Liberty Cu horseshoe nails: how antimicrobial horseshoe nail copper coating may support healthier hooves
More than a decade after their introduction, Liberty Cu horseshoe nails remain one of Royal Kerckhaert’s most distinctive developments in modern farriery.
Introduced in 2015, the nails use the company’s patented Cu Shield Technology, which applies an ultra-thin copper coating to a traditional steel horseshoe nail. The aim is to create a cleaner environment around the nail hole while reducing rust and wear inside the hoof wall, helping promote a healthy hoof.
Why do horseshoe nail holes matter?
Every time a horseshoe nail is driven into the hoof, it creates a small channel within the hoof wall. Moisture, dirt and microorganisms may enter these nail holes, while traditional steel nails can also begin to corrode during the shoeing cycle.
Over time, this may contribute to blackened nail holes, weakened horn and deterioration around previously used nail holes.
Copper is known to possess natural antimicrobial properties. Kerckhaert says the copper coating used on Liberty Cu nails helps create an environment that is less favourable to bacteria around the nail hole.
Importantly, this does not mean that copper-coated nails can prevent every hoof infection or replace good hoof management. Regular farrier visits, suitable shoeing intervals, clean living conditions and prompt veterinary attention when problems arise all remain essential.
How does Cu Shield Technology work?
Liberty Cu nails are manufactured with a steel core and a patented four-layer coating process.
A fine conversion layer helps bond the copper to the steel, while an outer protective layer preserves the coating during storage and application. According to Kerckhaert, this protective finish wears away once the nail enters the hoof, exposing the copper layer where it is required.
The copper coating is designed to remain in place throughout the shoeing cycle without affecting the strength of the nail.
From a farrier’s point of view, no specialist shoeing method is required. Liberty Cu nails are driven and finished in much the same way as conventional Liberty horseshoe nails.
Research into copper-coated horseshoe nails
In 2016, an independent research project was conducted by Dr Sue Kempson at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Stephen Mitchell from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Biological Sciences.
The seven-month study examined hoof trimming samples from horses shod by different farriers across the UK. One front foot was shod using Liberty Cu nails, while the other was shod with conventional steel nails for comparison.
Samples were examined using transmission and scanning electron microscopy to investigate hoof material and the presence of bacteria. Kerckhaert says the research supports the benefits of continued use of its Cu Shield Technology for hoof and horn quality.
Key features of Liberty Cu horseshoe nails
According to Royal Kerckhaert, Liberty Cu nails offer:
- A patented four-layer copper-coating process
- Reduced rust and wear inside the hoof wall
- A smooth finish and sharp nail point
- Less chipping and damage around the nail hole
- Protection intended to last throughout the shoeing cycle
- A durable steel core
- A choice of nail designs and sizes for different shoes and disciplines
Are copper-coated nails suitable for everyday horses?
Liberty Cu nails are not intended solely for elite competition horses. They may also be considered for leisure horses, riding-school horses and other regularly shod horses.
Whether they are suitable for an individual horse will depend on its hoof condition, workload, shoeing requirements and the farrier’s professional judgement.
Horse owners who are concerned about crumbling horn, blackened nail holes, repeated shoe loss or poor hoof-wall quality should discuss the problem with their farrier. Persistent deterioration, heat, pain, discharge or lameness should always be investigated by a veterinary surgeon.
More information about the technology is available from Royal Kerckhaert.
