How to Use Horse Shoe Studs

The farrier will drill holes for studs in the horse's shoes.

Horseshoe studs, also called caulks, are metal tips that resemble screws. They're designed to improve a horse's traction in various types of footing, and it's the type of footing that determines the appropriate stud. Studs are used in competitive situations (such as jumping or cross-country riding); when the ground is muddy, hard, slippery or icy; or in any situation in which additional traction is desired.



Most studs are removable, but some may be permanently welded to the horse's shoes. This is common with borium stud tips for winter shoes; they'll prevent a horse from slipping ice.

Things You'll Need

• Studs for various conditions
• Shoe pick
• Stud tee tap
• Stud wrench or key
• Lubricant oil
• Case for studs
• Cotton plugs for horseshoe holes

Instructions

1. Have the farrier drill-tap holes in your horse's shoes. He'll drill two threaded holes, one on either side of the heel of each shoe, into which you can screw the studs. (If you're not using the studs right away, pack the threads with cotton balls; this will protect the threads and keep them from getting dirty.)

2. 

   Studs are helpful when riding cross country on grassy terrain.

   Clean out the packing (if there is any) in the stud holes with a horseshoe nail or pick.

3. Use the tee tap to clean and sharpen the threads in the shoes. Add a drop of lubricant to the hole.

4. 

   Horseshoe studs can be used for many types of riding.

   Choose the appropriate stud according to the footing on which you'll be riding. Too much traction can be as harmful as too little, and may subject your horse's legs to unnecessary jarring. Too much jarring happens when a stud is too big and doesn't allow any of the normal slippage that occurs when the horse's feet hit the ground -- an equine shock-absorbing mechanism that protects the joints. A stud should allow for a little slippage, but not enough that the horse's balance will suffer.

5. Insert the studs in each shoe, using the stud wrench or key to tighten each as you go.

Tips & Warnings

• Use grass tip studs in hard and dry footing. These are narrow, pointed studs that dig into the ground and help prevent slipping. They should only be used on the outside of the horse's shoe.

• Only use small, blunt studs, such as road studs (small bullet-like studs), on the inside of the horse's shoe. A large, pointed stud may cut the horse.

• Pointed bullet studs are helpful when a little rain has fallen on hard, dry ground, creating a slick, greasy layer on top of the firm base. Because of their sharp points, they should only be used on the outside of the shoe, with road studs on the inside.

• Use square studs for deep, muddy ground.

• Medium bullet studs are appropriate when the footing is good and firm, requiring only a moderate amount of traction.

• Always remove studs immediately after riding.

• Put protective boots on the horse when riding with studs to prevent injuries to its legs.

• Pack the threads in the shoes with small cotton balls whenever the studs aren't in.

• Carefully balance the horse's foot while inserting studs to avoid injury.

• Be careful not to be stepped on when a horse is wearing studs.

• Don't turn a horse out, trailer it, or leave it unattended or in its stall if it has studs in its shoes.

References

• Studs and Stuff
• Farriers Pages; A Brief Explanation of the Different Types of Horseshoe; Nigel R. Brown