With An Annual Production of 16 Million Pieces and Supplying Several Countries, the World's Largest Horseshoe Factory in Brazil Celebrates 130 Years and Joins a Group Present in Over 100 Countries

With An Annual Production of 16 Million Pieces and Supplying Several Countries, the World’s Largest Horseshoe Factory in Brazil Celebrates 130 Years and Joins a Group Present in Over 100 Countries

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 02/12/2025 at 10:12

Updated on 02/12/2025 at 10:14

Imagem: Ilustração artística

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Petrópolis Company Celebrates 130 Years with Annual Production of 16 Million Horseshoes, Expanded International Presence, and Continuous Focus on Innovation, Sustainability, and Animal Welfare

In the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, a Brazilian industry has gained global prominence by maintaining a steady production pace and a long history of specialization. In the district of Itaipava, in Petrópolis, Mattheis Borg operates, recognized worldwide for its horseshoe manufacturing. In 2025, the company celebrates 130 years and reinforces its position as the largest producer in the sector, reaching 16 million pieces per year, according to data from the Compre Rural portal.

Founded in 1895 under the name Fábrica Nacional de Cravos para Ferrar, the company emerged when animal traction played an essential role in the country.

The mastery of production techniques has been preserved over the decades, thus undergoing technological transformations, economic changes, and new demand patterns.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

The Importance of Horseshoes

The use of horseshoes ensures essential protection for horse hooves. They prevent damage caused by hard surfaces, reduce cracks, and diminish the risk of injuries.

In addition, they provide cushioning and reduce impacts felt in the joints during long distances or sporting activities.

Improved traction is also crucial for performance. On slippery terrains, the horseshoe increases grip and prevents falls.

Specific models also contribute to orthopedic corrections, such as navicular disease or laminitis, because they better distribute weight and stabilize the hoof.

Therefore, the presence of an appropriate horseshoe enhances the comfort and durability of the animal. The correct use favors balance, posture, and performance, which are decisive factors in competitions and rural work.

Production at an Accelerated Pace

According to Compre Rural, the factory in Itaipava employs about 200 direct collaborators and plays a significant role in the regional economy.

The operation supplies breeders, rodeos, competitions, and equestrian centers in Brazil and abroad. The industrial process involves casting, molding, and finishing the pieces, adhering to strict quality standards.

The variety of models meets the sector’s needs. The company manufactures horseshoes intended for racing, endurance, traction, barrel racing, rodeo, jumping, and veterinary rehabilitation.

Each line addresses specific demands, allowing it to keep up with developments in the equestrian world.

The factory’s pace reinforces its global presence, as the Brazilian unit concentrates production that reaches various markets.

This dynamic has established the company as a reference in the horseshoe industry.

The Horseshoe Factory: An Environment Recognized for Quality

In 2025, Mattheis Borg received the certification of Incredible Places to Work, granted by FIA Business School.

The seal results from a national survey evaluating organizational climate, internal culture, and practices that value teams.

The recognition is based on ongoing training programs, actions focused on workplace safety, innovation projects, and quality of life initiatives.

The combination of these factors strengthens the internal environment and sustains good satisfaction rates.

The company states that investment in people is an essential part of the strategy. Thus, the seal reflects a continuous improvement movement.

Innovation and Sustainability

Despite its century-old tradition, the factory maintains a commitment to innovation and sustainability. The company adopts practices of material reuse, waste reduction systems, and seeks energy efficiency in different stages of the industrial process.

Partnerships with universities and research centers boost the development of orthopedic horseshoes and special models aimed at animal welfare. These initiatives expand the company’s reach in the veterinary segment.

One of the recent highlights is the Mustad Equi-Librium Air horseshoe. The model is 15 percent lighter and offers greater grip, in addition to reducing wear on the horse’s limbs. The technology reinforces the focus on performance and comfort solutions.

Legacy That Transcends Time

Upon completing 130 years, Mattheis Borg reinforces its symbolism in the Brazilian industry. The factory has become an example of resilience and continuity, maintaining uninterrupted operation even in the face of different economic cycles.

The company holds a significant position in a country where horses still play an important role in the field, sports, and culture.

Each piece produced in Itaipava goes to tracks, arenas, and work areas, keeping alive a tradition forged in iron.

The century-long journey demonstrates how the activity has evolved without losing its identity. Furthermore, it shows that the combination of tradition and modernization continues to sustain the global presence of the largest horseshoe factory in the world.

The Group Responsible for the Factory

The Mustad Hoofcare Group, founded in 1832 in Norway, is the world’s largest manufacturer of hoof care products. With over 185 years of experience, it serves farriers, veterinarians, and breeders in various countries.

The portfolio includes horseshoes, nails, rasps, tools, supplements, and therapeutic items. Today, management is in the hands of the seventh generation of the Mustad family, which maintains brands adapted to the regional realities of the equestrian sector.

With information from Compre Rural.

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With An Annual Production of 16 Million Pieces and Supplying Several Countries, the World’s Largest Horseshoe Factory in Brazil Celebrates 130 Years and Joins a Group Present in Over 100 Countries

Petrópolis Company Celebrates 130 Years with Annual Production of 16 Million Horseshoes, Expanded International Presence, and Continuous Focus on Innovation, Sustainability, and Animal Welfare

The Importance of Horseshoes

Production at an Accelerated Pace

The Horseshoe Factory: An Environment Recognized for Quality

Innovation and Sustainability

Legacy That Transcends Time

The Group Responsible for the Factory

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With An Annual Production of 16 Million Pieces and Supplying Several Countries, the World’s Largest Horseshoe Factory in Brazil Celebrates 130 Years and Joins a Group Present in Over 100 Countries

Petrópolis Company Celebrates 130 Years with Annual Production of 16 Million Horseshoes, Expanded International Presence, and Continuous Focus on Innovation, Sustainability, and Animal Welfare

The Importance of Horseshoes

Production at an Accelerated Pace

The Horseshoe Factory: An Environment Recognized for Quality

Innovation and Sustainability

Legacy That Transcends Time

The Group Responsible for the Factory

At just 14 years old, a boy creates a system without energy, using steel pipes buried in the ground, that irrigates seedlings with moisture from the air, to combat the water scarcity threatening reforestation in northern China.

Where there was only sand and wind at 40 degrees, China built a megacity of 500,000 inhabitants with farms, wineries, and universities in the middle of the desert using melted glacier water from hundreds of kilometers away.

At over 8,800 meters above sea level, the summit of Mount Everest is made up of rocks that originated at the bottom of an ocean about 500 million years ago and were pushed to the highest point on Earth by the collision of tectonic plates.

Researchers in the U.S. have created a flying robot that transforms into a land vehicle while still in the air. The technology, based on aerodynamic transition, converts landing into a scene worthy of Transformers and redefines mobility between sky and ground.

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