As a rule of thumb, the harder and drier the ground, the sharper and shorter the studs you need. So the softer and wetter the ground, the longer and blunter the studs.

People prefer different amounts of studs in their horses shoes, but we usually go for two studs in each shoe (of equal length) – one on either side so that the horse does not get uneven pressure from his foot. It is sometimes appropriate to use slightly larger studs in a horses hind feet than the front.

If you are ever unsure which to use at a competition, it is worth asking a professional rider’s groom what they are using that day. 

• Always remember to remove your horses studs after you have finished your competition. 
• Always avoid your horse wearing studs on hard surfaces for any length of time, as it can put significant strain on the soft tissue structures of the foot and limb. 
• Make sure your stud holes are ready for use before the competition. There is nothing worse than trying to clean out mud and stone packed stud holes of a fidgety horse that is keen to get going. 
• Cross threading will make your stud holes useless, so be very careful to put your fresh clean studs in absolutely straight following the existing thread!

Townend Online stock a range of individual horseshoe studs for different riding conditions. We also have a stud kit which includes a variety of studs, ratchet spanner, stud cleaner in a carrycase.

If in doubt, why not give Townend a call?

3 WEEKS TREATMENT ONE YEARS PROTECTION

1.Dilute Cleansing Wash with warm water about 20:1 (Feel free to make it a bit stronger if you like)

2.Clean the infected area thoroughly removing dry and dead skin

3.After cleaning the affected area with the Botanica Cleansing Wash leave for five to ten minutes as the wash itself is a medication (Do not wash the Cleansing wash off).

4.Apply the Anti-Itch cream to the affected area massaging well in. (Repeat the application of the Anti-Itch Cream after five minutes) The Animal should be treated once a day for the first five days.

5.The second week the Botanica Anti-Itch treatment is applied every second day.

6.There should be no need for any rugs or covers once the treatment is finished 7.Once the animal is treated it should stop any itching immediately. 8.Repeat the treatment again for one week in mid to late July as August is a bogey month for Sweet-Itch.. 

As regular competition riders, the team at Townend Online appreciate the difference the right choice of equipment can make to the performance of horse and rider. That is why we have chosen to stock Sprenger riding bits and also Sprenger spurs.

Sprenger have completed some extensive research into the horses mouth, and the effect of different bits.

As a result of their research, amongst others, the KK Snaffle has been created.

As anybody who has ever used one will know, this bit which does not look hugely remarkable, does make an amazing difference to the ride achieved on so many different types of horses. Trying one is the only way to appreciate the difference they do make.  

Once you have decided on a KK snaffle, you then need to determine the size that you need. 

• The length of the bit when put in the horses mouth at the correct position should typically allow a little finger to fit between the horses mouth and the ring of the bit. 

• The other decision needs to be which thickness of the KK snaffle your horse needs. A thinner bit can achieve more response than a fatter bit as the pressure you apply is dispersed over a larger surface area with a fatter bit. However, a horse with a very responsive mouth may still prefer a thinner bit if his oral cavity does not allow much room for a bit. This type of horse can be described as having a fleshy mouth. 

If you are uncertain as to which thickness to go for, it is worth discussing with your trainer.

A 16mm thickness would be the most popular size in the KK Ultra Snaffle. Please read on for Sprenger’s information on the development of the KK bits. 

More information about the research behind Sprenger KK bits can be found here on their website.

The bits themselves are made of Aurigan, a special alloy patented by Sprenger. Only original Aurigan bits guarantee optimal oxidation and therefore encourage the motivation and satisfaction of the horses due to the intensified chewing activity. Aurigan provides a specific smell which can even be noticed by the human nose. Horses love this special smell and taste and therefore accept the bit rapidly.

 Townend Online have tried and tested lots of spurs over the years, and recommend Sprenger spurs. 

Firstly they have a fantastic design feature with their Ultra Fit spurs in that where the spur strap attaches onto them, it is done  in such a way that you don’t end up with your spurs slipping down lower than they are effective. Gone are the days of needing to lose circulation around your ankles to keep your spurs in place! Sprenger’s Ultra Fit spurs are also available with an ‘Ultra Grip’ feature, a layer of thin rubber around the spurs between your boot and the spur. This again stops the spurs from sliding, and also protects your boots from any wear from the spurs. 

Other than Sprenger’s starter spurs – the Sprenger Short Bobble Spur, they are all made from stainless steel. Manufactured from stainless steel, you can be assured that they will last and last, and that no matter how many times you need to adjust them for different boots they won’t be affected. 

Which type to go for? 

If you have a horse that has never been ridden in spurs before, or you yourself have never ridden in spurs before, the Sprenger Short Bobble Spur has been designed with you in mind. They are designed not to have too much impact, as they are not too long and the tip of them is smoothed round so will not catch. The point of the spur is set in the middle, so the rider can close their leg without always applying the spur, or can close their heel to use the spur. We have found these to be a great option for our most sensitive horses that need a little more leg in competition situations.  

Alternately, Sprenger make round ended, ball ended, blunt and rowel ended spurs in varying lengths. Obviously the longer the spur the more the horse will take notice of them, we recommend that the longest spurs should only be worn by a rider with a very secure lower leg. Rarely do you see a rider jumping with the longest spurs on, if a jumping rider wants more reaction they will normally go to a rowel ended spur with less length. 

The ball ended and round ended spurs are used for the more sensitive horse. The round ended spurs were designed so that the rider can still have a smooth edged spur, but use it more precisely with the smaller surface area. A large number of horses who do not accept a blunt ended spur, will be acceptant of a round ended alternative. Smooth edged spurs – especially ball ended ones are excellent to use on thin skinned horses that might end up with sores from traditional spurs. 

Blunt ended spurs – or sometimes called square ended spurs, are the most commonly used spurs in the UK. The majority of riders competing in dressage competitions will be seen wearing traditional square ended spurs for the clearest communications with their horse. Most reasonably experienced horses that need to be more attentive to the leg go well when ridden with blunt ended spurs. 

To see all the pictures and to find out more about the stallions, visit www.harthillstud.com

All you need to do is...

Upload a photo of yourself wearing your new Townend Clothing to be in with a chance of winning these Fantastic prizes...

If you get picked by Oliver as the winner your photo to be on our Homepage for a month, you will win a massive £50 Voucher to spend anywhere on our Online store and a Great Goodie Bag!!

Runners up will win a £10 Voucher as well as the Goodie Bag!

Get creative as you like!! The Best Photo WINS!!!

The winner will be announced on the 1st June 2011

Good Luck Guys!!!