[Use of tempered, particle-reinforced aluminum horse shoes in sport horses under field conditions].

The research article explores how handmade particle-reinforced alloy (MMC metal matrix composites) horseshoes perform in field conditions when used on riding and draught horses. It found that the tempered, particle-reinforced alloy provided more durability than non-tempered horseshoes, suggesting it could be best suited for use in riding horses.

Experiment Details

• The study was conducted on 15 riding and draught horses in real-world conditions.
• The horseshoes used in the experiment went through a process of manual forging and tempering, after which their surface imperfections were tested.
• The forging temperature was maintained between 350 degrees and 420 degrees Celsius.
• The horseshoes were grouped into three series – A, B, and C. Series A horseshoes consisted of particulate reinforced wrought alloy with 22% Al2O3 in the alloy matrix while Series B consisted of particulate reinforced foundry alloy containing 20% SiC in the alloy matrix.
• Series C used horseshoes made from particulate reinforced coextruded wrought alloy.

Experiment Duration and Findings

• The duration of shoeing periods for each series varied: 11 periods of approximately 49.7 days (standard deviation of 13.6) for series A; 5 periods with an average of 45.4 days (standard deviation of 7.9) for series B; 6 periods of nearly 49.2 days (standard deviation of 18.7) for series C.
• The study found the service of tempered particulate reinforced alloy horseshoes was significantly higher than that of untempered alloy horseshoes.
• Indicating that the mechanical and forging properties of the tempered particulate reinforced alloy were satisfactory, providing a durable and reliable solution.
• However, the study concludes that the service of these horseshoes is more suitable for riding horses and is not recommended for draught horses.