I posted information and several photos of stud hooks on Facebook in 2022. Those photos have been reposted here with original commentary.
Don't mind me and my tiny stud hooks over here... The cheeks are still permanently attached to the bit, just with an extra layer of detail because why not?
TIL that stud hooks ARE possible in roughly Paddock Pal scale! This is my first try and needs some refinement, but we'll get there.
Working 1:20 stud hook rein closure. Both harder and easier than it seemed!
I have copied a longer Facebook post here, along with the gallery of images originally shared with it. Click the images to open the gallery view.
Several people said "IDEK what that is but yay!" when I shared my excitement about the working stud hook. I love how supportive this community is, and how much we share! I have an old, gross pair of stud hook reins so here you go - here's what it is in full scale!
A stud hook is a type of closure that attaches the reins to the bit ring. It's seen most often in English, the other common form of attachment being a buckle. The loose end of the rein goes over the bit ring, under the first keeper, the slit goes over the hook, and then the loose end goes under the second and final keeper. The hook faces in (so it isn't visible) and points back toward the mounted rider. It's really secure - I had a hard time getting the hook undone this morning!
The hook and keepers are attached to the inside of the rein by a small strip of leather. The hook has a long anchor that prevent it from pulling out. I tried this, but I wanted the hook to be usable and creating the hook + anchor from a solid piece of wire (not soldered) that was sturdy enough to handle use created too much bulk every way I tried it. I decided to make a sort of straightened up Z shape. The top of the hook points toward the rider and the hidden "anchor" points back toward the bit. It isn't as sturdy as I'd like, but I don't expect these reins to be removed ever so it should be good enough.
Why go to the trouble of making a working stud hook if I don't expect it to be used? Well, one, I wanted to see if I could. Curiosity expands the boundary of the possible! And in my experience, any time you make something "working," that is, the way the full scale item would be made, you create more realism not only in appearance but in the way the piece sits on the model. A stud hook vs glued rein ends will create a better drape and a more natural line from bit to "hand," whether the client uses a doll or not. I've had the same experience with the bight on bridle straps; if you glue the entire bight down on the cheekpiece, it becomes stiff and less likely to lay naturally. A dot of glue just below the buckle along with keepers is more than enough to hold it securely.
