Spur Training

Question
Hi, I have ridden huntseat for 18 years and would like to think that I am a very experienced rider. However, I have recently started exercising for some new people that do mostly western pleasure. My problem is one of the geldings they are having me excercise has been spured trained. Walk/Jog is fine, but when I ask him to lope (with a cue that I am used too) all he wants to do is stop. I know it is me and not him, but I haven't ever ridden a horse that has been trained this way and I don't want to confuse him. What are the proper cues for a horse that has been spur trained?

Answer
hi kris,
i ride alot of western horses and i will tell you it doesnt matter if he is spur trained or leg trained. the pressure is in the same spot, the only difference is with spures the pressure is over a smaller portion on the horses side. when you ask him to canter sit straight and centered and give even leg pressure on both sides. western horses will stop if you sit deep and lean back. this is a common cue for them. if he stops then kiss to him to encourage him to move forward.if he still wont go apply more pressure and lean forward a little. he could just be sour or he could be sore. check his back by running your hands down his spine.  if he flinches or quivers his back then he is sore in that spot. it is usually on the withers or just before the quarters. a change on saddle pad can cure this with alittle rest. if the horse is used to spures then ride him with them. just remember to ask with your leg first then the spur. this gives him a chance to respond before getting spured.