Shoeing & Studs

Which studs are suitable for which ground?

Studs are used on shod horses to give them a better grip on poor ground conditions. Studs come in different shapes and lengths so that you can adapt their use to the conditions. Sharp, pointed studs are used on hard ground, while wide, angular studs are used more on soft to muddy ground.
Studs are most commonly used in show jumping or eventing, as these are mostly ridden on grass. Especially for outdoor competitions, where the ground is wet and slippery, extra long spurs on the hind hooves are recommended. For universal use, square studs are the best solution.

Which type of studs are available?

There are a variety of studs designed for different soil conditions. Nevertheless, the studs can also be used to some extent on other surfaces than described. We have listed some stud types below:

• Conical studs
• H-shaped studs
• Soft ground studs
• Grass studs
• All purpose studs
• Square studs
• Road studs

What size of studs does my horse need?

The size of the thread varies from country to country and depends on which thread your farriers drills into the shoes. Generally there are the following stud sizes or thread sizes:

• 3/8" inch (standard size in the UK)
• M10
• M12
• W12 (special thread)

How can the sole of the hoof be protected?

The best way to protect the hoof sole from sharp stones or unevenness is to put on a hoof boot. However, especially for horses in loose housing, hoof shoes are not the optimal solution, as they would have to be worn permanently. They are more suitable as temporary hoof protection. Better suited are special hoof pads that cover either the entire hoof sole or a part of it. It is best to ask your farrier which pads he would recommend for your horse. This is an individual matter that cannot be answered in a general way.
Alternatively, and also for temporary use, you can use hoof tape. This is particularly good for injuries in the hoof area. For optimal protection in case of injuries and to keep the hoof sole clean, you can buy therapy hoof boots.
You can also support the hardness of the hoof horn by using horn-hardening care products. For example, you can buy hoof hardener from our hoof care range. If your horse has a particularly thin hoof sole, it may also lack certain vitamins. In this case, we recommend feeding vitamin biotin, for example. You can find supplements that support hoof health in our hoof supplements.

How can snow build up be prevented in horse shoes?

Especially in winter, it can happen that snow or ice lumps accumulate in the horseshoes. This can damage the joints and tendons, increase the risk of twisting and have a negative effect on the horse's movement. A build-up can be prevented by snow grips. This is a plastic ring that is nailed between the bearing edge of the hoof and the shoe. The constant movement of the material prevents the formation of a cold layer and consequently the formation of ice on the shoe.
In our shop you can buy hoof pads in different sizes to prevent snow from accumulating. They consist of a stable but flexible metal ring with a plastic coating and are fixed into the horseshoe.
Studs provide grip in the snow, but cannot prevent snow from collecting in the hoof, unlike plastic hoof pads.
In the case of barefoot horses, hoof oil or hoof grease can be used for short distances. This prevents the snow from sticking excessively to the hoof. However, this is not an optimal solution for long distances.

What can help against footiness?

Every horse reacts differently to different surfaces, as the condition of the horn is unique to each horse. You must therefore find a solution tailored to your horse. Possibilities that you can discuss with your hoof specialist are:

• Hoof boots
• Shoes
• Plastic shoes
• Shoes with plastic pads
• Glue shoes