Synthetic Grid

Closing the Sole Area of the Horseshoe

Thanks to a kind of click system, you can easily snap the Hoof Sole Protector into the horseshoe once the debris guard has been carefully removed.

The Hoof Sole Protector features a three-part plastic interlocking mechanism on the side facing the hoof, consisting of three hooks, which secure the sole protector and facilitate the plastic welding process.

If the hooks do not grip properly, it is likely that some plastic material was accidentally cut away when removing the debris guard that didn't belong to it. In this case, please try to somehow secure the Hoof Sole Protector for the welding work.

Three hooks are located on the side of the sole protector facing the hoof.

The Hoof Sole Protector after being snapped into the horseshoe.

Plastic Welding Hoof Sole Protector and Horseshoe

On the bottom side, i.e. on the side facing away from the hoof, our sole protector has a small plastic edge. This edge provides the necessary plastic material for the weld seam.

To weld the sole protector into the horseshoe, place it on a clean, flat surface. If the shoe has side clips, it's advisable to place it on the anvil or a table corner to prevent interference. For fixation, we recommend initially spot welding the HSP onto the shoe; this makes it easier to achieve a uniform weld seam afterward. Heat the plastic edge with a heat gun so that the plastic flows into the gap between the sole protector and the horseshoe. The proper angle of the heat gun's airflow is crucial; if it's too steep, the material may not flow into the right place.

The most important aspect when plastic-welding the sole protector into the horseshoe is to ensure that the weld seam runs seamlessly along the entire edge of the sole protector. Only then will you achieve the complete sealing of the gap between the sole protector and the horseshoe.

The small plastic edge of the protector provides the material for the weld seam.

Make sure to direct the hot air gun's airflow correctly.

Pressure Test — Test the Stability of Your Welding Seam

We recommend testing the stability of your weld seam once the plastic has cooled down. To do this, apply maximum force (for example with your thumbs) from the bottom side against the Hoof Sole Protector.

Imagine the forces acting on your weld seam when a horse steps on a stone, which then presses against the hoof sole protector from below. Therefore, you can press with full force! If the weld seam tears during your pressure test, it wouldn't withstand the load on the hoof either.

If you'd like, you can also perform the test in the opposite direction, although we assume that the greater pressure on the sole protection typically comes from the bottom side.

Verification of the stability of the weld seam between horseshoe and hoof sole protector.

The sole protection must withstand punctual pressure, for example from stones, at all times.

Final Steps

If you are satisfied with the results of the pressure test, it's time for the final work steps.

Carefully remove the protruding hooks on the hoof side of the sole protection, using an angle grinder.

After welding the hoof sole protector, take a brief look at the area of the horseshoe where there is a slight bevel on the hoof side that relieves pressure on the sole. Verify whether this area still intact after the welding process.

A small bevel on the hoof side of the horseshoe protects sensitive soles from undesirable pressure.

Removal of the protruding hooks.

Shoeing

If the welding work has been carried out correctly and the horseshoe has been optimally adjusted to the hoof, you can apply it as usual. Depending on the model, you can nail it, glue it, or use it as a cast shoe. The details, as well as corresponding shoeing instructions and safety guidelines, can be found in the product description of the horseshoe. For more detailed information on the application of a closed hoof shoe, please take a look at the "Clipped Horseshoe with Closed Sole Area".

Once the modified shoe has been fitted to the hoof, its function can be compared to our shoe with an integrated closed sole area. In both cases, when used without packing material, there is still a risk that dirt and small stones may find their way under the horseshoe. This could result in undesired pressure being exerted on the hoof sole.

Therefore, we always recommend using silicone or another type of padding material when using a horseshoe with closed sole area.

You have the choice — nailing, gluing, or casting. The sole protector does not restrict the use of the shoe; you can use it as usual.

When gluing, ensure that the packing material does not seep out laterally, as it could negatively affect the adhesive bond.