blueline® NXT
Item No.: NXT
Manufacturer/Brand: Duplo Verbundbeschläge
from 23,50 EUR
incl. 19 % VAT
-
- delivery time 3-5 Werktage (*)
Are you already benefitting from our commercial conditions? Please contact us!
blueline® NXT – the Next Generation of Multi-Component Horseshoes
A shock-absorbing and barefoot-like multi-component horseshoe that also provides the hoof with a certain level of support, offers flexible nail-on or glue-on application, and offers good value for money – that is the blueline® NXT.
This modern multi-component horseshoe made from two TPU components is based on the blueline® evo!. It was developed by farrier and product developer Wolfgang Busch and produced using 3D printing . Together, we have now developed the horseshoe further into the next generation, using a synthetic core instead of a metal core.
I have always enjoyed trying new approaches. Whenever I felt something was missing in my day-to-day work with horses, I tried to develop a suitable solution myself.
I became deeply involved in 3D printing early on. It makes it possible to turn ideas into reality quickly, adapt them individually and test them directly in practice – from custom-made one-off solutions to products for a wider group of users. This first led to the WB 3D horseshoes and later to the blueline® evo! – a combination horseshoe with a durable synthetic core.
Since the blueline® evo! became known to a wider group of users, my 3D printers have hardly stopped running. However, producing larger quantities with 3D printing is time-consuming and comparatively expensive, so we are now taking the next step together: With the blueline® NXT, we are transferring the proven concept to series production using injection molding. After the open-toed horseshoe and the Wolf Busch® glue-on tabs (formerly RB Carbon), this is already our third major joint project.
blueline® NXT "powered by Duplo"
As part of our third joint project, we have taken Wolfgang Busch's proven blueline® system to the next level. The result is a modern multi-component horseshoe that combines Wolfgang's original idea and specialist know-how with our experience from two generations of farriery and our expertise in developing and manufacturing synthetic and composite horseshoes on a larger scale.
Like our other horseshoes, we manufacture the blueline® NXT using injection molding at our production facility in the Bavarian Forest. This allows us to manufacture the multi-component horseshoe more economically and, thanks to our multilingual website, make it available to a wider international audience.
The NXT therefore combines Wolfgang's field-tested concept and his experience as a farrier and product developer with our generations of expertise in hoof care and our technical development and manufacturing capabilities – without changing the original concept behind his system.
The name NXT deliberately stands for Next Generation and sums up what this horseshoe represents: the consistent evolution of a field-tested horseshoe concept for modern series production.
Special Features of the blueline® NXT
Proven Features of the evo!
The blueline® NXT retains the multi-component design of its predecessor. The evo! horseshoe already consisted of two functionally coordinated TPU components with different hardness levels:
- a flexible, shock-absorbing outer layer
- a supportive, ring-shaped blue synthetic core made from a harder material
However, the synthetic core restricts hoof movement in the heel area significantly less than a ring-shaped metal core. The combination of both TPU components therefore combines shock absorption with barefoot-like flexibility while still providing the hoof with a certain level of support.
Frog support , debris guard and deeper tread pattern also retain their function, although their specific design has been adapted to match our other horseshoes.
Elements from the Duplo System
To provide high abrasion resistance and sufficient stability even in larger sizes, the blueline® NXT is made from our harder Extra material. Since the NXT will initially be available in only one hardness level, we have deliberately chosen to deviate from our previous color coding for the knob arrays and use blue to match the product line and the blue synthetic core.
The NXT also incorporates another proven feature from our existing horseshoe system: the familiar knob arrays. When an un-clipped horseshoe is nailed on, they provide additional protection against the horseshoe twisting on the hoof. If required, the horseshoe can be combined with blueline® weld-on clips.
For nail-on application, the NXT is also available with a metal insert in the area of the nailing slots. This helps provide secure seating for the nail heads in the horseshoe.
Adaptations for Series Production
A few adjustments were necessary for series production using injection molding.
Unlike its 3D-printed predecessor, which is available in 5 mm intervals, the blueline® NXT is offered in the 4 mm size intervals used for our other horseshoes.
The exact dimensions can be found in our size chart under FAQ → Sizes and Shapes.
Unlike the evo!, the nailing slots of the NXT are not sealed with a thin membrane . This type of design would require additional and technically complex modifications to the injection molding tools, which would also affect the price of the new generation of multi-component horseshoes.
The blueline® NXT – Adjustments and Accessories – Photos
The blueline® NXT can be adjusted to the individual hoof shape using a belt grinder or angle grinder. Adjustment with the Duplo Shoe Spreader is not possible due to the lack of a metal core.
If you extend or widen the NXT using color strips or Extensions , pay attention to the position of the synthetic core. It should cover the entire bearing edge from the toe to the end of the weight-bearing edge. If the core no longer lies completely beneath the weight-bearing edge after adjustment, we do not recommend this modification.
If required, blueline® weld-on clips can be added as toe or quarter clips. The weld-on clips are available in different sizes as well as in a softer winter version and a harder summer version. Size K4 is suitable for horseshoes from 122mm to 134mm.
Thanks to its deeper tread pattern, the blueline® NXT already provides good traction. If required, Spikes can be screwed in using the appropriate adapter. Especially in winter, they can be useful due to the slightly harder Extra material.
Sometimes it may be necessary to modify the bar of the NXT, for example to treat acute thrush . Both minor adjustments and complete removal are possible. However, if the bar is removed completely, the NXT loses some stability, allowing the branches to twist more easily.
As a lightweight, supportive horseshoe, the NXT is well suited for therapeutic or orthopedic applications. The open sole area can be closed using the Hoof Sole Protector . The horseshoe can also be combined with a wedge to change the hoof angle or with the Sole Relief Pad to relieve pressure on the tip of the coffin bone .
General Application and Safety Information
Glue-On Hoof Protection – Flexible Adjustment with the blueline® NXT
As a flexible and lightweight synthetic horseshoe, the blueline® NXT is particularly well suited for glue-on application. Since the synthetic core can also be welded to the glue-on tabs, the NXT can be adjusted very flexibly to the individual hoof shape. For glue-on application, the horseshoe can even be ground down into the core. This is a major advantage of the multi-component horseshoe, especially for irregular hoof shapes or challenging cases.
Please remember to grind off the nubs completely before welding. Otherwise, subsequent compression of the tabs may occur.
Suitable glue-on tabs
The Pro and Easy glue-on collars, as well as the popular Wolf Busch® glue-on tabs, can be used to glue on the NXT. Depending on the version selected, the heat gun temperature and rolling speed should be adjusted accordingly during synthetic welding.
Nailed Hoof Protection – Reliable Nail Hold with Targeted Metal Reinforcement
A flexible, fully synthetic horseshoe only minimally restricts the hoof mechanism and is therefore considered a particularly barefoot-like form of hoof protection. The blueline® NXT combines a shock-absorbing, softer outer layer with a harder synthetic core made of TPU. Unlike conventional composite horseshoes, this core is not made of metal but of synthetic material. This keeps the NXT particularly lightweight and flexible while providing additional stability compared with fully synthetic horseshoes without a reinforcing core. Like its predecessor, the evo!, it can be either glued or nailed on.
Although we are not aware of any problems with the nailed application of the evo! to date, our many years of experience with composite horseshoes have shown us how important it is for the nails to remain securely anchored throughout the entire shoeing period. The development of the NXT gave us the opportunity to incorporate more than 20 years of experience with composite horseshoes into the blueline® concept.
We have therefore also added a version with a small metal insert in the area of the nailing slots, which we recommend for nailed application. The metal-reinforced nailing slots help secure the nail heads firmly in the horseshoe, can reduce the risk of them pulling through, and contribute to reliable hold throughout the shoeing period.
For the metal insert, the principle is: as much as necessary, as little as possible. It is deliberately limited to the area around the nailing slots. As a result, there is only a minor difference between the two NXT versions in terms of flexibility and the associated freedom of movement of the hoof mechanism.
Choosing the Right Horseshoe Nail
In general, the same nails used for our composite horseshoes can also be used for the blueline® NXT. The key requirement is that the nail head cannot pull through the nailing slot. The best nail size and type for each individual case depends on factors including hoof horn quality, hoof size and the horse's intended use. General recommendations for choosing the right nail size can be found in our Horseshoe Nails category.
A Possible Alternative Where Steel Shoes Are Not Allowed
The minimal metal insert is located on the ground side of the synthetic core. Under normal wear conditions, however, it generally remains sufficiently enclosed by the synthetic material. If very heavy wear causes it to become exposed, the nail heads would usually already be worn down to such an extent that the horseshoe would no longer be securely attached to the hoof anyway.
The risk of exposed metal parts during a normal shoeing period is therefore very low. The version with metal-reinforced nailing slots may also be a suitable alternative for herd situations or other situations in which steel shoes or visible metal on the hoof are not desired for safety reasons.
Wear and Durability of the blueline® NXT
If the horseshoe core becomes visible due to wear, this does usually not affect the function of the NXT, as the outer layer and core are firmly bonded together. An exposed synthetic core does not automatically prevent the horseshoe from being reused.
However, if the NXT shows severe uneven wear or – when nailed on – the nail heads would protrude, we advise against reusing it. As always, the final decision for the NXT rests with the farrier on site. If in doubt, you should always choose a new horseshoe.
Further information about the durability of horseshoes with a synthetic outer layer can be found under FAQ → Abrasion and Durability.
Product Features
| General Information and Delivery Details | |
|---|---|
| Model | NXT multi-component horseshoe with a durable synthetic core with or without metal-reinforced nailing slots |
| Brand | blueline® |
| Product Range | The NXT is part of our Innovations test range at reduced introductory prices. |
| Made in | Germany |
| Item Number | BKE10, BKE11, BNE10, BNE11 |
| Packaging Unit | The NXT is sold individually. |
| Exchanges and Returns | Under certain conditions, exchanges or returns are possible within 3 months within the European
Union (EU). For returns from outside the EU, please contact our customer service team. Full details can be found under FAQ → Service & Conditions. |
| Function and Areas of Use | |
|---|---|
| Function | alternative hoof protection, weight reduction, shock absorption, support of the hoof mechanism |
| Hardness Degree / Season | Extra – without additional traction enhaincing devices, the NXT has only limited suitability for winter use, depending on temperature and ground conditions. |
| Dimensions, Shapes, Sizes and Weight | |
|---|---|
| Available Shapes | round (generally suitable for front hooves) and oval (generally suitable for hind hooves) |
| Determining the Size | Determine the horseshoe size based on the hoof shape and the widest part of the hoof (after appropriate hoof trimming) or, if necessary, based on the steel shoe size that previously fitted the hoof. |
| Sizes | Initially, the NXT is available in sizes from 122mm to 134mm. Additional sizes will follow as production progresses. |
| Size Increments | in 4mm increments |
| Weight | 170-215g |
| Material and Design – Special Features of the Model | |
|---|---|
| Synthetic Horseshoe | The synthetic material provides shock absorption. The bar made of synthetic material can help improve blood circulation in the hoof. |
| Durable Synthetic Core | The blueline® NXT is a multi-component horseshoe. The durable ring-shaped synthetic core provides additional stability while restricting hoof movement in the heel area less than a rigid ring-shaped metal core. |
| Hoof Mechanism | The flexible synthetic material supports the movement of the hoof's elastic structures. |
| Sole Area | The open sole design offers breathability to the hoof
sole
and the frog
. The molded synthetic lip, acts like a debris guard. It helps to reduce the amount of snow and debris balling up . |
| Grip | The blueline® NXT provides good traction thanks to the material used and the deeper tread pattern. Spikes can be used for additional traction. In general, you must adjust your speed to the ground conditions and, for example, ride at a reduced speed on slippery surfaces. |
| Knob Arrays | The knobs press into the weight-bearing edge and largely prevent the nailed horseshoe from twisting on the hoof during the regular shoeing period. When used as a glue-on horseshoe, the nubs must be ground off before welding on the glue tabs. |
| Nailing Slots | Depending on the size, the blueline® NXT has 6 to 8 nailing
slots integrated
into
the synthetic core. The optimal nail size varies depending on the hoof situation and hoof size. General recommendations can be found in our shop under Horseshoe Nails. For nailed application, we recommend the version with a small metal insert in the nailing slot area. |
| Horseshoe Application and Individual Adjustments to the Hoof | |
|---|---|
| Application | nail-on horseshoe, glue-on horseshoe |
| Application Instructions | Our application instructions can be found under FAQ → Shoeing Instructions and Application Guidelines. |
| Adjustment | Always adjust each multi-component horseshoe to the individual hoof shape. |
| Accessories | blueline® weld-on clips, Wolf Busch® glue-on tabs, Extensions, color strips, Spikes, wedge, Sole Relief Pad and more. |
| Safety Information | |
|---|---|
| Safety Information | Safety information for our blueline® products can be found
under FAQ → Safety Information. |
| Safety Information as a PDF Download | PDF Download |
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