Definition of the Word Spur - Essay Example

Definition of the Word “Spur” The etymology of the word and look into the early definition of the term dating all the way back to the 14th century Etymology for “spur” leads us down a very interesting path when it comes to history of the word. Apparently, the word has its roots set in very ancient versions of the English language dating back to the late 14th century. The very first time a variation of the word was heard about was from the Old High German language and was based upon the word “sporo” which was then adopted by the Proto Germanic language, becoming the word “spuron”.

It later on evolved into the Old English word “spura” which basically meant “to kick”. It is based upon this ancient use of the word that the modern meaning of “spur” came about. In late 14th century, the term spur was used to describe a metal tool that is purely designed to be worn in horse riding boot On the other hand, the word generally falls under the definition of “anything that urges on, stimulus”. (Metin and Cem 157). For most people, the term is generally used to describe the tool that is attached to the riding boot of a person.

This tool is generally round and spiked at the tips. It is dug into the sides of a horse by the rider in order to urge the horse to go faster (Roy 83). The meaning of the word based upon the horse tool Known as a riding aid, the tool helps to enforce the natural commands given to horses via the rider's leg, seat, hands, or voice, making the tool a very important aspect of any equestrian event. This is tool is more commonly described as being U-shaped device which is located on the heel of a rider's boot (Metin and Cem 159).

It is capable of urging a horse forward through the use of a blunt, pointed, or roweled projection on the back of the boot. It is important for horse rider's to understand that the word “spur” does not merely relate to the tool that is used in their event. It is also used in other ways that be directly related to the original meaning of the word and use of the tool. “Spur” is taken generally to mean a term that encourages one to ride quickly. It is any item that is used to goad, impel, or urge a speedy action.

General description of the word in equestrian terms Spur is as well described as a tool that is used by horse riders to transmit very subtle signals to a horse. It is however essential for riders to understand the most effective means of using spur in communicating critical message to a horse. Although it is an important tool, spur is rarely used in sport horse racing. Moreover, as a training tool in horses, the item is used as a last line of communication between the horse and the rider. There are some basic commands that a horse learns to respond to.

These include the leg movement, seating position, and voice of the rider. When a horse fails to respond to any of the first 3 command indicators, the spur is used to gently reinforce the command to the horse (Black). The act of digging in the spur, at different levels of pressure usually forces the horse to react accordingly in the execution of the command, the deeper the spur is dug, and the faster a horse might go. Conclusion In the light of the above analysis, it is important to remember that horse riders are generally discouraged from using the spur as it tends to have varying negative degrees of effect on the horse.

Once a horse becomes desensitized to the urgings of the spur tool, the horse no longer respects the tool and becomes resentful of it. Such sentiment on the part of the horse could end up making the horse violent towards it rider to a certain degree as well. Outline Thesis: The word “spur” carries many different meanings and connotes various actions in the English language. But the main use of the word is taken from the word of horses, where the term is used to describe the tool that the rider uses to encourage the horse to execute certain commands. 1. I will discuss the etymology of the word and look into the early definition of the term dating all the way back to the 14th century. 2. The meaning of the word based upon the horse tool 3.

General description of the word in equestrian terms 4. Conclusion Works Cited Metin Bosnak, Cem Ceyhan. “Riding the Horse, Writing the Cultural Myth: The European Knight and the American Cowboy as Equestrian Heroes”. Turkish Journal of International Relations vol.2, no. 1, (2003): 157–181 Roy Adkins. “Handbook to life in ancient Rome”, reprinted. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. 1998. Print