shoeing aluminium performance prevention equine sport

Why choose aluminium horseshoes for your horses?

Lightness, shock-absorbing properties, suitability for modern disciplines: aluminium horseshoes are gaining popularity over steel. Discover their benefits for horse health and performance.

AC DB
Antoine Corona · Dr. Bertrand Olonde
Farrier · Equine Veterinarian
Read 5 min

Disclosure: ACR is a partner brand of HIPPOTYPOSE, operated by the same entity (A.C. CONCEPTS). This article presents their range of aluminium horseshoes from an editorial and clinical perspective.

Introduction

The choice of horseshoes is an essential decision that impacts horses’ health, comfort and performance. Traditionally, steel shoes have dominated the market, but aluminium horseshoes are gaining popularity thanks to their light weight, shock-absorbing properties and adaptability to modern equestrian disciplines.

In this article, discover why aluminium shoes — particularly those developed by ACR — are ideal for sport and leisure horses.

Key benefits of aluminium horseshoes

1. Reduced weight for maximum performance

Aluminium shoes are about twice as light as steel ones, which offers several major advantages:

  • Reduced muscular fatigue: less strain on the horse’s limbs.
  • Improved locomotion: smoother stride and better recovery.
  • Better energy economy: a 129 g aluminium shoe reduces carpal flexion compared to a 337 g steel shoe.

2. Shock absorption and limb protection

Aluminium horseshoes offer superior shock absorption, beneficial for injury prevention:

  • Vibration absorption: thanks to their structure and reduced density, they dissipate waves faster than steel shoes.
  • Injury prevention: by limiting micro-traumas, aluminium shoes reduce the risk of tendinopathies and bone-joint lesions.
  • High damping coefficient: up to 2.05% versus 0.02% for steel shoes.

3. Adaptability and innovation

Aluminium horseshoes offer great flexibility in their design:

  • Viscoelastic plate add-ons: vibration absorption up to 75%.
  • Custom design: light and innovative profiles, impossible with steel.

4. Reasonable durability for specific use

While they are less resistant on abrasive surfaces, aluminium shoes are ideal for modern equestrian disciplines. For intensive use, regular replacement is an investment in the horse’s health.

Possibility of adding viscoelastic plates:

Aluminium shoe with viscoelastic plate — view 1
Aluminium shoe with viscoelastic plate — view 2
Aluminium shoe with viscoelastic plate — view 3
Aluminium shoe with viscoelastic plate — view 4

Why are aluminium horseshoes ideal for sport horses?

1. A solution for high performance

Ideal for race and showjumping horses, they:

  • Limit pressure on tendons and joints.
  • Reduce impact on every landing or stride.

2. An asset for injury prevention

In demanding disciplines, they help to:

  • Minimise ground reaction forces.
  • Reduce the risk of bone bruises and arthropathies.
  • Absorb impact forces and limit chronic injuries.

3. A versatile solution

Adapted to race, leisure and endurance horses, aluminium shoes meet various needs. Their ability to improve locomotion while preserving foot health makes them a top choice.

Conclusion: aluminium horseshoes, a lasting revolution

Aluminium shoeing is today the best solution to:

  • Optimise horse performance.
  • Prevent injuries and improve comfort.
  • Meet the demands of modern equestrian disciplines.

🛠️ Discover our ACR aluminium horseshoe range

ACR offers innovative solutions to guarantee optimal comfort and high performance.

🔗 Explore our aluminium horseshoes · 📧 Contact us for more information