What is the purpose of using spurs when riding?

Using spurs while riding serves primarily to enhance control over the horse. Spurs are small devices worn on the heel of the riding boot and are used to apply pressure to the horse’s sides. This pressure provides precise cues that communicate the rider’s intentions, allowing for more effective commands for movement, speed, and direction.

Effective use of spurs can lead to improved responsiveness, as they encourage the horse to react more promptly to the rider's leg aids. This means that the rider can maintain better control during various maneuvers and situations, such as when performing advanced dressage movements or during competitive events.

The other options, while they could reflect some associated outcomes of proper spur use, do not capture the primary function as directly as enhancing control does. The enhancement of balance and speed may be considered secondary effects, but they do not fully encompass the core reason for implementing spurs in riding practices. Preventing misbehavior may sometimes occur as an indirect result of having better control, but it is not the main focus of why spurs are utilized.