Spurs
Dated: 16th century CE
Reading Time: 0:40 min
Early Spurs
It is believed that the earliest spurs were made from bone or wood.
Spurs were used by the Celts during the La Tène period, which began in the 5th century BC.
Iron or bronze spurs were also common throughout the Roman Empire. They were primarily used by fighters who needed to steer their horses with their legs, keeping their hands free for combat.
The Evolution of Spurs
The early spurs typically featured a single sharp protrusion.
The first rowels were fixed in place and did not rotate.
The rotating rowel, a more advanced design, is thought to have originated in France.
The Rowel
The rowel of a spur is usually round and spins like a wheel. It has spikes and is attached to the shank with a rowel pin. The rowel is the part that makes contact with the horse.
