The size and design of studs must be carefully selected, as the wrong stud will be useless and can damage the horse’s legs.

• Small studs are used for dressage and lower-level jumping or eventing.
• Larger studs are used for polo and upper-level eventing.
• Studs with more of a point are used for hard ground
• Studs that have more circumference are used in “heavier” footing, such as thick mud.

In general, the faster the pace, the larger the stud will be used.