Royal Kerckhaert Horseshoe Selection
Picking the Right Kerckhaert Horseshoe Family
Choosing the right horseshoes for your horse is crucial for their performance, comfort, and overall well-being. The world-renowned Royal Kerckhaert brand offers a wide range of horseshoe families. Each is designed to meet specific needs and disciplines.
In this blog, we will unpack the factors to consider when going through the horseshoe selection process, as well as introduce you to some of the popular families offered by Kerckhaert.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Shoe for Your Horse
When it comes to horseshoe selection, there are several factors to consider that will help you determine the most suitable shoe for your horse’s specific needs and disciplines. A farrier is highly knowledgeable in taking these into account and advising on what kind of shoe to procure.
Here are some key factors that are usually kept top of mind:
- Hoof Condition: Evaluate your horse’s hoof health and structure. Consider any weaknesses, sensitivities, or injuries that may require additional support or protection.
- Discipline: Different horseshoe families are designed to cater to specific activities, such as show jumping, dressage, racing, trail riding, or endurance competitions.
- Needed Support and Protection: Horses prone to injuries or with weak hooves may benefit from shoes that offer enhanced support and shock absorption.
- Surface Conditions: Consider the type of terrain your horse will encounter. Shoes with superior grip and traction are essential for horses participating in disciplines that involve jumping, eventing, or racing.
- Weight and Durability: This is determined by your horse’s condition and the terrain they will face. Lightweight options are beneficial for reducing strain on tendons and ligaments, while durable shoes ensure longevity and performance.
- Comfort: This is an important aspect to consider when your horse has prior conditions or injuries. Look for shoes that provide cushioning or have features specifically designed for horses with arthritic conditions or recovering from injuries.
Royal Kerckhaert has innovated a wide range of families to fit these unique requirements. Below are the different ones we at Colesdale import and sell, and descriptions of the kinds of horses they are best suited to.
Kings Plate
Kings Plate is commonly used in turf racing and is frequently utilised during the initial training phases of racehorses.
This family of shoes also serves as an excellent choice for Western pleasure show horses and smaller hunters. They boast various notable features, including a flush toe insert, sole relief, optimal nail placement with ample options, and a time-saving heel taper.
Kings Plate Clipped
The Kings Plate Clipped shoes are highly versatile and widely used across various disciplines. With a clipped design, featuring sections removed from the toe and branches, these shoes offer exceptional traction and grip on different surfaces.
They are best suited for horses in activities that involve quick turns, such as dressage, show jumping, and eventing. Known for their support, stability, and durability, they are reliable options for horses with moderate to heavy workloads.
Kings Plate Unclipped
The Kings Plate Unclipped shoes have a solid, continuous toe and branches without any sections removed. These shoes are preferred for horses that require extra support and protection, especially in high-impact and demanding disciplines.
They excel in activities like eventing, hunting, and farm work, providing enhanced protection and reliable traction. Known for their durability and longevity, they are a solid choice for horses in need of added hoof support.
Steel Kings ES Polo Horseshoes
Steel Kings ES Polo Horseshoes are specially designed to meet the unique demands of polo ponies. With a focus on fast acceleration, sudden stops, and agile movements, these shoes offer maximum traction, stability, and durability on polo fields.
Designed with specialised stud patterns, they provide superior grip and prevent slippage during tight turns and fast manoeuvres. Whether at a beginner or advanced level, these shoes are renowned for their resilience and ability to withstand the rigorous demands of polo, making them the ideal choice for polo ponies.
SSP
The SSP horseshoe family from Kerckhaert is designed for horses requiring extra support and protection. It’s ideal for horses that are prone to injuries or have weak or sensitive hooves.
This shoe provides excellent support and helps distribute weight evenly, reducing the strain on the hooves. This family is recommended for horses participating in intense disciplines such as show jumping, eventing, or dressage.
A Class
The A Class horseshoe family is known for its versatility and adaptability. These shoes are suitable for a wide range of horses and disciplines.
Whether your horse is used for leisure riding, trail riding, or light competition, the A Class horseshoes offer reliable performance and durability. They provide a good balance of support and flexibility, making them a popular choice among horse owners.
DF Grand Prix
The DF Grand Prix horseshoe family is designed specifically for sport horses engaged in high-level performance disciplines. These shoes offer exceptional grip, traction, and shock absorption, allowing the horse to perform at its best.
They are particularly well-suited to horses involved in show jumping, eventing, or racing. The DF Grand Prix horseshoes provide the necessary support and stability required for intense athletic activities.
DF Special
Similar to the DF Grand Prix family, the DF Special horseshoe family is geared towards sport horses. These shoes are specifically designed for horses engaged in dressage and flatwork.
With a focus on providing superior traction and stability, the DF Special horseshoes ensure precise movements and enhanced performance. They are well-suited to horses requiring increased grip and control on various surfaces.
Alu Century Support
Alu Century Support horseshoes combine the benefits of aluminium and steel, offering a lightweight yet durable option.
These shoes provide excellent support and shock absorption, making them suitable for horses with sensitive or compromised hooves. The Alu Century Support horseshoes are often recommended for horses engaged in long-distance riding, endurance competitions, or those requiring extended periods of wear.
Alu Triumph
The Alu Triumph horseshoe family is another excellent option for horses needing lightweight support.
These shoes are specifically designed to reduce strain on the tendons and ligaments while providing enhanced shock absorption. The Alu Triumph horseshoes are particularly suitable for horses involved in racing, eventing, or jumping disciplines.
Alu Triumph Eggbar
Alu Triumph Eggbar horseshoes are an extension of the Alu Triumph family, offering additional support and stability.
With the eggbar design, these shoes provide extra heel support and encourage proper alignment of the hoof structures. The Alu Triumph Eggbar horseshoes are beneficial for horses with heel or lower leg issues, such as tendonitis or laminitis.
The Alu Comfort
Lastly, Alu Comfort horseshoes prioritise the comfort and well-being of the horse. These shoes feature a cushioned sole that helps absorb shock and reduce the risk of hoof-related issues.
This family of horseshoes is ideal for horses requiring extra support, such as those with arthritic conditions or recovering from injuries.
Understanding the Importance of Proper Horseshoe Selection
Whether you need extra support and protection, versatility and adaptability, exceptional grip and traction, lightweight options, or comfort-focused horseshoes, we have you covered with our range of Kerckhaert horseshoes.
This is part of our commitment to providing the South African equestrian industry with premium and trusted products. We at Colesdale are here to not only support you in providing you with great brands but also helpful advice from our years of experience.