How Is a Horseshoe Made?

The manufacturing of horseshoes has changed dramatically with the advent of machinery. While some custom shoes are still made by hand, there are no longer blacksmiths working in town shops making these important accessories for the local citizens. While there are numerous materials used -- from aluminum and rubber to plastic -- most horseshoes are still made from steel and undergo a strict manufacturing process.

  1. Shaping

    • Horseshoe manufacturing begins with cutting steel into appropriate-length bars. The length is determined by the type of horseshoe being made. This is based on the kind and size of the horse, and whether stance (also referred to as horse conformation) issues need to be addressed. The bars are then heated to between 2,200 degrees and 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit, placed on a mold or horseshoe shape outline, and a machine bends them into the familiar U shape.

    Forging

    • Most manufacturers use drop forging to press the bent metal into a horseshoe. The metal is forced into the die or mold using a powered hammer that is dropped on the metal, and then exerts a tremendous amount of force to form the final shape. The amount and length of the applied pressure is monitored and determined by a forger who operates that particular piece of equipment.

    Punching

    • With the final shape and size forged, the shoe is passed (often by a conveyor belt or assembly line process) to a punch press. The number of nail holes punched is determined by the shoe type, but more often than not there are eight holes punched in each shoe. The punch press is operated by a specialist in the manufacturing facility.

    Finishing

    • The final phase in the making of a horseshoe involves implementing the finishing process. While the shoes are still hot (approximately 1,900 degrees to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit), the flashing or excess material is trimmed off using a trim press. At this point, some manufacturers use a machine to grind the backs of the horseshoes to remove remnants from the hole punching. And finally wire brushes are used for the removal of any final loose pieces.