The ultimate guide to studs

Do you love the buzz of galloping round a cross-country course with your fave pony as much as I do? There’s no better feeling! But if your pony slips and loses confidence in the middle of a combination or down a steep hill, it can be a heart-stopping moment. 

Studs give ponies better grip on slippery or deep surfaces, but there’s no one-size-fits-all and it’s important to use them carefully. Here’s my guide, but speak to your instructor to make sure you’re doing the right thing for your pony.

Top tip

Always carefully consider the impact studs will have on your pony’s legs before you use them. It’s better to under stud or not use them at all than use some that are too big. 

Choosing the best studs for your pony

Studs come in different shapes and sizes to suit varying ground types. Speak to your instructor to find out what type of studs will best suit your pony – the most commonly used are…

• bullet studs have a longer, rounded dome shape and are best for soft ground or deep mud
• grass studs have a sharper, more pointed tip, which is ideal for cutting into harder ground

Did you know? 

Not all ponies need shoes and studs – barefoot ponies naturally have lots of grip. But if your instructor thinks your pony will benefit from the extra confidence studs give, ask your farrier to drill stud holes into your pony’s shoes before your next appointment.

What you need

Once you’ve chosen your studs, you’ll need a few more items to complete your kit…

• cleaning tool This has a pointed end to remove plugs, or dirt, from the stud hole
• tee tap It cleans and reinforces the thread in the stud hole so you can screw studs in easily every time
• spanner Essential for tightening, and loosening, your pony’s studs
• stud plugs Used to keep stud holes dirt-free between uses. There are loads of options for plugging stud holes – including foam inserts, screw-in metal plugs and even cotton wool! 
• magnetic tray or wristband These are super-handy if you’re studding up on long grass at a comp – it’ll keep them in one place until you’re ready to use them 
• stud girth It prevents your pony from catching his belly when he’s wearing studs – especially if he’s a tidy jumper and tucks his knees up! 
• box To store everything in!

Top tip

Be sure to spend time riding your pony on a variety of surfaces without studs so he learns to balance himself naturally. 

To put in your pony’s studs…

1. Pick out your pony’s feet and brush off any mud that’s on his shoes.
2. Grab your cleaning tool to remove the plug and any mud or dirt in the hole. 
3. Next, use your tee tap to clean the threads. Hold it at right angles to the shoe and then carefully screw into the stud hole.
4. Pick up your chosen stud and screw it in as tightly as you can, then use the spanner to tighten it even more.

Top tip

Clean out your pony’s stud holes regularly, even if you’re not using them. That way, when it comes to the day that you need to put his studs in, it’s a quick and easy task.

To remove your pony’s studs…

1. Use the spanner to loosen the stud then unscrew and remove it. 
2. Get your stud plugs ready and replug the hole as soon as possible. 
3. To make sure your studs don’t rust – and stay usable – clean them with a damp cloth to remove dirt and dry them thoroughly!