🐎 Are Composite Horseshoes Strong Enough for Jumping and Eventing?
When you’re flying over fences or powering through a tight turn on the cross-country course, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your horse’s shoes will hold up. For decades, steel horseshoes were considered the only choice for jumping, eventing, and other high-impact disciplines.
But now, composite horseshoes are stepping into the spotlight — and many riders are asking:
👉 Are they strong enough for serious sport?
Let’s look at the facts.
🔩 What Are Composite Horseshoes, Exactly?
Composite horseshoes are typically made of a polyurethane or plastic outer shell, sometimes with an integrated metal core (like Duplo). This combination offers:
- Shock absorption
- Flexibility
- Lightweight performance
- Customization (with clips, studs, glue-on or nail-on)
🏇 Performance Under Pressure: Can They Take the Impact?
Jumping and eventing create extreme concussive forces — particularly on landing. Traditional steel offers rigid protection, but that can transfer force directly to the hoof, pastern, and joints.
Composite shoes absorb shock, reducing the stress on:
- Tendons and ligaments
- Coffin joint
- Hoof wall and laminar structures
💡 Some riders report improved recovery, fewer joint issues, and better stride elasticity with composite shoes — especially in older or previously injured horses.
🔩 What About Grip and Traction?
Composite shoes like the Duplo Jumper or Duplo Clipped & Threaded models include:
- Integrated screw threads (M8–M14) for removable studs
- Deep tread profiles for grip on grass, mud, or sand
- Straight bar or closed-sole options for hoof support and stabilization
Many riders in eventing and hunter-jumper circuits now compete using studded composite shoes — getting the same traction as steel, with less weight and more comfort.
⚖️ Composite vs Steel: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Steel Horseshoes | Composite Horseshoes |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavy | Lightweight |
| Shock absorption | Low | High |
| Grip (with studs) | Good | Very good (with inserts) |
| Flexibility | Rigid | Adaptive |
| Joint protection | Limited | Excellent |
| Noise on surfaces | Loud | Quiet |
| Hoof wall strain | High | Lower |
🛠️ Real-World Use: Who’s Using Composites?
- Professional eventers like those using Duplo, EasyCare, or Glue-U shoes are seeing long-term benefits.
- Composite shoes are now allowed in many competitive events (check with your governing body).
- Riders with arthritic horses or those returning from suspensory injury often report better outcomes post-transition.
🧪 Durability Concerns: Do They Last?
That’s the big question, right?
👉 Yes — but it depends on the brand and application.
High-quality models with a steel insert (like Duplo) typically last just as long as steel, especially when fitted correctly.
Poor prep, wrong size, or no studs for traction can reduce longevity.
🧬 Final Verdict
Yes, composite horseshoes are strong enough for jumping and eventing — and in many cases, they’re the smarter choice.
They’re especially beneficial for:
- Horses needing joint protection
- Those prone to hoof concussion or bruising
- Riders seeking lighter, more forgiving options
- Rehab cases returning to sport gradually
If you’re still using steel out of habit — maybe it’s time to rethink.
Duplo’s Jumper model or Clipped & Threaded composite shoes offer stud-ready, competition-capable performance, made in Germany and tested under pressure.