"Arizona" Shock-absorbing Toe Weight Horseshoe for Rocky Terrain
go to the online shopGrip, Shock Absorption and Steel Reinforcement for Reliable Hoof Protection on Rough Terrain
Most of us go on trips and bring back valuable memories of different cultures, landscapes, and the people we meet during our travels. When Hubert Frank and his wife Edeltraud are on their travels, they also carry these memories with them, but often they also have ideas for new products.
The saying "different countries, different customs" also applies to hoof protection in those countries! Different riding styles and husbandry conditions, varying climatic conditions, and soil conditions all lead to diverse requirements for optimal hoof protection.
Countries like Finland, Sweden, or Canada present different challenges for hoof protection during winter compared to, for example, Arizona. In Arizona, on the other hand, there are specific conditions that pose a significant challenge for alternative hoof protection made of steel and plastic.
Arizona is globally renowned for its desert landscapes and canyons. The Grand Canyon and Monument Valley are familiar names to almost everyone. When one envisions these landscapes, it becomes clear what the specific requirements for horseshoes are – namely, dealing with high temperatures in summer, dryness, sandy, and often rocky paths. It calls for a highly abrasion-resistant horseshoe with added grip.
In the years following the Frank family's first trip to Arizona, they collaborated with the Miller Ranch in Scottsdale to develop the specialized horseshoe called "Arizona".
The special feature of the special horseshoe "Arizona" is its
steel reinforcement of the toe area.
We recommend the Arizona horseshoe, especially if:
- You frequently ride on rocky paths and challenging terrain.
- You experience issues with plastic tearing in the toe area.
- You are looking for a toe-weight, shock-absorbing horseshoe.
With its steel reinforcement in the toe area, the Arizona shares the same beneficial properties for the hoof as our other models.
The Arizona features a reinforced profile for enhanced grip in rough terrain. This profile is comparable to the effect of hiking boots compared to sneakers.
Alternative Hoof Protection with Reinforced Toe Area - Photos
In direct comparison with a regular horseshoe, you can clearly see the protective steel border in the toe area.
The Arizona - our clipped and profiled horseshoe with steel border aound the toe is available in both degrees of hardness.
As with any horseshoe, it is important to fit the Arizona to the individual hoof in the best possible way.
If you encounter the steel border while grinding, make sure to round off any sharp edges that may have formed.
To properly sink the nail despite the lower position of the nail hole, you can use pliers to assist you.
The final product - the clipped horseshoe and with steel border around the toe, decorated with green colored stripes, on the hoof.
Application and Safety Instructions for the Arizona Horseshoe - VIDEO
Whether it's a special model like the Arizona or a regular alternative urethane or composite horseshoe: It is always necessary to follow Safety Instructions in order to avoid injuries to humans and horses.
The toe area of the Arizona is reinforced with an additional steel border. Since this additional steel border is only very thinly covered with synthetic material, the steel border is quite soon visible. This is not an issue of abrasion! However, due to this steel border, the risk of injury in the herd is higher than with our regular models.
The Arizona as a Nailed Hoof Protection
For the application of the Arizona as a nailed hoof protection, you need the necessary expertise in proper barefoot trimming and the process of nailing and riveting horseshoes, just like with any other model from our range.
Please pay attention to our safety instructions for the application and use of our horseshoes. As the steel border of the Arizona becomes visible relatively quickly, the risk of injury in the herd increases compared to our regular horseshoes. Regular inspection of the horseshoe, as stated in our safety instructions, is the responsibility of the horse owner.
Fitting Instructions for Composite Horseshoes
Lateral Adjustments to the Urethane Horseshoe with Steel Border Around the Toe
As with any other hoof protection, the correct fitting of the horseshoe to the hoof is a crucial factor for successful horseshoe application. The fitting process for this model can be easily done using an angle or belt grinder.
If you need to make lateral adjustments to the Arizona, it is possible to accidentally encounter the steel border. However, this is not a cause for concern and does not affect the functionality of the horseshoe. The key is to round off any potential edges that may have been created to minimize the risk of injury.
Incompatibility as an Adhesive Horseshoe Due to Steel Border
Most of our horseshoes are suitable for both nailed and glued hoof protection. However, the Arizona, with its steel reinforcement in the toe area, is not among them.
Since the entire steel-reinforced area is only minimally covered with plastic, there is not enough plastic material available for a strong bond. Therefore, it is unfortunately not possible to achieve a stable welding seam between the horseshoe and the glue-on tabs in this model.
Product Features
| Modell | Clipped and Profiled Horseshoe with Toe Reinforcement |
|---|---|
| Brand | Duplo |
| Article Number | 160, 161, 450, 451 |
| Additional Title | Arizona |
| Function | hoof protection, shock absorption, stimulation of the hoof mechanism, toe weight horseshoe, forward weighted horseshoe |
| Riding Styles and Disciplines | mong others: trail riding, endurance, western riding, dressage, driving, show jumping, eventing, military, gaited horse riding, cross-country riding, working equitation |
| Admission for Tournaments | Our composite horseshoes are approved for various tournaments; for more information please contact the respective association (e.g. AQHA, EMFTHA, FEIF, FISE, FN, IPZV, OEPS, SVPS). |
| Therapy Shoe / Rehab | the model is also suitable for supportive use in the orthopedic and therapeutic field; we expressly point out that our products do not diagnose or cure any diseases and advise for any use with a therapeutic or orthopedic background to work closely with the hoof specialist or veterinarian on site |
| Horse Breeds | a.o. Warmblood, Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Paint Horse, Haflinger, Icelandic, Arabian, Friesian, Andalusian, Hanoverian |
| Shoeing | nailed shoe |
| Shoeing Instruction | can be found under FAQ → Instructions |
| Security Advices | can be found under FAQ → Safety Information |
| Made in | Germany |
| Available Shapes | round / oval |
| Sizes Round Shape | 110mm, 114mm, 118mm, 122mm, 126mm, 130mm, 134mm, 138mm, 142mm, 146mm |
| Sizes Oval Shape | 110mm, 114mm, 118mm, 122mm, 126mm, 130mm, 134mm, 138mm, 142mm, 146mm |
| Size Interval | in 4mm steps |
| Sizing | based on the shape of the hoof and the widest part of the hoof (after appropriate hoof treatment) or, in a pinch, also based on the horseshoe size that has fit so far; in the section FAQ → Sizes and Shapes, you will find a free template for our composite shoes |
| Hardness Degrees | Standard / Extra |
| Season | all year round |
| Temperature | during the cold season we recommend the Standard shoes; at higher temperatures the Extra shoes have proven their worth |
| Weight | depending on the size from 270g up to 490g |
| Length | depending on the size - for details please visit FAQ → Sizes and Shapes |
| Width | the respective size in mm |
| Thickness | 15mm |
| Knob Arrays | the knobs are impressed into the weight-bearing surface of the hoof wall and help the horseshoe keep its position on the hoof |
| Solid Metal Inlay | the metal core contributes to the durability of the shoe and helps to avoid unwanted pressure on the hoof |
| Plastic (Synthetic) Cover | the soft plastic cover has a shock-absorbing effect |
| Bar made of Plastic Material | can improve the blood circulation of the hoof |
| Debris Guard | The molded synthetic lip acts like a debris guard - similar to a snowgrip®- reduces the
amount of snow and debris balling up. Depending on which size you order, you'll receive either remainders of stock (without debris guard) or the revised version (with debris guard). |
| Quarter Clips | The quarter clips facilitate the nailing process and help avoiding twists and displacements of the horseshoe during the regular shoeing period; in case of the STS models, the side clips are placed a little bit further towards the heels compared to the other shoes. |
| Thread Inserts for Studs | without thread inserts |
| Profile | increased profile |
| Anti-Slide Protection | For additional anti-slide protection you may use spikes; when riding, you always have to adapt the speed appropriately to the ground and ride with reduced speed on slippery ground. |
| Nailing Slots | depending on the size, 6 to 8 nail holes integrated into the metal core |
| Nail Size | the ideal nail size varies depending on the hoof situation and size - you can find a general recommendation in our store at the hoof nails |
| Open Sole | The open sole design offers breathability to the hoof sole and the frog. |
| Toe Area | round and oval shape with protective steel border |
| Breakover | you may bend or grind a toe rocker to adjust breakover |
| Risk of Injuries in Herds | A composite horseshoe usually has a minimized risk of injuries in herd situations and in case of
irregular movements in comparison
to a metal horseshoe or the sharp-edged border of a bare hoof - the quarter clips must be
monitored regularly. However, the steel border in the toe area increases the risk of injury in the herd compared to regular composite horseshoes. Please also refer to our safety instructions regarding this matter. |
| Hoof Mechanism | The flexible synthetic material encourages the mobility of the elastic hoof structures. |
| Adjustment to the Hoof | with an angle grinder, belt grinder |
| Modifications (at your own discretion) | extend, convert into a model with closed sole area |
| Accessories | u.a. among others Extensions, plastic grid plate, plastic plate, wedges, colored stripes Attention: It is not possible to apply extensions in the area of the steel border. |
| Packaging Unit | in pieces |
| Shipment | worldwide; deliveries to France, Switzerland and Canada are carried out by our our country representatives |
Tips and Tricks:
The steel-reinforced toe area offers several advantages for various applications. However, without explanation, it can also lead to misunderstandings, especially when it comes to the topic of abrasion and durability.
The toe of the Arizona has been encased in steel. This prevents premature tearing of the plastic material in the toe area. The shock absorption provided by the synthethic material is still present; however, the synthethic material is better protected by the additional steel border.
Due to the minimal plastic coating on the steel border, it becomes visible after a very short period of time.
At first glance and without this background knowledge, one could quickly assume an increased abrasion tendency with the Arizona when seeing the steel shining through.
To delve further into the topic of wear, we have prepared two photos of worn-out horseshoes.
In the first image, the steel edge of the Arizona is clearly visible, which is a typical appearance
for this model and usually not a reason to remove the horseshoe from the hoof.
The steel border serves its purpose by protecting the underlying plastic from premature tearing. The plastic coating still
retains its shock-absorbing function in this horseshoe. Under normal circumstances, this Arizona
horseshoe could even be used for another shoeing period.
The second image shows an Arizona horseshoe where the typical steel border is also visible. However, this horseshoe is already worn to the extent that some parts of its increased profile are no longer present.
The horseshoe does not need to be removed from the hoof yet; however, in this case, we advise against using it for another shoeing period.
In both cases, it is important to note that the risk of injury in the herd is more similar to that of a hoof fitted with traditional steel horseshoes rather than the risk associated with a purely plastic or regular composite horseshoe.
Choosing the Right Shape and Size
Not sure what shape your horse's hoof is or unsure about the size of horseshoe needed for your horse? We have prepared a printable template for you to use.
Please note that the Arizona horseshoe is only available in round and oval shapes, ranging from 110mm to 146mm in size.
