Cowboy Spurs 101

Welcome to the cowboy spurs 101 page where you can find out details on the history of western spurs and information about the design, use and types of boot spurs used around the world.

If you have any questions that are not answered here, please contact us.

Q: How old are boot spurs?
A: They were first used in ancient Rome, but became more popular in the 14th and 15th century.

Q: What are western spurs made from?
A: The main part of the spur is made from metal, usually iron but sometimes silver.  The straps used to fasten the spur to the boot are made from leather.  Other makers made them from aluminium, or steel.

Q: What are the parts of the boot spur called?
A: The main U shaped part that goes around the boot is called the "yoke" or "heel band".  From there, the "neck" extends out from the boot and the "rowel" is the rounded object attached to the end.



Q: What are spurs for cowboy boots used for?
A: The spurs are worn by cowboys who ride a horse.  The rowels are used to dig into the sides of the horse to aid in steering the steed in conjunction with the tack and reins.

Q: Do riding spurs hurt the horse?
A: No.  Most spurs have rowels that are round and blunt by design.  The more fancy custom made spurs are the ones most likely to feature pointed star rowels and therefore would hurt an animal - but they are seldom used.

Q: Are cowboy boots and spurs still used today?
A: Yes.  They are used all over the world by riders and farm hands but are also worn as a fashion accessory or Western Jewelry by millions.  I suspect that they are more popular as a fashion accessory.

Q: Why are vintage spurs collectible?
A: Many American historians love to collect antique spurs because they are a part of the countries rich history.  Owning a set of old cowboy spurs is like owning a piece of American history.  Much the same as an art collector would collect paintings.

Q: Which vintage cowboy spurs are the most collectible?
A: It depends on what the collector likes.  Many collectors simply obtain different designs or custom spurs based on what they look like.  Others collect old spurs that may have belonged to their fore fathers or ancestors.  It differers from person to person.

Q: What is the most expensive western spurs to collect?
A: The older the spur, the more valuable.  Also, custom made spurs will be more expensive and spurs that are owned by famous people of their time such as someone like Billy The Kid will be even more expensive.  There are some makers like J. O. Bass who are very famous for making spurs.  Therefore, their spurs will fetch a higher price than a pair of Buermann Spurs.  J. O. Bass spurs can fetch over $2,000 at auction!