With so many types of studs on the market, which do you use and when?
Studs are small metal objects that are screwed into the bottom of your horse’s shoes to help provide traction, mainly when riding on grass, to encourage both horse and rider to work more positively. They require holes to be tapped into the shoes by the farrier, usually at 3/8″ diameter. The studs can then be screwed into the shoes just before they are required, and removed immediately after. There is a huge variety of studs that come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones you choose will depend on the ground you are riding on.
However, before turning to studs consider whether your horse really needs them – he should be used to riding on different surfaces, and good training can help prevent slipping, but a small amount of slipping is also an important part of absorbing and reducing concussion. Studs prevent this, so when not used properly they can cause more damage than necessary.
If you think you still need studs, it is advised to always use the smallest ones necessary, and with smaller studs in front than behind. It is mainly recommended to use them in pairs, with one in each side of the shoes in order to maintain foot balance, however studs on the inside can strike the opposing leg, and so you should always use a blunt stud that matches the length of the outside one. It is also wise to always use protective boots and a stud girth to help prevent any injuries.
Once you have determined the most suitable plan of action, you should practice both preparing and applying the studs, and riding with them in. Your horse will need to get used to them, and it will help you become more proficient and experienced in which studs to use.
What do you Need?
- Once your farrier has added stud holes, you will need to plug them with either rubber or cotton plugs to help keep the holes clean.
- A pick to remove the plugs when you want to use studs.
- A T-tap to clean and sharpen the edges of the threads before using the stud.
- A spanner to tighten and remove studs.
- A lubricant to store your studs to prevent them from going rusty.
- A storage box to keep them safe, ready for their next use!
- It is a good idea to use a stud guard, particularly when jumping, to protect your horse’s belly.
- Protective boots will also prevent damage to the inside of the opposite leg.
Which Studs & When?
- Firm ground – slim, pointed studs
- Soft ground – long, rounded dome studs
- ‘Good’ ground – cone shaped jump studs
- Varying terrain – pointed jump studs
- Boggy & deep – large, fat studs
- Road work– large, shallow, square studs
Selecting studs will come with experience, and you can always stop and make changes when practicing, but consider asking for help or getting someone to check them for you to be safe.
