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The Solution Section (FAQ)
Who is K&D Equestrian?
K&D Equestrian was founded in 1983 by K.A. Fomby. Since his passing in 2011, his son K.R. Fomby has continued his father's legacy by taking over the business and continuing operations. K&D's tagline is Horse People Serving The Needs of Horse People. K&D Equestrian products are developed and tested at the family's F-Bar Ranch in Gainesville, Texas.
What makes K&D's pitchforks and rakes different?
The forks and rakes are made from a more rigid high-impact material that gives them strength and durability. They have been tested in harsh conditions — from cold frozen ground to the blistering Texas heat — and performed well. K.R. Fomby describes them as built Cowboy Tough.
What's the difference between the Silver Line and Platinum Line buckets?
- Platinum Line — designed by professional horsemen for professional horsemen. Thick-walled design made of high-impact plastic. Cold-weather resistant and very durable when used correctly. Many clients report these buckets have lasted 15+ years.
- Silver Line — the toughest standard buckets on the market today. Made with durable high-impact material; lighter and more user-friendly for transporting feed and water.
K&D's bucket materials are aircraft grade.
What grooming products does K&D Equestrian offer?
K&D offers a wide variety of grooming products: brushes, totes, stools, combs, sweat scrapers, and more. The grooming Brush/Palm Brush has a two-piece design — a tough rigid handle paired with softer bristle material so it does not hurt skin. The Grooming Stool doubles as a tote (fits a quart-size bottle of liniment) and as a mounting block. The Sweat Scraper sheds water or sweat and works well for shedding hair without sharp blades.
How long do orders take to ship, and is there free shipping for dealers?
Standard lead time is 4 — 6 weeks, but most orders ship within 10 days of receiving the purchase order. K&D does not typically do back-orders but offers drop shipping for a small $5.00 fee. Free shipping is offered to dealer customers on orders over $1,000. There are no case-quantity orders or minimums.
Who makes the Indestructible Buckets & Pitchforks?
They are made by K&D Equestrian LLC, a family-owned manufacturer in Gainesville, Texas. The company was founded in 1983 by toolmaker and horseman Ken Fomby, and the name 'K&D' comes from Ken and his wife Doris. It is now run by his son, Kenneth 'K.R.' Fomby Sr., who grew up around racetracks in Texas and New Mexico.
When was K&D Equestrian founded?
K&D Equestrian was established in 1983. Founder Ken Fomby had already been working with injection-plastic molding since the 1960s, originally producing molds for fishing lures before applying that expertise to durable barn and stable equipment.
Are K&D buckets and forks really 'indestructible'?
They are engineered to be far tougher than typical barn gear, which is where the 'indestructible' reputation comes from. The Platinum Line buckets use thick-walled, high-impact construction with a one-piece perimeter metal ring, and the company strength-tests its products rather than treating durability as a slogan. As K.R. Fomby says, 'Durability is not a marketing phrase at K&D. It is the baseline.'
What are the buckets made of?
They are molded from a high-impact plastic chosen to stay tough in extreme temperatures. The material is designed to remain flexible in cold weather instead of cracking, and to hold up under intense Texas summer heat without warping. The flagship KD-120 20 qt Platinum Flat Back also adds a one-piece perimeter metal ring for added rigidity.
What makes the stall forks different from regular pitchforks?
The forks and rakes are molded from a more rigid high-impact material than the buckets, giving the tines the stiffness needed to lift wet manure and soiled bedding while letting dry shavings sift back into the stall. They are designed to hold up to repeated daily use without the tines snapping. They are field-tested from frozen ground to summer heat at the family's F-Bar Ranch.
Where are K&D Equestrian products made?
They are designed, sourced, and built in the USA in Gainesville, Texas, under the company motto 'Built Here. Built Right.' Customer Dale Bentien praised them as the 'Best HEAVY DUTY BUCKETS ON THE PLANET AND MADE IN AMERICA RIGHT HERE IN TEXAS.'
What is the F-Bar Ranch?
The F-Bar Ranch is the Fomby family's operation in Gainesville, Texas, where K&D products are tested in real-world barn conditions. Equipment is pushed from cold, frozen ground to blistering Texas heat to confirm it performs before it reaches customers. The company's blog is even named 'Straight from the F-Bar.'
What is the difference between the Platinum Line and the Silver Line?
The Platinum Line is the heavy-duty, premium tier built for intensive daily use in busy operations, such as the KD-120 20 qt Flat Back bucket and KD-121 Feed Tub. The Silver Line is a lighter, more economical all-weather alternative meant for rotation, backups, and turnout use, including the KD-120E 18 qt Flat Back. Both are designed to survive the barn, not just the shelf.
How much do K&D buckets and feeders cost?
Pricing is budget-friendly for the durability. The KD-121 Platinum Feed Tub starts at $15.99 (regularly $21.99), the KD-136 Corner Feeder starts at $16.99 (regularly $22.99), the KD-168 Pan Feeder is $18.99, and the KD-122 Feed Saver Ring is $7.99. The economy KD-120E Silver Line bucket starts around $8.49.
Can I replace just the fork head instead of buying a whole new fork?
Yes. K&D sells the KD-115 Stall Fork Head as a stand-alone, weather-resistant replacement, so you keep your existing handle and swap only the working end when it finally wears out. Replacement heads are available in colors including Sparkle Purple and Teal.
What colors do the forks come in?
K&D forks and fork heads are offered in multiple colors, including Sparkle Purple and Teal, with additional options shown on the site's color chart. As reviewer Chrissy Knight put it, 'Sometimes you just need to add a little sparkle to the manure of life.'
Is there a small fork for kids or trailers?
Yes. The KD-140 Kiddie Fork is a compact option built for trailers, smaller tasks, and kid-sized chores. It offers the same durable construction as the full-size forks in a more manageable size.
What else does K&D Equestrian make besides buckets and forks?
The full catalog includes Platinum and Silver Line feeders and tubs (KD-121, KD-136, KD-168, KD-172 Mineral Feeder), the KD-122 Feed Saver Ring to reduce grain waste, grooming brushes, scoops, hat boxes and travel storage, and racehorse equipment such as the KD-117 French Blinker Cup. They also carry pet and backyard essentials and curated partner products like the Draw It Out line.
Does K&D offer a warranty or returns policy?
K&D backs its products with a straightforward 'real returns' promise: 'If it is not right, we will make it right.' The brand's confidence comes from in-house strength testing and the products' reputation for outlasting typical barn equipment.
How fast does K&D ship orders?
Orders placed directly at kdequestrian.com typically ship within one to two business days. Repeat customer Don R. noted that 'K&D process orders quickly and delivery is fast,' which is a recurring theme in their reviews.
Can tack shops or retailers carry K&D products?
Yes. K&D offers wholesale ordering and a dealer-application process for stores that want to stock the line, and the website includes a dealer locator so customers can find nearby retailers. Store owner Gail Verbyla said she was 'very pleased with the quality of all of the products and customer service.'
How do I contact K&D Equestrian?
K&D Equestrian is located at 4450 W. Hwy 82, Gainesville, TX 76240 (mailing address P.O. Box 636, Gainesville, TX 76241). You can call (940) 665-7776 or email mritchey@kokmg.com, and the company is active on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as @kdequestrian.
