I've just decided to try some spurs on my gelding to lighten him up, because he's been leaning on my leg.  And after the first try, I believe I made a good decision, because he got lighter than I ever thought he could--quicker in his spins, lighter in his face, more round in his circles (though we went through a little phase of "WHAT is THAT?" and he tried biting my boots, speeding up, etc. before figuring out the correct answer).  But I'm not exactly sure how to properly use spurs, because, even though I've been riding for seven or eight years, I've never really needed them.  I have an independent seat, so we're good there.  And I know to roll the spur up the horse's side rather than jab him with it.  But I'm a bit confused as to how to ask for forward motion without using the spurs.  I resorted to clucking when I tried them out because I couldn't figure out how to put my leg on without putting my spurs on.  I've heard something about squeezing with the calf first, but I'm not sure I'm getting it right.  When I squeeze with my calf, it doesn't make contact with his sides; and when I move my leg closer, my spur makes contact.  Can anybody clear this up for me?

I have the same problem too! Well, I am at a new barn now where I am on a pony & horse that don't need spurs with me but at my old barn I needed them and I wasn't exactly sure either!

 When you use your calf, you should be using the part above the ankle bone, not the"meaty" part that is directly above the spur.

Try thinking of (not actually doing it, though, lol) squeezing with your knees - you can't do it w/ the BACK of your knees! So if your legs are in the position you need to squeeze w/ your knees, you should be able to give a little squeeze w/ your calves.

Thanks, that makes sense.  And I've kind of figured it out through trial and error, just getting a feel for it.

Ask for forward motion by keeping your feet parallel to the horse's sides; don't turn your toes out. Press with your calves and your rowels should never come in contact with the horse.

One of the tricks is teaching yourself to hold your leg straight so you can then turn your heel in and make contact.  Think about rolling your upper thigh in so your legs drape the horse like a sweater.  That way, you can squeeze with the inside of your calf without applying the spur, then reinforce the cue with the spur when needed.  You may have to sacrifice the "heels down" idea that's been drilled into us since we were kids, but if you're in balance, you should be able to maintain a flat or slightly down heel. 

I know how you feel! I got my first horse this year and she is very gentle and sweet, but she was so big that she couldn't feel it when I tried to cue her.

When you are wearing spurs make sure that you have your heels pointed down, but keep your feet parallel to the horse instead of pointing your toes out. Cluck with your tongue and squeeze with your calves while shifting your weight slightly forward. This should make it obvious to him that you want to go forward and will help to keep your feet away from your horse. If he doesn't respond he is most likely confused or just being stubborn

Don't worry about trying to do it right the first time though, it took me a month to get used to it and by then my horse responded well anyway. Also, try looking for some more friendly ones that are blunt and small if you don't have them, because they work better for "tune ups" and to "lighten them up". The bigger and sharper the "quicker the result" but they usually just create problems, so I would go for the smaller.

Good luck to you and great job for working with your horse!!!!

It helps to point your heels out so your not always tapping him to speed him up, It works for me :)

There are some spurs called Bumpers, that look like this: http://images.nitrosell.com/product_images/10/2465/large-reinsman-758-bumper-spur.jpg if you wanted to take the smaller route. I've never used spurs before, but I don know that they need to fit well, there are some spurs that will come up your boot, and therefore need a spur strap that goes under the heel of your boot, to keep them down and in the right position.