The purpose of studs in horse riding is to give confidence and grip to the rider and the horse during competitions. There are three main considerations when choosing your studs: ground conditions, type of horse and activity. In general, the sharper studs are used when the ground is hard and/or slippery. Square, domed and bullet-shaped studs are designed for use when the ground is soft. Some cleats are hybrid and are designed to help the horse when the ground is mixed or difficult to gauge, such as when there has been recent heavy rain on hard ground. It is also advisable to use either the same studs in the front irons as in the back, or slightly larger studs in the back irons, but never the other way around. A general rule is that the smaller the horse or pony, the smaller the studs used. Find our selection of Michel Vaillant studs below.

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