It can only be used by the stock contractor or by a person nominated by him under his direct supervision. Experienced stockmen and large animal veterinarians, consider the proper use of the prod an indispensable and humane method for handling livestock. The only acceptable spurs for rodeo must have blunt, free running rowels - the star shaped wheel on a spur. APRA rules specify they must be at least three millimetres thick and two centimetres in diameter, so they will not bruise or cut an animal. It is the riders responsibility before he competes to ensure his spurs comply with the regulations.
Non regulation spurs result in disqualification from competition.
The stylised spurring action allows the loose rowel to roll over the horse's hide rather than dragging, bruising or cutting. Rodeo people believe the spur is the best design for an equestrian sport and superior to other types. Horse hide is up to five times thicker than human skin and bull hide is about 7mm thick. The spurs used in APRA rodeos usually only ruffle the animal's hair and most contact with the animals in the bucking horse events is forward of the girth in the shoulder region. Nerve endings are much less dense in the shoulder and it is unlikely spur contact is painful to the horse.