Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Horseshoes to Launch

According to a release by Phelps Media, the shoes were designed with guidance of experienced
blacksmiths in order to meet the needs of modern farriers.

The shoes will be made of solid 0.5 6061 T6 Aircraft Grade Billet Aluminum. They will be 65% lighter
than traditional steel shoes and available in multiple colors, anodized to prevent oxidation and
fungus growth in high moisture environments. In addition, the shoes will include a rolled front edge,
tabbed edges, and counter-sunk and beveled topside nail holes.

With this unique design, the company aims to raise the standard for competitive horseshoe
standards, including hunter/jumper, reigning and polo.

MonoBloc (made as, contained in, or involving a single casting) shoes feature a rolled
front edge for a comfortable break over process helping to keep future hoof and leg
problems to a minimum. These shoes will roll with good protection of the sole and
adequate heel support. In addition, the absence of a steel wear bar encourages the
shoes to have a natural and superior wear pattern. For the farrier, the solid 6061
Aluminum structure allows for an easily malleable shoe for a quick and accurate fitting.
Our unique counter-sunk and beveled topside nail holes allow for accurate nailing with
multiple pattern options.

Evaluation of forelimb horseshoe characteristics of Thoroughbreds racing on dirt surfaces

Diane K. Gross, DVM, PhD Susan M. Stover, DVM, PhD Ashley E. Hill, DVM, MPVM, PhD Ian A. Gardner,
BVSc, MPVM, PhD

J. D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and

Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616. (Gross, Stover,
Hill); Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of
California, Davis, CA 95616. (Gardner)

ObjectiveTo describe forelimb horseshoe characteristics of horses racing on dirt surfaces and
determine whether these characteristics vary with region of California, season, horse characteristics,
and race-related factors.

Animals5,730 Thoroughbred racehorses.

ProcedureFrom June 17, 2000, to June 16, 2001, the characteristics of 1 forelimb horseshoe of
horses that raced on dirt surfaces at 5 major racetracks in California were recorded. These
characteristics included shoe type; toe grab height; and presence of a rim, pad, and heel traction
devices (jar caulks, heel stickers, heel blocks, and special nails). Horse and race information was
obtained from commercial records. One race/horse was randomly selected.
Results99% of forelimb horseshoes were aluminum racing plates, 35% had a pad, 23% had a rim,
and 8% had a heel traction device. A toe grab was observed on 75% of forelimb horseshoes (14% very
low [ 2 mm], 30% low [> 2 and 4 mm], 30% regular [> 4 and 6 mm], and 1% high [> 6 and 8 mm]).
Forelimb horseshoe characteristics varied with region of California, season, age and sex of the horse,
race purse and distance, and track surface condition. Loglinear modelling revealed that all of these
factors were significantly interrelated.

Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceComplex interrelationships among forelimb horseshoe

characteristics and region, season, age and sex of the horse, and race-related factors need to be
considered when evaluating the relationships between injury and horseshoe characteristics in
Thoroughbred racehorses. (Am J Vet Res 2004; 65:10211030)