Q&A

Q: What are the dangers of using studs?

A: Studs are very useful for competing, particularly in the country in eventing or on grass for showjumping. However, there are some dangers you should be aware of when using them.

Firstly, some horses can cut themselves (known as ‘speedi cuts’) or even stand on themselves with studs, so appropriate boots should always be worn. Stud guards can also be used to help prevent the horse from scraping his belly, especially if he is a particularly careful jumper who snaps his front legs up. You should also beware of leaving a horse standing in the box with studs in and no boots, as it is very easy for them to injure themselves when in a confined space with studs in place.

Secondly, you need to be aware of overstudding, particularly on hard ground. Avoid block-type studs or anything blunt in these conditions; a pointier stud will penetrate the ground more easily, and the concussive force on the horse’s legs and joints will be far less.

Finally, you must pay attention when your horse is cooling down after the cross-country phase. Often, we are quick to remove the tack and boots but leave the studs in until he has cooled down and been washed off. Instead, it is best to leave his overreach boots in place until the studs come out, especially if his blood is still up. This way, he has some degree of protection, but his legs can still cool down effectively.

Q: How do I stop bleeding from a wound while waiting for my vet to arrive?

A: The sight of a bleeding horse can terrify any owner, but still, it is important to know the steps to take to stem or control any bleeding before a vet arrives to take over the situation. Here we give you the six tips for managing bleeding wounds while waiting for the vet to arrive:

1. Any bleeding must be stopped before a wound can be treated. A small amount of bleeding will flush out dirt and debris from the wound, but severe bleeding must be controlled.

2. Stem the flow of blood by applying pressure firmly to the wound. Make a pressure pad from a thick cloth, a towel or a gamgee. In an emergency, just use whatever is to hand –even a clean item of clothing. Press the pad against the wound and hold it there as tightly as possible.

3. A thick pressure bandage can be used to control bleeding from wounds in the lower limbs. If the blood soaks through, put extra padding over the top and apply more pressure. Do not remove the lower layers. Even if you think the bleeding has stopped, leave the pad in place until your vet arrives.

4. An injury involving blood loss is one occasion when a relatively tight bandage is recommended. A bandage wrapped in several tight turns will provide enough pressure to reduce but not stop the blood supply to the horse’s lower leg. A tight bandage like this should be safe for up to two hours while awaiting professional help.

5. In the case of an arterial bleed, press the skin firmly a couple of centimetres above the vessel to help stop the blood flow while waiting for the vet to arrive. If possible, apply pressure to the wound itself as well, but the priority is to apply it to the artery that is bleeding.

6. Make sure that somebody has phoned the vet! In a crisis, it can be easy to assume someone else has organised help. You don’t want to all be waiting for a vet that hasn’t been called!

THE THREE TYPES OF BLEEDING

• Arterial blood is bright red and spurts out under pressure with every heartbeat. A common site for this is the side of the fetlock, where there is an artery that is easily knocked.

• Bleeding from a vein is slower and tends to drip in a steady flow. The blood is usually dark red or purple in colour.

• Bleeding from the small vessels called capillaries will result in blood oozing from a wound. Usually, this will clot naturally within a few minutes but applying a cold compress or ice pack can help.