The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling downhole motors. One aspect of the invention provides a valve-controlled downhole motor including: a downhole motor and a spool valve. The downhole motor includes a sealed chamber having a first port and a second port, a stator received within the sealed chamber, and a rotor received within the stator. The spool valve includes a barrel and a spool received within the barrel. The barrel includes an inlet port, an exhaust port, a first feed port, a second feed port, a first return port, and a second return port. The inlet port is located in proximity to the first feed port and second port. The exhaust port is located in proximity to the first return port and the second return port. The spool includes a first gland and a second gland.