The spelling of the word "rowelled" is often debated in both American and British English. In British English, the traditional spelling of "rowelled" is spelled with two "l's" as the noun "rowel" is pronounced with a long "o" and a double "l" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈraʊəld/. However, in American English, the traditional spelling is "reeled" due to the different pronunciation of the word "rowel". The American English phonetic transcription is /ˈroʊəld/. Despite the differences in spelling, both versions refer to the same tool used on horses' spurs.
Rowelled is the past tense and past participle form of the verb "rowel." The term "rowel" refers to the action of attaching a spiked wheel or disk, known as a rowel, to the heel of a horse rider's boot. The rowel, often made of metal, is a rotating device that consists of several radiating spikes or points.
In the context of horse riding and equestrianism, rowels are primarily used as a tool to signal the horse, providing extra encouragement or increasing the horse's responsiveness. When a rider wants the horse to move forward or respond to a specific cue, such as leg pressure, he may use the rowel to gently nudge or tap the horse's sides. The spikes or points of the rowel create a sensation that encourages the horse to move in the desired direction or respond to the rider's aids.
The term "rowelled" is used to describe the act of employing rowels during horseback riding. It signifies the action of using the spiked wheel or disk, often positioned at the back of the rider's boot, to communicate with the horse and guide its movements. The process of rowelling may vary in intensity, from a gentle touch to a more firm and deliberate action, depending on the rider's intent and the specific horse's sensitivities.
The word "rowelled" comes from the noun "rowel", which can be traced back to the Old French word "roele" or "rouelle", meaning "a little wheel". "Rowel" refers to the small revolving wheel or disk with radiating points found on the revolving center of a spur. The verb "rowelled" is derived from "rowel", and it is used to describe the act of attaching or using rowels on spurs.