How To Dressage

Main Menu

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Article Categories
    • The Scales of Training
    • Dressage Theory
    • For The Rider
    • The Horse’s Paces
    • Dressage Movements
    • Dressage Competition
    • Horse Care
    • Dressage Troubleshooting
    • Interviews with GP Riders
  • Training Forum
    • Recent Posts
    • Register
    • Login
  • Our Book Range
  • Our Podcast
  • FREE STUFF!

logo

Header Banner

How To Dressage

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Article Categories
    • The Scales of Training
    • Dressage Theory
    • For The Rider
    • The Horse’s Paces
    • Dressage Movements
    • Dressage Competition
    • Horse Care
    • Dressage Troubleshooting
    • Interviews with GP Riders
  • Training Forum
    • Recent Posts
    • Register
    • Login
  • Our Book Range
  • Our Podcast
  • FREE STUFF!
Horse Care
Home›Horse Care›How, When and Why to Use Studs

How, When and Why to Use Studs

By How To Dressage
December 22, 2019
1328
0
How, When and Why to Use Studs dressage
big book of dressage exercises

If you compete on grass, your horse might struggle to keep his balance on days when the ground is slippery, especially on a firm surface that’s made greasy by dew or rain.

Fitting studs in your horse’s shoes can help to improve your horse’s balance and confidence. However, making the wrong choice of studs can cause more problems than it solves.

So, when should you use studs, and why is choosing the correct studs so important?

In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about choosing and using studs.

Using road nails 

When the horse has just been shod, the nail heads are proud, providing the horse with extra grip when you’re riding on a slippery surface, such as on a road or on hard ground with wet grass on top.

However, if you do a lot of road work, the nail heads quickly wear down, leaving you with little or no grip when you’re negotiating smooth, slippery surfaces. For that reason, many people have road nails fitted to their horse’s shoes.

Road nails are simply an ordinary horseshoe nail that has a tungsten carbide pin inserted into the nail head so that it protrudes slightly. The nail grips the road surface as the horse’s foot hits the ground.

Road nails should always be fitted in pairs, either front or back or all four. That ensures that the medial-lateral balance of the foot and limb is maintained. Road nails are fitted as far back on the shoe as possible so that they reduce concussion as the hoof hits the floor.

To opt for road nails, you will need to speak to your farrier.

Using studs for competition 

Some horses struggle to grip on certain surfaces, and that affects their balance, confidence, and their ability to do their job.

If these circumstances, fitting studs to the horse’s shoes is the way to go.

If you want to use studs, you will need to speak to your farrier. The farrier will create stud holes in the shoes by drilling one hole in each corner of the shoe. The hole is threaded so that you can screw in the stud securely, and then take them out again when they’re not needed.

Note that your farrier will charge extra for each stud hole.

How do studs affect the horse?

When the horse’s hoof lands on the ground, it’s an important element of the normal function of the horse’s forelimbs and aids in the absorption of concussion.

The effect of fitting studs in front prevents that normal function, leading to increased forces moving up the horse’s legs and placing strain on the joints of the upper limbs.

So, you can see that studs in the horse’s front shoes should only be used when absolutely necessary.

Fitting studs in the horse’s back shoes helps to provide extra grip for the horse when you’re negotiating corners or taking off in front of a fence.

The anatomy of a stud

  • A stud has a durable tungsten core that is robust enough to withstand continuous impact and abrasive conditions. The exposed tip of the stud provides extra grip.
  • The stud’s barrel is the external body, and varies in size and shape, depending on the purpose of the stud.
  • The thread is the part of the stud that you screw into the stud hole in the horseshoe. You must keep the thread dry and clean so that you don’t damage the stud or the stud hole.

How many studs should you use?

Whatever size or shape stud you choose, it’s recommended that a pair of studs should be fitted either in both back shoes or in all four so that the medial-lateral foot balance is maintained.

The studs you use should be similar in size for each pair of feet, although you could use slightly larger ones in the rear shoes if you want to.

Always use the smallest studs you can get away with. The prolonged use of really big studs on hard ground can cause vertical fractures in the hoof wall, radiating upward from the stud.

Also, don’t use pointed studs on the inside of the hoof, as that can cause strike injuries to the opposite leg, especially if you are competing in a dressage competition where protective boots are not allowed.

If you’re jumping, always use boots to protect your horse’s legs from accidental stud damage. A stud girth is also a good idea if your horse has studs fitted in his front shoes.

Which studs should you use?

There’s a wide range of studs to choose from, and it can be confusing for the novice user to choose the right ones for the ground conditions and job they’re required to do.

As a general rule of thumb, the softer the surface, the larger the studs you’ll need.

Before selecting your studs, it’s crucial that you find out what works for you and your horse. If you try out a few different studs while you’re working your horse at home, you can stop when you need to and make any changes that are necessary.

To help you make the right choice, here’s a guide:

Sleeper or blank studs

These are small studs that are used to protect the stud holes from getting filled with dirt or when only a very small amount of extra grip is required.

Road studs

Road studs are small, square or hexagonal studs that can provide your horse with extra traction on good going when you’re doing normal work. Despite their name, road studs are better used on grass or on a surface, rather than on the road.

Road studs have a slightly domed center, which distinguishes them from blank or sleeper studs.

Bullet studs

Bullet studs are long, rounded dome-shaped studs that are most suitable for use in mud or soft going.

Cone-shaped jumping studs

Cone-shaped jumping studs are best suited for use on grass that is classified as “good going.” In other words, the grass will comfortably take the stud.

Also, if your horse tends to lose his balance on fibrous indoor footing, these are the best studs to use.

Slim, pointed studs

Slim, pointed studs are designed for use on firm ground that a larger stud won’t easily penetrate. However, you shouldn’t use these studs on the road, as they’re too long and could cause your horse to have difficulty in balancing himself.

Short, dome-topped studs

Short, dome-topped studs are best-suited for use on loose sand schools and well-watered grass surfaces. These studs will provide your horse with extra grip and security, without stopping him dead in his tracks!

Pointed jumping studs

Pointed jumping studs are the best choice for use on varied terrain, especially when you’re riding across-country.

This design of stud is large enough to give you extra grip on wet going while being narrow enough to penetrate firmer sections of ground.

Fat top with pointed lower section

A stud that’s designed with a fat top and lower pointed section is perfect when riding on firm going that is slippery on top. For example, on a hard grass arena after overnight rain or a heavy dew.

Large, uniformly fat studs

Big studs that are uniformly fat are ideal for use on deep going or boggy ground.

Horses and ponies

When selecting studs, you would usually choose small studs for ponies and larger ones for horses. That’s because the impact of a large stud on a smaller, lighter-weight animal is more extreme than it would be on a heavier animal.

The right stud for the job

When choosing studs, you will also need to consider the type of activity in which you will be taking part.

So, if you’re going to be riding very tight turns or small circles during a high-level dressage test, you may be best choosing slightly larger studs than you would for ordinary work on the same going.

What should a stud kit contain?

So that you don’t lose your studs and associated equipment, you should keep everything together in a box or kit.

Your stud kit should contain the following:

  • A selection of different shaped studs
  • A stud tap that’s used to clean mud from the stud hole before you fit the stud
  • An adjustable stud spanner
  • Stud plugs
  • A large nail that you can use to push the plugs into the stud holes

A small magnetic metal dish is also extremely handy to keep the studs just where you want them. That way, if the dish is kicked over, you won’t lose the studs in the grass. You can buy magnetic wristbands that do the same job, safely holding the studs until you want them.

How to fit studs

Step 1

Remove the plug from the stud hole, using the pointed end of the stud cleaning tool or a horseshoe nail.

Get rid of any stubborn dirt in the stud hole by using a small brush. Alternatively, insert the end of your cleaning tool into the hole and turn it with the thread.

Step 2

Clean the thread using your tee tap.

Screw the tap in perpendicular to the horseshoe. Be sure to use the tee tap, as its thread has special channels that help to get rid of debris.

Step 3

Screw-in the stud by hand, and then use the spanner to tighten in. Take your time so that you don’t cross-thread the stud, which would damage the stud hole.

Step 4

To remove the studs, unscrew the stud and re-plug the hole right away with a plug or a piece of cotton wool soaked in hoof oil or Vaseline.

Clean the stud with a clean, damp cloth to get rid of any mud, and then dry it thoroughly to prevent corrosion. Give the stud a quick spray with WD-40, and then put it into your stud kit where it will keep dry.

The Dos and Don’ts of Studding

Don’t travel your horse in studs. Studs will damage the floor of your lorry or trailer and could severely injure your horse if he stands on himself.

Do remove the studs when you’ve finished riding. That reduces the risk of the horse becoming footsore and saves you from getting trodden on by a studded horse!

Do use boots on your horse to protect him from injury if he’s wearing studs. A stud girth is also a good idea if you are using studs in front.

Don’t fit studs when you don’t really need them; over-studding can cause injury to your horse.

Don’t use studs in your horse’s front shoes only or fit smaller ones behind than in front. That’s because bigger studs in front will prevent your horse from getting his forelegs out of the way of his hindlegs, increasing the risk of falling or overreaching.

Do ask your fellow competitors what studs they’re using.

Do clean your stud holes as soon as the horse has been shod, and then remove the plugs and clean the holes the day before you’ll be using them. That way, you know that the holes are clean, saving you time and hassle on the day of your competition.

In conclusion

Fitting studs in your horse’s shoes can help to prevent your horse from slipping on less-than-perfect ground. As a general rule, the deeper the going, the larger the stud you’ll need.

Never stud-up before you leave home. Your horse could injure himself in transit if he has studs fitted, as well as damaging the flooring of your transport.

If you have any questions or any other hint and tips that you would like to share, then please leave us a comment in the box below.

Related Reads: 

  • The Origins of Horseshoes
  • How to Ride a Dressage Test on Grass
  • How to Create the Ideal Arena Surface Footing for Dressage
  • How to Prepare for a Dressage Competition

Previous Article

How to Buy and Train the Young ...

Next Article

How to Judge a Dressage Test

How To Dressage

We are an information blog breaking down the How To's of dressage. All of our articles are put together by British Dressage judges to help you train your horse correctly, get higher scores and win your next dressage competition.

Related articles More from author

  • How to Identify and Manage Bog Spavins & Bone Spavins dressage
    Horse Care

    How to Identify and Manage Bog Spavins & Bone Spavins

    July 27, 2019
    By How To Dressage
  • How to lunge your horse how to dressage
    Horse Care

    How to Lunge Your Horse

    November 30, 2018
    By How To Dressage
  • How to Take Care of Your Horse's Tack to Ensure it Lasts
    Horse Care

    How to Take Care of Your Horse’s Tack to Ensure it Lasts

    February 18, 2019
    By How To Dressage
  • How to Manage Flies Around Horses Dressage
    Horse Care

    How to Manage Flies Around Horses

    February 21, 2020
    By How To Dressage
  • How to Identify and Manage Stringhalt in Dressage Horses
    Horse Care

    How to Identify and Manage Stringhalt in Dressage Horses

    July 8, 2019
    By How To Dressage
  • How do Horse's Sleep Standing Up Dressage
    Horse Care

    How do Horses Sleep Standing Up?

    January 26, 2020
    By How To Dressage

Leave a reply Cancel reply

WANT MORE?

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • How to Keep Your Horse up Through the Corners Dressage

    How to Keep Your Horse “up” Through the Corners

    By How To Dressage
    January 12, 2021
  • How to Understand a British Dressage Test Sheet

    How to Understand a British Dressage Test Sheet

    By How To Dressage
    January 5, 2021
  • How to Stop Your Horse From Coming Too Short in the Neck Dressage

    How to Stop Your Horse From Coming Too Short in the Neck

    By How To Dressage
    December 29, 2020
  • how to piaffe dressage

    How to Piaffe

    By How To Dressage
    December 22, 2020
  • How to Passage Dressage

    How to Passage

    By How To Dressage
    December 15, 2020
  • how to sit up straight dressage

    How to Sit Up Straight

    By How To Dressage
    December 8, 2020
  • How to Ride a Crazy Horse Dressage

    How to Ride a “Crazy” Horse

    By How To Dressage
    December 1, 2020
  • Dressage Training Plan

    How to Structure a Dressage Training Plan for Your Horse

    By How To Dressage
    February 13, 2019
  • how to create the ideal arena surface footing for dressage

    How to Create the Ideal Arena Surface Footing for Dressage

    By How To Dressage
    October 31, 2019
  • How to Import a Dressage Horse

    How to Import a Dressage Horse (from Europe to the U.S.)

    By How To Dressage
    October 19, 2019
  • How to Fit Horse's Noseband

    How to Fit Your Horse’s Noseband

    By How To Dressage
    October 5, 2019
  • How to Safely Ride and Lead horses

    How to Safely Ride and Lead

    By How To Dressage
    March 13, 2019
  • What is the Difference Between Bend and Flexion dressage

    What is the Difference Between Bend and Flexion?

    By How To Dressage
    June 25, 2018
  • How to use Poles to Improve Your Horse's Way of Going how to dressage

    How to use Poles to Improve Your Horse’s Way of Going

    By How To Dressage
    September 5, 2018
  • How To Dressage
    on
    January 7, 2021

    How to Safely Ride and Lead

    Hi from the UK! ...
  • Donna Vild
    on
    January 6, 2021

    How to Safely Ride and Lead

    Hi from the US! ...
  • How To Dressage
    on
    December 15, 2020

    How to Sit Up Straight

    Hello Marilynn, So glad ...
  • Marilynn Canitz
    on
    December 13, 2020

    How to Sit Up Straight

    In the unmounted exercises ...
  • How To Dressage
    on
    December 10, 2020

    How to Ride a Good Canter-Trot Transition

    You're more than welcome! ...
  • Elizabeth Ford
    on
    December 10, 2020

    How to Ride a Good Canter-Trot Transition

    Canter - trot transition, ...
  • How To Dressage
    on
    December 3, 2020

    How to Identify, Manage & Prevent Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS)

    Hello Teresa, Firstly, thank ...

Article Categories

  • Dressage Competition (28)
  • Dressage Movements (44)
  • Dressage Theory (44)
  • Dressage Troubleshooting (45)
  • For The Rider (29)
  • Horse Care (39)
  • Interviews with Grand Prix Riders (8)
  • The Horse's Paces (22)
  • The Scales of Training (8)

Free Email Courses

how to dressage paypal dressage newbie email course

how to dressage competition email course

WANT MORE?

Useful Pages

Home
About us
View Our Book Range
Join Our Facebook Group
Forum
FREE STUFF!
Contact Us

See our social side

Our Podcast

how to dressage podcast
Copyright © 2018-2020 How To Dressage
Privacy Policy
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links that are included on this website are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you make a purchase. If you would like to support this website in some way, using these links will help you do exactly that. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.