Advice Needed on a Spur Strap

[RollingThunder]

Sorry so tardy in respondin' parson. Had to go to the sawbones yesterday, and that sorta took it out of me.

I responded with your email, but to enlighten others here, you don't want your spurs really clamped down on your foot. It will cause some issues with the lower side of your heel if you do. The lowers on your book flex for a reason, and that's because your foot does too. It's also the reason that your boot has a spur counter on it. The spur should fit snugly to the boot, and rest on that counter. Boots without a counter weren't meant to be used with spurs.

My Olathe riding boots have them (18" shaft - SUPER COMFortable!), and my Ariat lacers do as well. I use buckle-ups with the lacers and a one-piece on my Olathes. The spur, if made correctly, doesn't ride up on the boot. The weight of the spur actually holds it against your counter.

When riding a horse, you will actually rattle your spur to get his attention before going to the spur as a refinement, simply to get the horse's attention.

I recommend Joe Spiller for your spurs. He's not cheap, but his stuff is amazingly made, beautifully crafted, and simply put, built to withstand the working cowboy. Should be no hill for a stepper for your chores, Parson.

If you still need inexpensive, TSC has several in the 20-50 dollar range.

And yes, I have time to make your some straps, pard. Send me a PM about the straps I sent you pics of.

[JD Alan]

Thanks RT.I received the PM, and sent you one back.

[JD Alan]

OK, now I have some spurs. What you see is 9 oz leather, 12 inches from post to post. The posts themselves are 5/16 inch in diameter. I have no idea of what a "standard" length spur strap would be, and if it is long enough. What do you say? Thanks, JD



   

[cowboy316]

JD
looks like a good start to mecan you still slip you foot in with out geting bound up at the ankle if you cant slip it on fairly easy you might have to make the strap a tad longer
just my .02 cents worth
  Cowboy316

[JD Alan]

Thank you friend, I appreciate that observation. I should slip my big foot in there to make sure it fits with that strap. I tried it with the spur, without the strap, and it's fine. I think 9oz leather is heavier that what most would use for a spur strap, but I had that piece lying around, and I needed to take a measurement.  JD

[RollingThunder]

8-9 oz. is what I use, actually. I don't like making lightweight gear if I know it's gonna get used and abused. LOL.

[JD Alan]

8-9oz is fine by me RT. How does the length sound? Thanks, JD

[Slowhand Bob]

JD, I have not been shooting to much over the last few years but on those occasions that I do get out, the diabetes takes precedence over foot wear appearance.  Now days if I go play AND am feeling real costumy, I will wear brogans with the pants outside and a pair of long Botas as more insurance.  I am sure that losing 60 pounds would make boots and spurs do-able again but what can I say??  Some years back one of the outfits, Hidecrafters I think, sent me a few pre-cut spur strap kits(?) and if they are long enough I will send some your way.        

[JD Alan]

Thanks Bob, I appreciate that.

I know someone else who could stand to lose 60 pounds I haven't seen 200 pounds since before I was married in 1977. I think I was about 215. At 6'1" I could have shed a good 20 or 30 pre wedding, but I was almost 28 years old, and was pretty well settled into who-what I was.

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Hi,

I can feel the pain about diabetes ... it is causal to the end of life down both my family trees ... and I am always fighting against weight ... Oscar Wilde said once, "I can resist anything but temptation" That fits me to a T ... don't dare buy tubs of ice cream or cookies, 'cause no matter the size it won't last more time that the moment it is opened ... LOL. Too many is the time I have sat down to watch a good movie with a brand new gallon of ice cream, and when the movie is over, the tub is empty ....

I am fortunate that I live in an extremely bicycle-friendly city, and do most of my commuting and chores by bike. Unless I need a 'buro to haul the stuff I am getting ... then my little donkey/VW Jetta has to be pulled out.

I think I mentioned before that this is probably my last year in cowboy boots ... next year it will be ropers and botas for me too ... I have even spoke to Chuck Burrows about getting some botas made ....

Looks like I am going to have to set up a fund for new botas and ropers ....