View this post on InstagramA post shared by Liz Halliday (@lizhallidayeventing)Liz Hallidays team has posted a new update on her progression as she recovers from a head injury sustained in a fall at the AECs last week. Today, the team stated, physical therapists were able to manually sit Liz upright for about 20 minutes. While Liz is not fully awake, she has shown positive progress with an ability to track movement with her eyes and extended periods of eye contact. We know this is going to be a day by day to full recovery but from every doctor we have talked with, they are optimistic and her fighting spirit is certainly coming through each and every day, the update reads. From this point forward, further updates on Liz will be made public on her website here. We can anticipate the next update to come on Monday. Please continue to use #KeepFightingLiz and send messages of encouragement to be read to Liz as she continues to wake up. [More Liz Halliday Updates]

Its time to take a deep breath and take a gander at what Derek di Grazia has up his sleeve this year for his third year in residence at Defender Burghleys iconic CCI5* offering. This years track has everyone, including us, buzzing about its dimensions and technicality but of course, it wouldnt be Burghley without a fair amount of sleep loss and pants-soiling. One thing about Derek, though, is that his courses are generally received with respect and a clear understanding that hes set out a track that allows horses to read the questions well. That doesnt mean the riders arent doing a good bit of hand-wringing, particularly about some very tall, tall, arrowheads set at the bottom of the Holland Cooper Leaf Pit (an iconic fence in its own right), among other questions on course. You can catch up with what theyve said in our Riders React round-up here.And if youre wanting to see the course close up with Derek di Grazia as your guide, dont forget theres a full preview video on Burghley TV! Saturdays track features an optimum time of 11:14, with 30 fences set across 45 jumping efforts. The general direction of the course is the same as its 2023 predecessor, but all of the combinations have been changed and the single fences have also been relocated to different parts. Youre not going to get a site like this anywhere in the world, Derek di Grazia said of the land here. The terrain the undulating terrain it just makes for being able to set a very unique course here.And indeed its true. There is a LOT of terrain on this piece of ground, making it a grueling fitness test as well as a mental test with an unrelenting series of questions to answer. Its a day that will require mental fortitude from horse and rider and quick thinking to put each horse in the best position to succeed.Photo via CrossCountryApp.One new combination on course this year is actually situated in the Main Arena for the first time ever. The MARS Equestrian Arena Brushes question comes early at fence 4 as the first combination, featuring a large double brush and an option of two narrow brushes to be jumped directly or on the alternative route. Not much trouble to expect here, but the first bit of the course has earned plenty of buzz for its intensity (really, just the first bit?), so this combination will be key to injecting confidence and rhythm into each pair.The Holland Cooper Leaf Pit comes at fence 7 on course and features *those* triple arrowheads that have any rider whos not at least 7 feet tall quaking in their tall boots. The riders really have to make sure they keep going, keep the revs up, especially as you head up [the slope to the BC element], you start to see how big the jump is. They need to be able to get across this jump to be able to keep riding forward [to the DE brush], Derek described. And of course, not least of the challenges here is simply getting down off the Leaf Pit neatly as Derek put it, the horses, you dont know when they come here if theyre just going to step off or if theyre going to leap off, and theres not a huge amount of time to get right on the line to the big brush.That said, many riders have intimated that theyre at least considering going long here, and while Dereks alternative routes tend to be friendly in the sense that they mostly allow a rider to keep some semblance of rhythm, they actually seem to be *quite* long this year and as a result very time-consuming. And with an 11+ minute optimum, youre not going to want to be out there having your horse galloping for much longer than that. Safety is key though, so I expect well see plenty of alternatives used.By the way, Derek refers to this Leaf Pit monstrosity as a fun fence, sotheres that.Another question that caught my eye is the Defender Dairy Mound, which comes at fences 22 and 23 this year. Late on course, riders will be managing stamina and trying to squeeze every ounce of maneuverability out of their horses, and this question certainly challenges both of these. Any cross country course is a study in power and skill a horse cannot simply be powerful and scopey; they must be quick-footed and quick in the mind, as well as willing to listen to direction. This question, which concludes with a relatively unassuming log followed by a steep downhill and a sharp turn to the final element, could catch out a tiring pair that loses the ability to turn quickly, and with the left door open so wide this fence could be a late heartbreaker. Ive really barely scratched the surface of this test for tomorrow, so I encourage you to check out the full preview on CrossCountryApp above or here, as well as the video walk-through on Burghley TV. Ride times for tomorrow are available here. Well have Cheg Darlington on live blog duty to accompany you through the whole day, so stay tuned for much more from Burghley, and best of luck to everyone riding. Be safe, be clear, and keep those britches clean! Go Eventing.Our coverage of Burghley is brought to you by our incredible supporters, Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional products to keep your horse feeling their best at all times. Theyll even get on the phone with you to help you formulate a solid supplementation plan for your horses individual needs! Wed really appreciate your support of KPP, as theyre champions for our sport and beyond and are wonderful people to boot. Check them out here.Defender Burghley: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [Tickets] [Cross Country Preview] [ENs Coverage]

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Monica Spencer (@monicaspencernz)By time time you read this, its likely Burghley cross country day will be underway already, but in any case: WELCOME to the biggest day at Big, Bad, Burghley! We cant wait to see how today shakes out on what is arguably (or, maybe not) the toughest cross country course in the world. I mean, just look at this. Look at it!Photo via Sarah Ennis on Facebook.Safe to say, were feeling good about watching, maybe not so good at the prospect of riding. But as Monica Spencer, who unfortunately is not tall enough to plank the iconic Cottesmore Leap as pictured above, said yesterday, Im terrified, but Im sure once I leave the start box, Ill find some bravery!In all seriousness, were wishing everyone safe rides today. As we all know, safety is never guaranteed in high-risk sports like these. The biggest priority is getting our horses home safely and confidently I think most riders will tell you that the rest is nearly icing on the cake, especially when bearing in mind those we have lost and those who are currently recovering from injuries. Lets always remind ourselves to do right by our horses, and to let this guide our decisions and our mentality as we take on lifes challenges (even if those dont include a Burghley cross country ride). U.S. Weekend EventsFive Points H.T. (NC): [Website] [Entries / Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]Flora Lea Fall H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries / Ride Times] [Volunteer]CDCTA Fall H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Major International EventsDefender Burghley: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [Tickets] [ENs Coverage]Saturday LinksCheck out the data-packed Form Guide put out by Equiratings ahead of todays cross country and tomorrows show jumping at Burghley. Want more back stories on each horse and rider? Study up on our own Form Guide here.Medal Or Not, Grooms Deserve Recognition TooBurghley Young Event Horse Winner is Tipped to Go All the WayU.S. Paralympic Dressage Team Clinches Team Gold at Paris 2024 Paralympic GamesNominations Open for US Equestrians 2024 Pegasus Award and Lifetime Achievement AwardReframe the Way You See DistancesSponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands View this post on InstagramA post shared by World Equestrian Brands (@worldeqbrands)It may be the final days of summer, but its still HOT HOT HOT out there in most areas. Weve been obsessing over the Equilibrium Quick-Chill Sheet, which leverages water-activated conduction technology to effectively dissipate heat from your horses body, promoting optimal comfort without the hassle of traditional soaking methods. Easily reactivated with water, it offers a reusable, eco-friendly cooling solution that can be used multiple times, making it ideal for competitive environments, remote locations, or even during travel restrictions like hose pipe bans.Video Break:Go back to Burghley 2015 and ride around cross country between the ears with William Fox Pitt and Fernhill Pimms:

The JCB Pony Club Championships recently hosted Pony Club SEIB Search for a Star qualifiers at Offchurch Bury in Warwickshire. These classes were qualifiers for the Search for a Star Pony Club Championship at Your Horse Live, which will be held at Stoneleigh Park in November.The three qualifying classes were preceded by a Train and Shine Showing Masterclass for all competitors. Both the Masterclass and qualifiers proved to be popular with Pony Club members from across the country including Northern Ireland coming forward to try their hand in the show ring.Our lucky members thoroughly enjoyed the educational Master Class at the JCB Pony Club Championships and the qualifiers are very excited about their opportunity to compete at Your Horse Live, said Marcus Capel, Pony Club Chief Executive Officer.SFAS competitors listen to Richard Ramsay in the Train and Shine Masterclass. Credit: Jenny VinerSearch for a Star series judge and producer, Richard Ramsay hosted the Train and Shine Masterclass on the day. Richard watched riders run through their show before offering advice and support on how to improve performances.We had a great atmosphere in the Search for a Star Pony Club classes at the Championships, all the competitors and their connections were pleasant and the overall standard was much improved on last year, Richard said.From hospice visits to shining in the show ringThe Lead Rein class was won by six-year-old Beatrice Whale of Bicester Pony Club, riding Sharon Barnes Welsh Section A pony, Blaenau Daffyd (Daffy).We run a pony therapy and pony party business, Ollie and Friends, explained Beatrices grandmother Sharon. Daffy is regularly out visiting terminally ill children and we also do regular hospice visits including Helen and Douglas House Hospice in Oxford. Daffy is a key member of the team providing therapy and support.Phoebe Crutchlow and Rhos Elodie. Credit: Jenny VinerThe First Ridden class went to Phoebe Crutchlow and her mum, Sam Crutchlows pony, Rhos Elodie.I really enjoyed being in the ring today, she was just great, said 10-year-old Phoebe, who is a member of the Atherstone Hunt branch. Im so pleased to have qualified. Weve had a busy week and its our second trip to the championships this week as we were also competing in the novice dressage to music on Wednesday we used all my favourite Disney music!We were lucky enough to go to Your Horse Live last year with Elodie she did so well and won the In-Hand Plaited Pony class with my mum before coming second in this class. I love Your Horse Live and am really looking forward to going again now.Rose Chugg-Martin and Penhwnllys Karachi. Credit: Jenny VinerThe Open went to Cotswold Vale Pony Club member, Rose Chugg-Martin and Penhwnllys Karachi known as Archie at home.He absolutely loves showing and Im delighted with this result, said Rose. The masterclass before the competition was fab, Richard gave me advice on really using the ring and making sure we went deep into the corners which really helped Archie in the class.Weve owned Archie for just over a year and weve had a busy week at the Pony Club Championships taking fourth in the novice dressage and we also competed in the 90cm jumping championship and got a double clear. We are now about to head off to compete in our first one-day-event at 90cm.Rose had great success in this class at Your Horse Live in 2023 and took first place with her old pony, Tregaire Tiger Lily.Lead image of Beatrice Whale and Blaenau Daffyd. Credit: Jenny VinerFurther readingPerfect your showing performance with nine tips from expert judgesStep-by-step guide to plaiting a horses mane *VIDEO*Tried and tested: 9 shampoos that will leave your horses coat soft and gleamingThe post Therapy pony shines at Pony Club Search for a Star qualifiers appeared first on Your Horse.

Szilvsvrad, Hungary All horses from the Defender U.S. Driving Team for the 2024 FEI Driving World Championship for Four-in-Hand Horses passed the first inspection on Wednesday morning, and the athletes are set to begin competition with the dressage phase on Thursday and Friday.Jim Fairclough (Newton, N.J.) and his team will drive their dressage test on Thursday, Sept. 5, at 3:03 p.m. CEST (9:03 a.m. ET). Chester Weber (Ocala, Fla.) will drive on Friday, Sept. 6, at 12:38 p.m. CEST (6:38 a.m. ET). The marathon phase will run on Saturday, followed by cones and final awards.The FEI Driving World Championship for Four-in-Hand Horses is held every other year, and this year will be the first since the FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018 that the U.S. will be in contention for a team result. Two team members are required to complete the four-in-hand world championship to qualify for a team score; in 2022, the U.S. had only one athlete compete in the championship, and in 2020, the championship was cancelled due to COVID-19. In 2018, the U.S. team earned its first-ever team gold.Photo courtesy US EquestrianEvent InformationThe championship is being held Sept. 4-8, 2024, at Hungarys State Stud Farm at Szilvsvrad, a historic breeding center for Lipizzaner horses. A total of 43 athletes from 14 nations will compete for world championship titles at this years event. Official Website Order of Go and Results FEI ScheduleEdited Press Release | Source: US EquestrianThanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.The post Defender U.S. Driving Team Ready to Compete at the 2024 FEI Driving World Championship for Four-in-Hand Horses appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The USAs Kate Shoemaker and Norcordia USAs Vianne, an 8-year-old Hanoverian mare (Vitalis x Ramiros Bube), garnered para dressage individual freestyle bronze today in Grade IV at the 2024 Paralympic Games equestrian venue at the Chteau de Versailles. They scored 80.170% in a gorgeous performance to the music of Forrest Gump. Viannes groom is Katherine Barrett.Grade IV gold went Demi Haerkens and Daula from the Netherlands (83.390%). Silver to Germanys Anna-Lena Niehues and Quimbaya 6 from Germany (80.900%).Kate Shoemaker and Vianne scored 80.170% to take bronze in Grade IV Individual Freestyle Para Dressage at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Photo by Sarah Miller/MacMillan PhotographyWatch all of the Paris 2024 para equestrian action livestreamed or played back on demand (subscription required). For more information, go to NBCOlympics.com. For more coverage, visit our Paris 2024 Paralympics main page.Thanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.The post 2024 Paris Paralympics: USAs Kate Shoemaker and Vianne Bronze in Grade IV Individual Freestyle Para Dressage appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The iconic Cottesmore Leap AKA the Hard Pass. Photo via CrossCountryApp.Historic venue check. Saturday check. Formidable field of 5* combinations raring to go check. All this can only mean one thing: its cross country day at Defender Burghley. Bring. It. On.This year, as ever, were being treated to the typical test of bravery, scope, stamina, precision and control weve come to expect from Burghley, and Derek Di Grazias cross country course leaves no terrain or undulation unturned. Riders are going to need to be on their A game as they set out of the start box today, thats for sure. Derek says the easy route is the straight route, but thats easy to say. The whole shebang is a hard pass from me, although Id be happy with a gallop round the track taking my own version of a black flag alternative and avoiding every single fence, but thats why Im safely settled on my sofa in front of the TV, clattering away on my keyboard whilst the superstars of our sport are ponied up and waiting in the wings to bring us whats sure to be a thrilling day of action out on the Burghley estate.Its an 11am start / 12 noon CET / 6am ET today with Britains Harry Meade kicking things off with the first of his three rides, Superstition. If youre cheering for the US, these are the times you need to know: Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle 7:31am ET. Mia Farley and Phelps 8:12am ET.Cosby Green and Copper Beach 8:30am ET.Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M 9:10am ET.Andrew McConnon and Wakita 54 10:15am ET.I could go through the whole field and pick out combinations of note but basically its all of them so heres the full list of ride times for your perusal.If you just cant get enough info about this years competitors, then youre in need of ENs epic Form Guide, which youll find right here.Ill be bringing you live updates of all the brouhaha that Burghley brings throughout the day, but if you want to watch along, the only way to view all of the competition live and on demand is via a subscription to Burghley TV.But first, a quick catch-up with what went down in the dressage:Dressage Day One: [Test-by-test reports] [Morning round-up report] [Afternoon round-up report]Dressage Day Two: [Test-by-test reports] [Morning round-up report] [Afternoon round-up report]Heres a look at how things stand in terms of the leaderboard as we head into cross country:1 Heading up the chasing pack and in the lead overnight is Britains Ros Canter with Izilot DHI on a score of 19.9.2 2.1 points behind herself is Ros Canter with her second ride Lordships Graffalo on 22.3 And 0.3 behind Ros, rounding out the top three as things stand, is Kiwi eventer extraordinaire Tim Price with Vitali on 22.3.Click here for the full scoreboard.But thats all relative as the most quality field in recent history head out onto the biggest Burghley track weve seen for a very long time.While youre eagerly awaiting the first countdown of the day, check out what the runners and riders will be facing as they thunder along the track via the interactive course preview map, and if you want to know the riders thoughts on this years cross country offering, weve wrangled them together and given them to you here. And when youre done with all that, feast your eyes on all of ENs Burghley content and mosey on along to our IG account for even more @goeventing.Before we get down to the nitty gritty of things, a pop quiz. Whats the first rule of live updates? Refresh, refresh, refresh if you want to keep up with live updates. Lets do this thang ENers, and go eventing!Defender Burghley: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [Tickets] [ENs Coverage]ENs coverage of Defender Burghley is proudly presented by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional support for every horse. Click here to learn more about KPP.

Michle George and Best of 8 grabbed another individual gold medal today in the para dressage Grade V Freestyle class here that the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. They also won individual gold for their performance on September 4. Their freestyle score today was 81.470%. Best of 8 is a 14-year-old Hanoverian mare by Bonifatius. She is owned by Camille Vangheluwe and Wendy Laeremans and groomed by Vangheluwe.This is Georges seventh Paralympic gold medal, and eighth Paralympic medal in total.Michle George celebrates aboard Best of 8. Photo by Sarah Miller/MacMillan PhotographyGermanys Regine Mispelkamp and Highlander Delights captured silver (80.100%) and Sophie Wells (GBR) and LJT Egebjerggards Samoa finished in bronze position (75.445%).View the full results of Grade V Individual Freestyle Para Dressage here.Watch all of the Paris 2024 para equestrian action livestreamed or played back on demand (subscription required). For more information, go to NBCOlympics.com. For more coverage, visit our Paris 2024 Paralympics main page.Thanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.The post 2024 Paris Paralympics: Michle George (BEL) Wins Seventh Paralympic Title appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Roxanne Trunnell (USA) and Karin Flints Fan Tastico H competed today in the Grade I Freestyle Para Dressage at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, finishing fifth on 77.307%. They performed to the music of The Lion King. Fan Tastico H is a 7-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Fuersentaball OLD x Weltmeyer). He is cared for by Rafael Hernandez-Carillo.Roxanne Trunnell and Fan Tastico H. Photo by Sarah Miller/MacMillan PhotographyTrunnells parents, sister and Fantas owner Flint were all here to support her as she won Grade I Individual silver and was part of the gold-medal-winning U.S. team earlier this week. Her new puppy, a Chinese Crested named Obi-Wan, was also here in France with her, but did not make a public appearance. (Trunnell says Obi-Wan will make his debut at another show in the future.)Taking the gold medal in Grade I Freestyle was Latvias Rihards Snikus riding the amazingly consistent and kind horse, King of the Dance. They scored a decisive 82.487%, riding to upbeat Latin music. This was Snikuss second gold medal of the week since he also captured the Grade I Individual on September 3.Sara Morganti from Italy won silver with Mariebelle (81.407%). Great Britains Mari Durward-Akhurst riding Athena Lindebjerg finished with the bronze (77.747%).View the full Grade I Individual Freestyle Para Dressage results here.Watch all of the Paris 2024 para equestrian action livestreamed or played back on demand (subscription required). For more information, go to NBCOlympics.com. For more coverage, visit our Paris 2024 Paralympics main page.Thanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.The post 2024 Paris Paralympics: USAs Roxanne Trunnell and Fan Tastico H Fifth in Para Dressage Grade I Freestyle appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

If you intend to compete or train on grass, you will need stud holes in your horses shoes and a well stocked stud kit in your tack room.Studs screw into a horse shoe to provide improved grip and traction. They can be a game changer when it comes to improving a horses grip in tricky conditions and can give you both the confidence to go slightly quicker or turn a bit tighter, particularly in wet and slippery conditions.Horse shoes are just smooth pieces of metal, meaning they provide little grip on grass. Consequently horses can slip and slide around and lose confidence in the ground, potentially even falling over.Applying studs, which protrude from the shoe and dig into the ground, help horses remain steady and secure on their feet on all surfaces.You should have a wide range of suitable studs for your horse in your tool kit so you can select the most appropriate ones for the task at hand and the grip required on any given day.If you are jumping your horse with studs then protective boots and a stud girth can be useful to help prevent injury.Does my horse need studs?This horse has two studs in all four shoes to give greater grip for jumping on grassStuds should always be used sparingly and only when necessary. If you are using studs for competition, then they should be applied and removed at the event.Horses should not travel in studs or stand around with them in for longer than is required.Studs are a necessary evil. They help the horse to feel secure and therefore be able to move faster and give horse and rider much more confidence when jumping on grass, says master farrier Ben Benson.Correct studding will dramatically improve the traction and grip, especially when turning at speed, but can also restrict natural movement in the foot.This means that the impact has to be absorbed by the soft tissue of the limb, which places extra strain on the tendons and increases the risk of injury.Choosing studsStuds come in a range of shapes and sizes. The studs you choose to use will depend on what surface or condition you will be riding on because they are designed for different types of terrain/going and how much grip is required.Front feet should always be studded identically (ie, the same number and type of stud used in both of the horses front hooves), as should hind feet.However, both pairs of hooves dont need to be studded the same. Having larger studs in the hind feet rather than the front can be effective, for example.Its possible to only use studs in the hind feet but you should never use studs only in the front.All horses are individuals and will have different needs and preferences. If you need any help deciding which studs are best suited to your horse, then ask your farrier for advice.One stud or two?Ben Benson recommends using two studs in each horse shoe rather than one.Traditionally there has been an argument to use just one stud in each foot but that means one side of the foot comes down and hits the ground quicker, he says.Then the horse lands unevenly and this creates significant amounts of torque, which on hard ground and over time can cause repetitive strain injuries.You should always try to use the smallest studs possible; studs dont have to be big to help, continues Ben.Five-star event rider Coral Hardman agrees: I prefer using two studs as I think two helps to keep the foot in a better balance.If you just use one stud in a shoe, I think the horses foot must be twisting and that comes up through the other joints.I tend to use smaller studs in front than behind to help reduce the concussion through those four limbs and allow the foot to naturally have a bit of slide in front so you dont get that jarring.Types of studs and when to use themGenerally, large, rounded studs are best suited to soft ground. Sharper, pointier studs are a better choice for firm going.The main types of studs include:Road studRoad studsRoad studs are short and flat with a small, exposed tip. They are extremely hardy as they are designed for use on road surfaces and on dry, firm ground.Typically they are 8-9mm in length and are four or six-sided.Conical studsConical studs are the most popular all-round stud owing to their versatile nature.They can be used in a variety of conditions, but are ideally suited to slippery or greasy surfaces.These studs are cone-shaped.Conical studBullet studsBullet studs have a longer body and a rounded end.They are best used on soft terrain like grass or sandy surfaces.Dome studsDome studs are oval in shape and have a pointed dome top.They come in a range of sizes and are best suited to soft conditions.Dome studJump studsJump studs have a pointed end and are ideal for varying ground conditions.They are available in myriad different sizes.Sharp studsWhen riding in deep ground or thick grass it is best to use sharp studs which have a pointed end. This is because sharp studs are better able to penetrate the ground.Polo studsPolo studs are small, cubic studs which are best suited to sharp turns and changes of direction.Jumping studDressage studsA small conical-shaped stud, dressage studs are designed for use on hard ground.Sleeper or travel studsSleeper or travel studs are small, flat studs which are particularly useful for fitting to a horses shoe the night before competition after youve cleaned the stud holes.They are made from stainless steel so wont rust into the shoe and are not designed for long time use.Road nailsRoad nails are not studs but they can provide extra grip for the horse.Road nails contain a tungsten pin which protrudes slightly from the head of the nail and digs into the surface when the shoe hits the ground.Road nails may become loose over time as the vibrations can cause the clench to rise.Travel studRoad pinsRoad pins are tungsten pins that are riveted directly into small holes in the shoe. This permanently attaches them into the shoe.Any force placed on the road pin is spread over the whole shoe and shared between all the nails in the foot.Road pins are either pointed or rounded, giving increased grip options.Generally, I use pointy studs when Im riding on firm or slippery ground. If its wet, I use more of a block-shaped stud. It would have to be very wet for me to use a block in front; sometimes you can get a combination of a block with a point and they can be quite good in front, says Coral Hardman.How to fit studsIn the following video, expert groom Jenny Ellis explains to fit and remove studs from a horses shoe correctly:Plug the stud holesWhen not using studs, you should plug the holes in your horses shoe with something like cotton wool with a dab of hoof oil to ensure the hole remains clean and free of debris.Before applying studs, remove the plug with an old nail or plaiting needle and clean out the hole with a wire brush.Putting studs inBefore putting the studs in, a tap is a useful way to sharpen the threads in the hole and make it easier to screw studs in. However, the tap must be straight. Do it incorrectly and you will ruin the hole.Use your fingers initially to screw in the stud. Then use a spanner to ensure the stud is tight and locked into the shoe.If the stud appears to be going in crooked then youre likely to have cross-threaded it. In this situation you should remove it and start again.Taking studs outWhen removing studs, use a spanner and then plug the holes immediately.Screw the right wayRemember to turn studs clockwise (righty tighty) when screwing them in and anticlockwise (lefty loosey) when taking them out.Clean and store studs correctlyWipe studs after use and store them in a cloth or airtight box to prevent them from going rusty.A couple of times a year give them a thorough clean with a scourer and some hot soapy water. Then spray them with WD-40.Stud kitsUseful items to have in your stud kit are:The studs themselvesCotton wool or plugs (like these) for using in stud holes when they arent neededA nail or similar to remove plugsA tap (such as this one)A screwdriverA wire brush or similar for cleaning out hooves (like this one)Secure box for storing the stud kitMagnetic pot for putting studs into once they are removed, lowering the risk of them falling out and getting lost.I have a tiny little flat head screwdriver which is brilliant for cleaning out the stud holes. I use plastic or rubber plugs and that screwdriver is great for hooking them out, shares Coral Hardman.In my tool kit I also have a tap and an adjustable spanner. Im always very careful with the tap in case the horse spooks and puts his foot down on the tap.To avoid cross-threading you need to learn the skill of making sure the tap is in straight. If it feels like theres a huge amount of resistance, then clean out the stud hole before trying again, says Coral.Prepare studs earlyTo avoid last-minute stress, prepare stud holes the day before you wish to use them so they are clean and ready to go. Then replace the plug or insert a sleeper or travel stud.I always pre clean and tap the stud holes the night before a competition. That way, if theres a stone in there or we have a problem we have more of a chance to get a farrier to sort it than we have half an hour before our test, reasons Coral.I then put a flat blank road stud in overnight. Then the next morning at the competition all weve got to do is swap that out, you dont have all the faffing particularly with a fresh horse or one that could get spooked, concludes Coral.Correct position of stud holesIn order to use studs you will need your farrier to fit your horse with shoes that have stud holes containing predrilled threads.The bottom part of the stud is the thread, which enables the stud to be screwed into the horse shoe. Each metal stud has a tungsten core running from top to bottom inside it, which helps to withstand the repetitive concussion that studs are exposed to.Stud position [in a horse shoe] is very important. If the studs are right at the heels then this can reduce the horses ability to twist their foot in the ground, as their body moves over the foot, explains Ben Benson.If they are too far forward, as the heel lands and the foot begins to load then they can become a pivot point, creating a see-saw effect.In my opinion, for optimal position studs should be placed halfway between the heels and the widest part of the foot. This means it will approximately be underneath and in line with the heel of the pedal bone.This makes it easier for the horse to index or calculate the landing phase with each stride, adds Ben.Modern materialsTraditionally studs are metal, but there are innovative brands on the market making them from different materials, including:SupaStudsSupaStuds have a unique self-cleaning design so a tap isnt needed to clean the hole before you insert them.You can screw the stud straight into the hole which makes studs easier, faster and safer to apply.SupaStuds are rust resistant and have been subject to a high-tech hardening process, which means the studs are strong and hard wearing.RRP from 2.50 (US$3.75) eachBuying in the UK? Shop hereBuying in the USA? Shop hereStudFastStudFast are the first non-metal screwable studs available in the equine world. Theyre made from an impact-resistant polymer and consequently theyre much lighter than normal studs. They dont rust and are less jarring for the horse.StudFast studs are easy to use and are orange in colour, which means they are easier to locate.RRP 18 (US$29) for a pack of nineBuying in the UK? Shop hereBuying in the USA? Shop hereRescue StudsRescue Studs were designed by farrier Nigel Turner as a solution to loose and worn stud holes, as well as new ones. They feature a unique slot at the tip of the stud which allows you to tighten the stud with a coin or similar.Their innovative design ensures the stud still fits tightly in the horse shoe, regardless of whether the stud holes are new or have become worn or slack.RRP 17.99 for a pack of fourBuying in the UK? Shop hereTraditional metal horse shoe studsThe choice of metal studs is vast and includes:Liveryman StudsLiveryman offers a variety of metal studs and stud tools which are perfect for providing extra grip on a range of surfaces.RRP 5 for a pack of five (US$18 for a pack of five and spanner)Buying in the UK? Shop hereBuying in the USA? Shop herePremier EquinePremier Equine metal studs provide increased traction on a variety of surfaces and in all weather conditions.RRP 11 for a pack of fourBuying in the UK? Shop hereRelated contentHow to choose the best boots for your horseBrushing boots tried and tested for fit, value and level of protectionDraw reins for horses: do they ever have a place in training?Handy A-Z guide to bits plus fitting adviceUltimate guide to horse health insurance and vet fees coverThe post Complete guide to choosing and fitting studs *VIDEO* appeared first on Your Horse.