1906
Honoré Kerckhaert, master farrier, founds the Kerckhaert Horseshoe Factory in the Netherlands.
1913
At the national agricultural show in Scheveningen (NL), Honoré Kerckhaert wins the first prize with his collection of handmade horseshoes.
1916
The first horseshoe machine is functional and the first of many machine-made Kerckhaert horseshoes are being produced.
1925
Honoré Kerckhaert has - beside his dedication to horseshoes - a passion for workhorsses. He is involved in the foundation of workhorse breeding in the Netherlands.
1938
Piet Kerckhaert joins the company to continue the success of his father's hard work.
1944
During the war, steel availability and cost became scarce. However, as the war ended, steel prices dropped by 50%, followed by an additional 20% decrease. This posed a significant challenge for Kerckhaert, who had just invested in steel prior to the price decline. In this competitive market, survival hinges on delivering exceptional quality, which Kerckhaert achieves through unrivaled expertise.
1950
More farm machinery reduces horseshoe demand, leaving only two out of fourteen Dutch factories surviving.
1956
Prince Bernhard visits the Kerckhaert Horseshoe Factory on the occasion of the 50th anniversary.
1964
Rudy Kerckhaert joins the company, following in his father's footsteps.
1966
The economy in Europe grows rapidly and people start to buy leisure horses.
1969
Increased demand leads to the development of a new, ultra modern production line.
1977
After 8 years, the machines with the patented 'Olympic Clips System' are ready.
1980
A new identical production line is built to be able to fulfill the market demands.
1984
Queen Beatrix - a keen amazon - visits the Kerckhaert Horseshoe Factory.
1992
The fourth Kerckhaert generation joins. New productions and horseshoe styles, global travels... expand the company.
1994
To strengthen the Kerckhaert brand in America, they invent the patented 'Radius Clip System'.
2000
Kerckhaert invests in a drop forging production line aluminium and steel race plates.
2001
First winner on Kerckhaert aluminium race plates: Etheral - Melbourne Cup.
- November 6, 2001
- Winner: Etheral
- Schoes: Kings Plate Toe Clipped (Front&Hind)
- Farrier: Mark Gilbert
- Trainer: Sheila Laxon
- Owner: P.J. & P.M. Vela's
- Jockey: S. Seamer
- Distance: 3.200m
2002
Kerckhaert develops a patented Smart Finish, an advanced and unique foot surface design.
2006
Kerckhaert proudly marks a century of excellence and success with its 100th celebration. They also open a new 5000m² warehouse and distribution center and starts building new head offices.
2007
The historic building, situated in the heart of Vogelwaarde (NL) where it all began a century ago, is being transformed to accommodate modern offices and convenient parking facilities. As a part of our progression towards the future, a piece of history gracefully disappears.
2008
In 2006, when the company marked its 100th anniversary, Kerckhaert was investigated by local and national authorities. As a result of this investigation, H.R.H. Queen Beatrix granted the Predicate Royal in July 2008.
2010
The first Liberty hoof nail factory is established and begins the development of the innovative Liberty hoof nail. Through its design and manufacturing process, Liberty is able to produce uncompromising and high-quality hoof nails.
2012
Kerckhaert is again expanding its warehouse by 5,000m². This addition of space gives more possibilities for sales and customer services. The expansion is necessary to allow the healthy flow in the operation.
2013
The Alu Kings Plate Extra Sound and Super Sound race plates are becoming the standard horseshoes in major G1 races. During the 2013 FEI World Cup season, the majority of horses wearing Kerckhaert horseshoes won.
2015
Liberty is developing the sensational Cu Shield Technology™. This unique application promotes and supports strong and healthy hooves.
Kerckhaert is also acquiring the American brand Diamond. The full Diamond product line creates new opportunities.
2018
Start of the robotization process for all factories. The robotization puts the focus on simplification in the production process, relieving colleagues of heavy tasks and providing additional support at the quality level.
2019
With the House of Brands, Kerckhaert unites all its brands. It means one house, one partner with the original and most specialized brands in their field, providing all the supplies for the professional farrier.
2020
Kerckhaert acquires the original brands Vettec and Hoofjack.
With the acquisition of Vettec and Vettec Bovi-Bond, Kerckhaert is also moving into hoof care in the bovine industry.
2022
The headquarters in Vogelwaarde (NL) is expanding with additional office space and a training and experience center.
2023
A new webshop for dealers and farriers is committed to even better and faster service. To optimize continuity of service and operation, Kerckhaert again enlarges its warehouse.
Sport and leisure
In 1966, Kerckhaert began making horseshoes for sport and leisure horses as working horses were replaced by tractors.Discover our horseshoes
Predicate Royal
In 2008, Kerckhaert was honoured with the Predicate Royal by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.
Liberty
In 2010, Royal Kerckhaert established its first hoof nail factory and developed the innovative Liberty hoof nail.
Discover all about Liberty
House of Brands
In 2019, the House of Brands, Kerckhaert unites all the brands under the Royal Kerckhaert Horseshoe Factory.
