Canter schooling work on grass- studs?

[rara007]

Hi there!

I’m upping my younger horses canter work this year fairly significantly. 99% of our schooling is in a flat but slightly sloping field- clay ground but grass left long enough there’s some cover. Is there something I’m missing with regards to studding. He’s currently barefoot and not totally confident. Shod last year was a little better but to really start asking for more he’s going to want help. We stud to compete but it’s my least favorite job and I can’t imagine doing it most days…!

My other is much smaller and bloodier- he has no issues! The ‘young’ ones an 8yo 16.2 big moving dressage bred middle weight that easily loses confidence in himself.

 

[Cragrat]

I use Magic hoof boots with studs for XC schooling and fast work on grass/mud. He is REALLY confident and jumps well in them. I have a pair of boots set up with the studs permanently, and use a different pair if he needs hoof protection on hard ground. Obviously, sadly, not allowed in competition though

 

[millitiger]

You could try just a very small one in the outside of the back foot, rather than full studs all round.

I find as long as they can keep their backend, you don't get any really major slips.

And obviously keep work slow enough and big enough that he has a chance to learn to balance.

I'm about to start working on grass with my 2 X 5yros and I'm sure there will be a few hairy moments while they figure it out.

 

[rara007]

That sounds more achievable than the 8! As children we all just cracked on at pony club on a field didn’t we…! But there wasn’t many dressage horses joining in….2 years ago now he did go down when he got disunited and then spooked. No harm done but gave me a bit of a warning!

 

[Squeak]

I might be completely imagining it but I'm sure in countries with long term ice and snow they put a tiny bit of like a bump where a stud would go on the shoes when shoeing and it stays on 24/7 as it's part of a shoe - In fact I think I might have seen someone talking about having something like that done on their hunters shoes to give them grip hunting.

I'll go off and have a facebook search. It was nowhere near as big as an actual stud but it might just give you enough.