PONY’s guide to studs

If you find your pony’s slipping a lot when you’re riding on grass, consider using studs, particularly if you’re jumping. Studs are small metal spikes that screw into your pony’s shoes to give him more grip – a bit like football boots. Your farrier will need to put stud holes in your pony’s shoes to let you screw them in.

Top tip

Oil your pony’s stud holes, then plug them a small piece of bath sponge or cotton wool to stop dirt and stones getting stuck in them between use.

Chosing studs

If you’re not sure which studs to use, it’s best to go smaller than bigger. Rounded, bullet-shaped studs are suitable for soft, muddy ground, while pointed studs are better for harder ground. Ask your instructor for help if you’re not sure which studs to use.

It’s best to have two studs in each shoe (one on each side), with a rounder, blunt stud on the inside to prevent your pony catching or hurting himself. It’s important to make sure the studs are the same length on each side.

Step-by-step to easy studding

1. Clean out your stud hole using a stud-cleaning tool or a nail.

2. Prepare the stud hole using a tap – this clears any dirt from the thread, which allows you to screw the stud in.

3. Screw in the stud by hand, then tighten it up with a spanner.

4. When you’ve finished riding, unscrew the studs, oil the holes and fill them with stud plugs.

Top tip

Clean your studs every time you use them and store them wrapped in an oily cloth as this will make them easier to screw in.

Top tip

Put protective boots, such as brushing and overreach boots, on your pony when you’re using studs.