Effortlessly Achieve the Perfect Composite Horseshoe Fit
Only a properly fitted shoe is a good shoe – and the same applies to horseshoes. Only an optimally fitted horseshoe can provide the horse with the best possible support while remaining securely attached to the hoof. Since very few hooves match ideal dimensions, the horseshoes supplied by us or other manufacturers are not used 'out of the box' but instead must be individually adjusted, regardless of whether they are nailed-on or glued-on.
As part of a farrier’s daily work, both minor and major adjustments are regularly required to achieve a perfect fit. This is a topic that is particularly important to us, as poorly fitted horseshoes continue to cause problems, such as lost shoes.
Our shoeing system is developed by farriers for farriers. That is why we look beyond the horseshoe itself and focus on the entire process – from product development and customer service to practical application on the hoof and the right hoof care tools for everyday work. It was this philosophy – and our belief that the farrier is the essential link between the horseshoe and the horse – that inspired Hubert Frank and our team to develop another practical tool following the great success of the welding fixture: the Duplo Shoe Spreader.
From the Original Shape to the Perfect Fit with the Duplo Shoe Spreader
The Duplo Shoe Spreader was developed to make fitting our composite horseshoes significantly easier. This compact yet highly effective tool allows composite horseshoes to be adjusted effortlessly, with minimal force and, above all, reduced strain on the farriers' joints.
The result can be seen at a glance: our Duplo Basic
in its original shape, alongside the versions modified with the Duplo Shoe Spreader – widened and
narrowed.
You may be wondering: why "narrowed" when our tool is called the Shoe Spreader? The answer is simple:
while it is primarily designed to widen a horseshoe, it can of course also be used to narrow one.
However, we expect that in everyday farrier work, the traditional forging hammer will still remain the
preferred tool for narrowing horseshoes.
Work Flexibly – Choose from Three Adapter Options
The choice is yours: Just like with our welding device, you have a choice here as well. Our goal is to provide maximum flexibility while enabling efficient , practical everyday use.
Choose from three adapters – for the workbench, anvil, or hoof stand – and use the Duplo Shoe Spreader exactly where it best fits your workflow. This allows you to create optimal conditions for flexible, ergonomic, and energy-saving work, tailored to your individual requirements.
Additional Information About the Hoof Stand Adapter
The hoof stand adapter can be used with both the Hoofjack® by Kerckhaert and the Blacksmith hoof stand with a plastic base.
Additional Information About the Anvil Adapter
If you would like to use the Duplo Shoe Spreader with your anvil, please refer to the dimensions shown in the product images to determine whether an adapter is required. Depending on the design of your anvil, it may be possible to insert the square tube of the Duplo Shoe Spreader directly into the hardy hole without the need for an adapter.
Achieve the Perfect Composite Horseshoe Fit with the Duplo Shoe Spreader
The Duplo Shoe Spreader can be used to adjust almost all Duplo composite horseshoes with an open sole area. The new Full Branch Shoe model, with its regular-length horseshoe branches, can also be adjusted with the Duplo Shoe Spreader to match the horse's individual hoof shape.
The Shoe Spreader is not suitable for Straight Bar models with a closed, ring-shaped metal inlay, open-toed horseshoe , or pure urethane horseshoes without a metal core.
Adjusting Composite Horseshoes with the Duplo Shoe Spreader – Photos
The Shoe Spreader is operated using a reversible ratchet, ensuring easy operation with minimal effort.
The Duplo Shoe Spreader allows you to widen a wide range of our composite horseshoes with an open sole area while reducing strain on the farriers'joints and minimizing physical effort.
Although the name "Shoe Spreader" may suggest otherwise, it can also be used to narrow our open composite horseshoes with a urethane bar.
The Shoe Spreader can be used with your vise without the need for an adapter.
If you would like to use the Duplo Shoe Spreader with your hoof stand, you will need the appropriate adapter.
Depending on the anvil design, the Duplo Shoe Spreader can either be inserted directly into the hardy hole or mounted using an adapter.
Instructions for Use and Safety Information – Working with the Duplo Shoe Spreader – Video
Please read and follow our safety instructions to help prevent injuries to both people and horses. If you use the Duplo Shoe Spreader in combination with our horseshoes, please also read our general Safety Instructions.
Goodbye Shoe Spreading Pliers – Work More Efficiently with the Duplo Shoe Spreader
The Duplo Shoe Spreader works on the same principle as traditional shoe spreading pliers: the horseshoe is secured in the tool and then widened.
The key difference lies in how it is used. Instead of applying significant force and placing considerable strain on your joints, as is often the case with conventional spreading pliers, the Shoe Spreader utilizes efficient force transmission, making the process far less physically demanding and much easier on the joints.
With the Duplo Shoe Spreader, you are investing not only in faster and more efficient work, but also in
your own long-term health and well-being.
Our short video demonstrates just how easy and efficient it is to use.
Check the Horseshoe for Flatness After Adjustment
As in many areas of farriery, it is important to keep potential side effects in mind when adjusting horseshoes. Changes to the horizontal shape of a horseshoe – whether widening or narrowing it – can also affect its shape in the vertical plane. Depending on the extent of the adjustment, the horseshoe may no longer remain flat. If the horseshoe no longer sits flat against the hoof, unwanted pressure points may develop.
For this reason, always check the horseshoe for flatness after making any adjustments.
Product Specifications
| General Data and Delivery Information | |
|---|---|
| Model | Duplo Shoe Spreader |
| Brand | Duplo |
| Product Range | The Shoe Spreader is part of our Innovations test range and is available at special introductory pricing. |
| Item Numbers | Duplo Shoe Spreader: 000100DS Anvil Adapter: 000101DS Hoof Stand Adapter: 000102DS Workbench Adapter: 000103DS Complete Set with Price Advantage - Includes the Duplo Shoe Spreader and 3 Adapters: 000110DS Fine-Tooth Reversible Ratchet, 12.5 mm (1/2"): 000104DS |
| Weight | Duplo Shoe Spreader: 4.63 kg Anvil Adapter: 0.17 kg Hoof Stand Adapter: 0.33 kg Workbench Adapter: 0.32 kg REversible Ratchet: 0.58 kg |
| Package Options | The choice is yours. You can buy each item individually or a complete set. |
| Returns and Exchanges |
Under certain conditions, returns and exchanges are possible within 3 months inside the European
Union (EU). For returns from outside the EU, please contact our customer service team. Full details can be found under FAQ → Service & Terms. |
| Function and Areas of Use | |
|---|---|
| Function | Widening and narrowing composite horseshoes |
| Compatible Duplo Horseshoes |
Suitable for all composite horseshoes with an open sole area and either shortened or
regular-length branches; not suitable for horseshoes with a closed sole area, pure urethane horseshoes, Straight Bar composite horseshoes with a ring-shaped metal inlay, or open-toed shoes. |
| Accessories | Matching adapters (workbench, anvil, hoof stand), reversible ratchet suitable for the Duplo Shoe Spreader, Personal Protective Equipment |
| Finish |
The Shoe Spreader is coated with a brown anti-corrosion primer and finished with a gray paint
coating. The metal components are not galvanized . |
| Maintenance and Care of the Shoe Spreader | Keep the threaded rod clean and free from dirt or debris. To ensure smooth long-term operation, we recommend lightly oiling the threaded rod on a regular basis. |
| Safety Instructions | |
|---|---|
| General Safety Information | Ensure that the tool is securely positioned and always work in a controlled manner. There is a risk of slipping, kickback, and crushing injuries. Keep hands and fingers away from moving parts and avoid applying excessive force. |
| Entanglement Hazard | During use, make sure that loose items such as hair, chains, clothing, or similar objects cannot become caught in or pulled into the moving components of the Shoe Spreader. Risk of entanglement and crushing injuries. |
| Hazard from Flying Objects | Ensure that the composite horseshoe is securely fixed in the Shoe Spreader. If it is not properly secured, it may slip out and be thrown unexpectedly. |
| Online Safety Information | Our safety instructions can be found under Information → Safety Instructions. |
| Duplo Safety Instructions PDF Download | PDF Download |
| Shoe Spreader Safety Instructions PDF Download | PDF Download |
The Inspiration Behind the Shoe Spreader: John Cosgriff
The idea behind today's Shoe Spreader originated from an inspiration John Cosgriff shared many years ago. The rancher, farrier, and longtime friend of the Frank family from Montana, USA, made an important contribution to this development with a similar tool.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to him. Over many years, a close friendship developed through shared experiences, professional exchange, and a mutual passion for horses and farriery.
Like Hubert Frank, John Cosgriff is not only a skilled craftsman and farrier but also an inventor and problem solver. He is someone who questions existing solutions, looks for better ways, and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others. People like him are often the source of great ideas—and sometimes the starting point for innovations that, as with the Shoe Spreader, find their way into everyday farrier work years later.
The Shoe Spreader is a perfect example of the philosophy behind our products: practical solutions developed from real-world experience for real-world use. Designed by farriers for farriers—because Duplo is far more than a simple hoof protection.
John Cosgriff and Edeltraud Frank at the 2018 Farrier Summit in Cincinnati, USA.
John Cosgriff resetting a horseshoe before a trail ride to the Sweet Grass River in Montana.
John Cosgriff, Dr. Katie Cosgriff-Curry, and Stephan Becker (NbvH) exchanging ideas in Grainet.
FAQ Guide: Widening Horseshoes with the Duplo Shoe Spreader
Can every Duplo horseshoe be adjusted with the Duplo Shoe Spreader?
No. The Duplo Shoe Spreader is suitable only for composite horseshoes and not for pure urethane shoes. In addition, Straight Bar models with a closed metal core, including the HDS Traction , Jumper , as well as open-toed horseshoes, cannot be adjusted with the Duplo Shoe Spreader.
Can composite horseshoes with threads be adjusted with the Duplo Shoe Spreader?
Yes. Models with threaded inserts for studs can also be adjusted with the Duplo Shoe Spreader. As with manual adjustment without a tool, however, special attention must be paid to the position of the threaded inserts on the hoof.
Which horseshoe sizes can be adjusted with the Duplo Shoe Spreader?
In principle, sizes from 98 mm up to 198 mm. To answer this question precisely, we depend on practical feedback from daily use. For this reason, the Duplo Shoe Spreader is initially available at a reduced test price as part of our Duplo Innnovations product range.
How much can a horseshoe be widened?
There is no general answer to this question. The extent of the adjustment, as well as the assessment of fit and stability, is at the discretion of the farrier on site, as with any farriery work. It is important to always restore the horseshoe to a flat, level shape after widening or narrowing it.
Can steel shoes also be widened with the Duplo Shoe Spreader?
In theory, yes – in practice, we do not recommend it. A steel shoe is not secured as safely in the Duplo Shoe Spreader as a composite horseshoe. The risk that the steel shoe may slip due to the applied force and fly off is very high, especially with larger adjustments, and therefore poses a serious risk of injury. We therefore recommend using the Duplo Shoe Spreader only for adjusting composite horseshoes.
Manufacturer in accordance with the Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on General Product Safety (GPSR)
Manufacturer in accordance with the Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on General Product Safety (GPSR)
Name: H. Frank Kunststofftechnik GmbHElectronic Address: info@duplo-frank.de
Physical Address: Vorderfreundorfer Straße 20
ZIP Code: DE-94143
City: Grainet
Country: Deutschland
Phone: +49 (0)8585/96926-0
Responsible Person in accordance with the Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on General Product Safety (GPSR)
Name: H. Frank Kunststofftechnik GmbHElectronic Address: info@duplo-frank.de
Physical Address: Vorderfreundorfer Straße 20
ZIP Code: DE-94143
City: Grainet
Country: Deutschland
Phone: +49 (0)8585/96926-0