Ordering Custom Spurs — Made Simple
Ordering custom spurs should feel exciting — not overwhelming.
When you walk into our shop, we can guide you through the process step by step. But we know not everyone has that opportunity, so we want to break it down as simply as possible and help you feel confident in every decision.
Custom spurs are a personal piece of equipment. Fit, feel, and function matter just as much as how they look. To make sure your spurs fit exactly the way they should, we ask for a few measurements from your boot or a current pair of spurs — that’s how we dial in the fit, even from a distance.
Here’s how the process works.
Step One: Choose Your Shank (The Most Important Step)
If there’s one decision that matters most, it’s the shank.
The shank determines how your spur functions and feels when you ride. Once a pair of spurs is built, the shank can never be changed, so this is the step to slow down and think through carefully.
When choosing a shank, consider:
- Shape
- Length
- Rise or drop
These factors should match your riding style, discipline, and how you use your leg. This is also a great place to get input from your trainer — they know how you ride, your horse, and what will work best for you.
If you already ride in a pair of spurs you like, that’s a great starting point. Staying close to what feels familiar often leads to the best results.
Our shanks are shown to scale in our catalog, which allows you to hold your current spur up to the page and compare length and rise directly. We often recommend erring slightly on the side of shorter, since you can always adjust feel later with a different rowel — but you can never change the shank itself.
Step Two: Heel Band Height & Thickness
Once the shank is selected, the rest gets easier.
Next is choosing your heel band height and thickness. Depending on the shank you choose, we list the heel band sizes that pair best with it to ensure proper fit.
One thing to consider here is weight.
For example:
- Texas heel bands are made from thicker material and have a bit more weight.
- Thinner heel bands create a lighter spur.
Neither is right or wrong — it’s purely personal preference. Some riders like a little extra weight; others prefer something lighter and more minimal.
Step Three: Choose Your Rowel
Rowels are where personal preference really comes into play.
You’ll decide on:
- Number of points
- Shape
- Size
- Severity
Traditionally, we build our spurs with the rowel welded in place. This is our default unless otherwise requested.
If you change rowels often — for example, riding different horses — we can build your spurs with screw pins or cotter pins instead. Just be sure to note this when ordering.
The nice thing about rowels?
They can be changed later.
If you want more reach, a softer feel, or a different style down the road, swapping rowels is an easy adjustment — unlike the shank.
Step Four: Material & Overlay Options (The Fun Part)
Now comes the creative side of building your spurs.
Base Material Options
- Steel (available in brown or black finish)
- Steel will rust over time — that’s part of its character.
- Humidity and environment determine how quickly this happens.
- You can slow rust with simple upkeep (like olive oil), but exposure to weather and use is inevitable.
- We love the patina steel develops — it’s the same reason antique spurs have so much character.
- Stainless Steel
- Will not rust over time.
- A great option for riders who want low maintenance or live in humid climates.
Overlay Options
- Silver or Brass overlays are available for shanks and heel bands.
- Engraved bars, plates, or floral designs can be added.
- You can also add your name, initials, or brand.
One limitation to note:
We are unable to build brass overlay on black-finished steel, as it creates a chemical reaction during the bluing process and does not turn out properly.
Pricing & Final Details
Custom spurs start at $395.
Pricing varies based on:
- Heel band style
- Steel vs. stainless
- Overlay choices