17 May 2012

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HORSE Magazine



HORSECARE FEATURE: To stud, or not to stud?

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Tuesday 7 June 2011

Are you confused about how and when to stud-up? Horse magazine explained all in their May issue. Here is a short extract from that article.

What to use when

• On the road – road nails (not studs) to prevent slipping on smooth tarmac.
• Hard, dry ground that's not seen rain all summer — tiny, pointy studs that will provide adequate grip without putting excess strain on the legs.
• Hard ground that's slippery on top following overnight rain — slightly larger, pointy studs or studs that are fat at the top for grip with a pointed lower section to dig into the ground. Half-moon studs are a good option.
• Wet, deep, boggy ground – larger, square, uniformly flat studs with a wide profile for provide maximum grip.
• Perfect ground that's dry on top but with give in it – road studs all round, or small, square studs with little point.s
• Varying terrain, ie on the cross-country course – pointed, jumping studs that are not too big but provide grip when needed.

The dos and donts

Do
✓ Use small, blunt studs on the inside of your horse's shoes. A large, pointed stud can cause injury.
✓ Put protective leg boots on your horse when riding in studs.
✓ Put studs in just before riding; remove them as soon as possible afterwards.
✓ Always use the smallest stud you can for the conditions. While slipping is dangerous for your horse, slipping a little is much better than jarring your horse's legs with huge studs. Use studs that will sink fully into the ground, otherwise they will unbalance the foot.
✓ Always have someone to hold your horse when you are putting studs in.
✓ Consider using a stud girth or stud guard, particularly if your horse tucks his feet up well when jumping.

Don't
✗ Turn your horse out with studs in.
✗ Leave your horse unattended with studs in.
✗ Travel your horse with studs.
✗ Use studs if your horse is lame.
✗ Put yourself in a position where a horse with studs in can step on you.
It is very easy to break a toe this way, even if you're wearing riding boots.

Top tips

• Studs are only effective if they are screwed into well-fitting shoes. Big studs will quickly pull off suspect shoes.
• Keep studs in a secure container and wrap them in a lightly oiled cloth to prevent rust.
• Clean out and re-plug stud holes the day before a competition. Do not wait until you get to a show only to find a stone is jammed in or your horse won't stand still. On removing the stud, add oil to the hole before re-plugging.
• Your farrier is a useful source of advice; some also supply studs.