National Steeplechase Association approve new horseshoe for racing

The National Steeplechase Association has given prestigious approval to an innovative new horseshoe, designed with horse welfare at its very heart.

Equishox is a composite rubber-coated aluminium horseshoe designed especially for racehorses that provides shock absorption and reduces the impact on horses’ legs. The innovative shoes are said to reduce the risk of slipping and encourage horses to stride “with newfound confidence.”

“We are honoured to have received the endorsement of the National Steeplechase Association,” said former jockey and co-founder Robert ‘Choc” Thornton. “This recognition is a testament to the tireless efforts of our team to create a product that prioritises the welfare of the horses and jockeys.”

Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Thornton designed the shoe with farrier Aron Tyler, and the duo have partnered with Öllöv to create the shoe, which is believed to give a reduction in concussion and less vibration in the leg. 



The NSA’s decision was based on rigorous testing and followed the approval of Equishox by the British Horseracing Authority and International Racing Bureau.

• Winners that wear Equishox shoes include:
• Lunar Shadow (GB) winner of Fireworks 5th of November Handicap at Chelmsford 05/10/23 (Trainer: Alan King)
• Pinnacle Peak (GB) winner of the Abu Dhabi Digital Markets Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham 27/10/23 also placed 4th at Cheltenham 27/11/23 (Trainer: Martin Keighly)
• Grandeur D’Ame (FR) winner of Chairman Colin Baldwin Memorial Chase at Wetherby 18/11/23 by 25 lengths, Also Placed 4th in the Virgin Bet December Gold Cup at Cheltenham 16/12/23 (Trainer: Alan King)
• Sunday Soldier (IRE) winner of the Tote.co.uk Five Gold Rings Mares Handicap Hurdle 18/12/23 by 7 lengths (Trainer: Graham McPherson/David Killahena)
• Heavenly Breath (GB) 5th in the Jennings Bet in Shiremoor Hoppings Fillies Group 3 30/06/23 only beaten 5 lengths by Al Husn and Nashwa (Trainer: Archie Watson)
• Autonomy (GB) 3rd at Southwell 24/11/23 beaten a length (Trainer: Phil Kirby)
• Kazontheraz (GB) placed 3rd at Hereford 21/11/23 and 2n at Ludlow 20/12/23 (Trainer: Martin Keighly)
• Menaggio (IRE) 2nd at Plumpton 18/12/23 (Trainer: Alan King)
• Mikimoto (GB) 2nd at Catterick 19/12/23 (Trainer: Martin Keighly)
• Nelson Criq (IRE) 4th at Warwick 07/11/23 (Trainer: Alan King)
• Ski Lodge (IRE) 2nd Chepstow 09/12/23 (Trainer: Alan King)
• Sunday Solider (IRE) 1st at Sedgefield 12/01/24 (Trainer: Graham McPherson/David Killahena)
• Billy Boi Blue 1st at Hereford 15/01/24 (Trainer: Graham McPherson/David Killahena)

The prototype for the innovative shoe was realised in October 2023, and the company are now in discussions with racing authorities in the USA, France and Australia. The scope can also be used for polo, and the founders believe it offers exceptional control in a sport where quick turns and sudden stops are common.

Katie Gilmour is the host of Poles, Piaffe & Prosecco: the podcast for riders that love to train, laugh and drink prosecco! The podcast is free to listen to on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.