Re: Studs in Shoes

[CMKSAGEHIL <CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com>]

The big problem with studs and/or borium on shoes is that they catch on things
and cause the foot to "grab."  This puts a lot of stress on all of the
structures in the foot and leg, and can cause anything from fatigue to
stretched or torn ligaments to fractures, depending on the speed one is going
and how badly they catch.  One can get all sorts of wrenches and twists from
studded shoes.

Studs do have a place--draft horses on ice can use them to advantage, where
they are moving straight ahead and at relatively slow speeds.  Hunters and
jumpers are often studded when working on wet turf, but screw-in studs are
used that can be added just for the event and removed again.  On wet turf, the
studs provide a degree of traction, but will tear out of the ground before
damage occurs to the horse's leg.

Heidi