone kick their horse with spurs on so ??I would start out with the smallest spur necessary, if you're leg is quiet it shouldn't bother your horse.

I ride in tiny little prince of wales nubs and they get the job done, and yeah I've kicked him when he was uber lazy and not listening.  By kick I'm assuming you mean more of a forceful nudge rather than a backwards soccer kick. :P

Just don't overuse them or rely on them instead of your leg b/c your horse will end up cranky and dead to cues and your legs will get weak from not using them. :)if you have never ridden with spurs before and your horse hasnt either then you shouldnt do it. You should have someone professional ride your horse with spurs for a few days and then teach you how to do it.if you have never used spurs before and your horse has neved had spurs used on him then i would suggest some small ball spurs because they are very mild.Why are you thinking of getting spurs?  Is your horse lazy?  Refusing your cues?  Are you insecure as a rider?  Why would you want to "kick" your horse, anyway?

I just have these questions because the way your question is worded, it sounds like you don't have the experience necessary to ride correctly with spurs on.  A lot of good riders use them, but I have tried them and find that they interfere with how I like to ride...I like my legs to be able to make contact with the horse, and I found that every time I wanted a slight squeeze to ask my horse to move, the spurs instead were hitting first, and I didn't like that.  So I haven't worn spurs since.

I really don't think you should get them.  I don't think you'll like them, and I think if you are one of the best riders at your barn you should be able to get your horse to obey and perform to its fullest without the use of spurs.Any brand would work, but I would suggest the cloverleaf rowel.  It is very mild, and really good for horses who have not had spurs on before.  If your horse has not had spurs on you can start on the ground and introduce them to the horse by asking your horse to sidepass from the ground and introduce them to the horse that way,and then get on and try to use them.  The proper way to use spurs is not to jab the horse, but to roll the rowel on their side.  The brand I like the best are Baldings, but they are expensive.  If you buy cheap spurs, they tend to bend, and are not effecient as they should be, so spend some extra money and buy a good pair.Just curious - why do you mind if someone suggests you get a pro to help you?  You can follow their advice or not, but often that sort of advice is helpful.  All sports people learn from others more experienced than them, not just doing their sport alone, without assistance.  Do you think a top hockey player learned to play well all by himself?  Heck, no.  A top hockey player, or any other sports person, learns with the help of a coach, a trainer and other experienced pros.  It is no different for horse riders.
Having said that, you can probably teach your horse to accept spurs without help if you have independant legs.  It's important that your spurs only contact your horse when you want, not bump, bump, bump them all the time.  Perhaps start with a pair of humane (or blunt) spurs and see how it goes.  I ride all my horses, including my young ones, with spurs.  I show, and spurs mean I can use softer and less noticable leg cues.  I am not rough with my horses, but I must admit that if I am riding a really lazy horse, that knows the "go forward" cue, but is ignoring me, I might just give him a kick with the spurs.  Not so hard as to knock a hole into him (ha, ha!) but hard enough that he goes "wow, I better pay attention when she asks nicely next time"  If I do that I might not have to touch him with the spurs again for ages.
Most horses will crowhop or buck if you use the spurs too hard, too often.  Some sensitive horses will really react, I would never dare kick my show mare with spurs because she'd go through the fence.  But proper use is totally fine with her.  But my lazy gelding is a different story, sometimes he requires a harder bump, and while he'll swish his tail he won't over-react.
Good luck, keep safe and don't be scared to take advice from others who have been there before.I sometimes use spurs on my boys, I have the standard   Prince of wales variety ( I'm English so don't know about western spurs) but I do know that the only effect they have on my riding position is to make me hyper aware of what my legs are doing. They don't contact with the horse before my calf ( but I don't know if that is because of the difference in position between English/western) but I need to actually turn my foot to bring the spur into contact. Basically it's an aid to make the horse take notice like underlining the leg aid. You certainly don't go kicking with or without them.why do u want spurs?I would suggest a bumper spur, because they are the most gentle. Never kick your horse if you have spurs on, it can break the skin and hurt your horse, i've seen the after affects of such an action, it's not pretty. You may also want to ask yourself why you need spurs. is it just because everyone else has them or because your horse is no longer listening to your cues. Don't do it if you don't need it.Alright..first of all I am not going to tell you to get 'professional' help.  That's rude.

Before you ride with spurs be sure you can ride with your legs perfectly still.  Especially with a horse that may not be used to spurs.  You don't want constant contact between the horse and the spurs.

The best kind I think for horses (and people) are bumper spurs.  Or if you prefer 'regular spurs' pick ones with a short shank and 'clover' rowels.

Hope this helps and GOOD LUCK!!You say you have never ridden with spurs and then you say you know how to ride with spurs.  Which is it?
If you and your horse haven't experienced spurs before, get the ones with the balls on the end.  When you give your horse a little nudge with them, it will be more irritating than painful.  
I think the only place for spurs with big rowels and jingle bobs is in country music videos or on idiots at local honky-tonks.Be careful, spurs are training aids. She hasnt used spurs on but even the most broke horse will hold a fuss.

if you want motivators try ball spurs. Do not get tiny ones. Ball spurs are simply balls on the end of your spur, get the bigger ones as they tend to be less severe.

Yes you can kick, but its not the best thing to do. they are TRAINING AIDS. i suggest not using them unless you need them.make sure to use ones that spin, or get bumper spurs. i suggest bumper spurs, because they are just that way that you can't explain. here's a pic:
http://www.rhinestonespurs.com/bumper ...You don't want to hear professional but here I go anyway. If you are having a hard time "motivating" your horse, you need a riding coach, at least for a while, to see what exactly the problem is. Are you not using your leg properly? Are you not using a training whip? Carrying a whip in itself is not always a motivator, using it correctly as an extension of the leg is.

Spurs should only be used by riders with a deep seat...otherwise you risk becoming injured. If you are bouncing around AT ALL you risk hitting the horse with the spur and the horse bolting.

An no, you should never kick with a spur, it is, again, an extension of the leg. None of my students, except the top riders, have ever been allowed to ride with spurs...and them they are only to back up a que for the lateral movements.If you have never ridden with spurs...then how do you know how to ride with spurs...it's not magical knowledge, you don't just buckle them on and "poof" you know how to use them. If you are getting spurs for a fashion trend...it's not a good trend. Leave the spurs to people who know how to use them. That way neither you or your horse accidentally get hurt. I personally, have never ridden with spurs. And I have ridden some super stubborn horses. Best wishes =)