Studding up for competitions

Most competitors riding on grass will at some stage consider using studs to give their horse more confidence and grip whilst competing on natural terrain.

Studs will help with keeping a horses’ confidence in slippery and greasy conditions, but it is essential not to rely on studs alone to balance your horse on tight turns and slippery going.  This can lead riders into a false sense of security. It is wise to get your horse used to working and balancing themselves over all sorts of terrain, so that they are used to working on different surfaces and can make their own adjustments.

Ensure that studs are used thoughtfully depending on ground conditions, and type of horse.  It is important to have the right sized stud for the conditions you are competing on, here is a quick guide to choosing which studs to use, with links to some that we recommend.

Which studs for which conditions?

Wetter, softer going generally demands bigger, squarer studs, while smaller, sharper ones are reserved for harder going.

Good going grass conditions – medium conical type stud 

Boggy and deep going – large fatter type of stud

Firm ground - slim, pointed stud – small conical stud 

Loose sand schools: short dome-topped studs

Varying terrain: pointed jumping stud

Ground which is slippery/greasy on top, firm underneath:  small and medium pointed studs

 

Top Tips

Use the smallest studs that you can to do the job

Stud up evenly – usually two per shoe

Use blunt studs on the inside and pointed on outside.

Use smaller studs in front than behind.

Don’t travel in studs.  There are dedicated travel studs to use if needed which are flat.

Clean and oil studs after use and wrap in an oily cloth or cling film to prevent rusting.

Clean out stud holes and re-plug with cotton wool or rubber stud plugs the day before a competition as well as when you remove your studs.

Best practice

The most common amount is two studs per foot, choosing an even number is better for balancing the foot, particularly on hard ground when you don’t want the foot twisting

Most riders and grooms use blunter studs inside and reserve those with points for the outside, because of the increased likelihood of injury if a horse catches itself with a sharp stud.  It is best to use studs of the same length on the inside and outside, even if you select different shapes.

Also consider the type of horse or pony you have, a horse who is light on his feet will not need as much help as a heavier set one who gallops into the ground.

Studding is complicated and opinions may vary on the day, so it would make sense to consult more experienced riders, or those that may have already ridden on the course before making a final decision. 

What’s in your stud kit?

It’s useful to keep a kit box dedicated for your stud equipment.  There is nothing worse than trying to find a stud last minute!  We suggest keeping the following to hand:

1. A selection of different types and sizes of stud for all types of conditions. 

1. A stud tap (to clean the thread which inside the stud hole)

1. A spanner (the adjustable ones are ideal) or T Tap spanner

1. Stud plugs, or cotton wool and vaseline

1. A wire stud brush and pick (these are great for cleaning out holes before re-plugging)

1. A spare horseshoe nail is handy too

1. Metal magnetic bowl or wristband(handy for keeping studs in one place when you are studding up)