Studs

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SJ_06

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It's my baby horses first outdoor on grass this weekend..and im not yet sure of the ground conditions yet. He has schooled in a field and gone well but never seen a jump on grass or worn studs.. so what should i do this weekend?

Someone suggested 1 stud in each foot on the outside,,so its not too much to think about..Or im thinking dont bother..its only clear round, hmmm!! x
 
I don't on hard ground as I don't think there is enough research done into the effects on a horses legs but I know a lot of people use sharp small ones on this ground.
Some say only one unbalances the foot others say two stop the natural movement of the foot.
As I say I only stud up when slippery but everyone has different views
 
If it's only a clear round, then I wouldn't worry about studs. If speed is important then studs give a bit of extra grip, but if you are just going for a steady clear, you'll be fine.
 
personally if you're putting studs in always go for two in each foot to help balance and always go for the smallest possible for the type of ground you're riding on. Everyone does have different opinions on studs but thats what I usually work on...

obviously you can't decide what studs to use until you get to the showground..
 
Im competing tomorrow, i would rather have studs in for the dressage phase, but i dont have any holes (horse wasnt actually going to be competing).
Equally ground is so hard i prob wouldnt bother studding up anyway - unless early in the mornign and grass was wet.

I have competed my young 4 rising 5 year old on grass this year and not used studs once, and hes been fine.
 
I had a jumping lesson on grass the other day and did not use ground as the going was good. I would rather not use studs and save their legs. However if the ground has been watered and it is wet/ slippery I would stud up. There is nothing worse than sliding into a fence and knocking the horses confidence. I had 1 stud hole in each but have been told that having natural balance shoes I need to have 2 in each!
 
One other thing that might help you decide. How long has your horse been shod? If he is freshly shod the nails will be protruding slightly and this can give great grip on grass. If he is due to be shod the nail heads will be polished flat with the shoes, the shoes can also be quite "polished" and slippy on grass. If I'm in doubt I usually put 2 small road studs in each hind foot, jarring is worse in the front legs with studs. My farrier advises me to always stud so as to allow a small amount of slide, if the front feet come to a complete stop after a jump, with no slide, this is how the damage is done.
 
Thanks Franki, we thought of that, and as he was shod just yesterday we are going to go studless this time. he will not be going at any speed so there wont ber much chance of him slipping *touch wood* thanks for all your help.
 
This is interesting. My horse has had time off recently and when he was reshod under vets supervision they didn't put stud holes in. As a result, I had delayed my next eventing outing to after he's reshod. Now I'm thinking I could probably do an Intro anyway (Keysoe)...I guess its difficult to say without knowing what ground will be in 2 weeks time. Any thoughts?
 
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