An important part of the cowboy spur is the heel chain. Although this item is not really required to keep the spurs on your boots (depending on the spur design), it does add a little extra flash and show.

The spur heel chain is designed go around the back of the wearers boot but many of the normal sets of spurs you can buy are designed to use a spur strap or tiedown instead of the chain. The chains were possibly introduced to make the fit of spur more snug against the boot.

The heel chains were either made from silver or a cheaper metal. They are also of a very fine design and are not designed to withstand anything too rough. If you want to imagine what the chain is like, think of a slightly larger version of a silver necklace.

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The use of boot spurs in a military cavalry is something that historically has been used in many different militia throughout the ages. Cavalry Spurs were widely used as items of award or as a sign of rank and experience within a cavalry and were given to those soldiers who had progressed on to more than just a basic recruit.

After the soldiers were involved in their first combat situation, they were awarded a pair of boot spurs as a form of medal and then became part of The Order Of The Spur. These spurs and certificate were often given at a dinner or event called a "Spur Dinner" where all rookie soldiers were awarded their spurs.

There is also a process and tradition called a Spur Ride where new recruits performed a series of tests and events designed to test their ability on a horse and also their knowledge of the rules, regulations, history and traditions which they were expected to recite from memory. This Spur Ride was also a way that the soldiers were able to earn their spurs to show that they were more experienced riders and fighters than other new recruits.

Within the Cavalry, the soldiers that wore spurs then became of a higher rank or level than those who had none. Although the soldiers may have been of a similar military rank, the fact that they had earned their spurs in battle or on a mission was a sign of their seniority over those who had yet to get them.

The Cavalry spurs were usually made from silver and were mostly the English, Prince Of Wales style spurs. There were also sets of gold spurs that were reserved for the soldiers of proper higher military rank or those that had been involved a higher number of combat situations.

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This book is a must if you are interested in collecting anything related to western american memorabilia. The book, part of a 3 part series on cowboy gear, features photographs by David R. Stoecklein showing cowboys spurs and related items in glorious color and in perfect detail.

The amazing workmanship can be seen in each of the items that David has chosen to photograph and they are all stunning images and great examples of the skill of their makers.

You will be able to learn about the different styles and types of cowboy spurs and how they changed through the ages and how they differed in different parts of the country. You will also be able to see great examples of Mexican and Spanish spurs.

With each photograph comes a back story of the item being shown which only adds to the richness of the images you are looking at.

If you are an antique cowboy spurs collector or are interested in fine vintage American items, then this book will be a perfect addition to your bookshelf.

Buy the book at Amazon now.

See a list of other books by David R. Stoecklein featuring Western American photographs and information.

photo credit: joebrent

Riding spurs come in all different shapes and sizes, but this is just a general guide to fitting them.

1. Start by fitting the heel of your boot into the U-shaped part of the spur known as the Yoke or Shank.
2. The boot spur should rest at the top of the heel, where it meets the main body of the boot.
3. Attach the strap from the ankle around the front of the boot.
4. Some spurs will have a second strap that should run underneath the boot near to the heel.  If yours does, fasten that one on too.
5. Make sure the riding spur fit is snug, and the spurs shouldn't wobble at all. If they do then tighten the straps until they stop.

And there you go.  Make sure you know what you are doing if you plan to ride a horse and use spurs.  If used incorrectly they can cause the horse some pain, panic fear and discomfort.

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