Hoof Protection without Nailing - the 'Nailless' as a Glue-On and Cast-Horseshoe
Are you looking for an adhesive shoe for your horse? Then you are in the right place! With the different glue-on iron shoes and glue-on plastic shoes available, it is important to find out which hoof protection is the right one for your horse.
The reasons why you decide for a glue shoe can be various, e.g. out of conviction if you generally do not want to nail on a horseshoe.
Especially if you would prefer to run your horse barefoot but the horse does not get along without a hoof protection, a glued horse shoe can be a good alternative to standard metal horseshoes.
The reasons why a horse needs a hoof protection can be various - it may be, for example, that the horse
- walks sensitively on hard ground,
- tends to quickly develop a hoof abscess,
- has a hoof disease requiring a horseshoe, or
- suffers from arthrosis , so additional shock absorption can bring relief to the horse,
- and much more.
However, the decision to use an adhesive horseshoe can also be made out of necessity, due to the general condition of the hoof, for example if the hoof wall is damaged and it is therefore no longer possible to nail on a hoof protection - be it a conventional horseshoe, a pure plastic shoe or a composite horseshoes .
The experience of our customers has shown that glued hoof protection can also be an advantage for horses which, for example, can no longer hold up the hoof for so long due to age, or which are very sensitive due to arthrosis and then find a kind of nailless shoeing, such as gluing, more pleasant. The additional shock absorption of the plastic coating is a great advantage of our shoe, especially in the case of arthrosis.
Regardless of the motivation for choosing an alternative hoof protection in the form of adhesive shoeing, whether you do the adhesive shoeing yourself or have your horse glued by your barehoof trimmer or farrier - our recommendation is the Nailless.
Thanks to its combination of metal and plastic, the Nailless - like all our shoes - offers various advantages for the horse's hoof. For a long time we had to fight with prejudices that the 'rubber horseshoes' are no good - thanks to the development work of the last decades, fortunately a statement that belongs to the past. Many hoof care specialists and horse owners are now convinced of the advantages of our horseshoes.
- The plastic, which is injected around the metal core like a kind of jacket, has shock-absorbing properties and is therefore gentle on the horse's musculoskeletal system.
- The metal core stabilizes the hoof exactly in the area of the bony structures.
- The healthy hoof benefits from the mobility of the plastic because it stimulates the hoof mechanism instead of restricting it.
Although our shoes are no medical products and cannot cure hoof diseases, the targeted application of a composite shoe in coordination with the hoof technician and/or veterinarian can support the recovery process of the horse.
Alternative Hoof Protection without Nailing - Photos
If you want to create an adhesive shoe yourself, we recommend the Nailless. The round shape is usually suitable for the front, the oval for the back hooves.
The adjustment of the Nailless to the hoof is a decisive factor for a reliable adhesive shoe. Be careful not to inhale grinding dust when grinding.
Using our welding device and with a little skill, you can easily make your own glue shoe out of shoes and a rubber tab like the Wolf Busch®, Easy or Pro.
The welding device helps to achieve even and stable welding seams. We recommend slightly rounding the welding edges towards the bottom side.
Once you have welded the adhesive tabs to the horseshoe, we recommend checking to see if a glassy bulge is visible along the entire seam.
As with any hoof protection, check daily for secure fit and undamaged condition of the adhesive iron and check all tabs for proper fit before riding.
The sprues produced during production are "pinched off" by hand. They are later further processed into regranulate material. This protects our resources.
The Nailless is our recommendation for an adhesive shoe that offers both shock absorption and stability and can be optimally welded to the various tabs.
There are two degrees of hardness. These can be compared with car tires - Extra as the summer tire and Standard as the all-season/winter tire.
Application and Safety Instructions - Video
Whether during farriery or later in the paddock or while riding: There are certain safety advices and injury hazards that we need to make you aware of. Our safety instructions are not only for the hoof workers but also for the horse owners and riders. Please follow them to avoid injuries to humans and horses.
Especially if you want to glue a horseshoe, you also have to observe the safety instructions of the adhesive used. You will find these in article description when you buy the glue directly from us.
Necessary Adjustments when using the Nailless
In order to achieve the ideal form closure required for a glued hoof protection, the soft knobs of the Nailless must be removed before you start the plastic-welding process.
Not suitable for use as a nail-on horseshoe
The Nailless was developed specially for the use as a glue-on shoe or cast shoe . Even though this model is also equipped with nail holes, the Nailless is not suitable as a purely nailed shoe because the softer knobs won't protect it against twisting out of position on the hoof.
Step-by-Step Video Instruction for Adhesive Hoof Protection using the Wolf Busch® Glue-On Tabs (formerly RB-Carbon) as an example
Whether it is a horseshoe or a glue shoe, whether conventionally made of iron, pure plastic or just our composite glue shoe - the right hoof preparation is the key.
Especially if you want to glue a hoof protection, the bare hoof treatment - above all evenly rasped of the hooves - as well as the adjustment of the shoe to the horse's hoof are crucial. Using a permanent maker, you can sketch on the shoe which areas you need to grind away. Grinding can then be done easily with an angle grinder or belt grinder. Please be careful not to inhale any grinding dust. If you don't have a grinder at hand, the shoe can also be adjusted with a soft-faced hammer and a toeing knife. The hoof protection should exceed the hoof by approx. 1mm in the area where the adhesive tabs will later be welded on.
Step-by-Step Instruction for Glued Hoof Protection using the Wolf Busch® Adhesive Tabs (formerly RB-Carbon)
Special Instructions for the Use of the Nailless as a Cast Shoe
The big advantage of shoeing such a special cast shoe with our composite shoe, cast hooks and cast bandage is that the cast bandage doesn't cover the bottom surface of the horseshoe. This means that the cast will not be worn off so quickly. Usually, a cast shoe is not used as a riding shoe; it is most often used when the horn capsule needs to be absolutely immobilized and stabilized. With this type of hoof protection, it is important that the coronary band and the heel bulbs remain uncovered!
If you want to use the Nailless as a cast shoe, please note the instructions for working with the cast bandage. Of course, you can also buy the cast from us.
Step-by-step Instruction: Alternative Hoof Protection - a Cast Shoe made of composite shoe, Cast Hooks and Cast Bandage
Reliable Hoof Protection in Different Seasons
No matter whether you use a glued or nailed hoof protection, a normal horseshoe, a plastic shoe or even hoof boots - on wet meadows, muddy paths or in extreme cases on ice and snow, you have to take special safety precautions and choose the right material. A Standard shoe (orange dots) can usually be used all year round, but is not as abrasion resistant in the summer as an Extra shoe (green dots). In summer, at higher temperatures, we therefore recommend the Extra shoes, whether as nailed or glued hoof protection. In winter, on the other hand, we do not recommend using the Extra models, as some horses slip more quickly with these plastic shoes at lower temperatures. For more information on anti-skidding and riding in the winter, please see the FAQ section → Anti-Skid Protection.
You can achieve additional anti-skid protection for your glued shoe by adding an increased profile or by using Spikes . Basically, for safety reasons, you must also adapt your riding style and speed to the terrain and the season.
Alternative Hoof Protection in Winter
Product Specifications
| General Data and Delivery Information | |
|---|---|
| Model | Nailless - Un-clipped horseshoe without knob arrays - ideal as a glue-on or cast shoe |
| Brand | Duplo |
| Manufactured in | Germany |
| Item Numbers | N100, N101, N410, N411 |
| Packaging Unit | sold individually |
| Returns and Exchanges | Possible under certain conditions within 3 months within the European Union (EU). For returns from outside the EU, please contact our customer service. All details can be found under FAQ → Service & Conditions. |
| Function and Application | |
|---|---|
| Function | Alternative hoof protection, shock absorption, stimulation of the hoof mechanism, glue-on shoe, cast-shoe |
| Riding Styles and Disciplines | among others: leisure riding and orienteering, western riding, dressage , gaited horses riding, baroque riding, ground work, cross-country riding, endurance riding , Working Equitation |
| Horse Breeds | among others Warmblood, Thoroughbred, Haflinger, Icelandic Horse, Arabian, Andalusian, Hanoverian, Missouri Foxtrotter, Norwegian, Welsh Pony, German Riding Pony, Konik Pony |
| Season / Hardness Level | Available in both hardness levels and suitable for year-round use. During colder months, we recommend the slightly softer Standard horseshoes. In warmer temperatures, the slightly harder Extra version has proven to be more abrasion-resistant . |
| Measurements, Shapes, Sizes, and Weight | |
|---|---|
| Available Shapes | round (usually fits front hooves) / oval (usually fits hind hooves) |
| Size Determination | Based on hoof shape and the widest part of the hoof (after proper trimming), or, if
necessary,
the size of the previous steel shoes. Feel free to use our free template. |
| Sizes (=Width) |
|
| Size Intervals | in 4mm steps |
| Length | varies by size – for details please visit FAQ → Sizes and Shapes |
| Thickness | 15mm |
| Weight | depending on the size from 220g up to 550g |
| Material and Construction – Special Features | |
|---|---|
| Plastic Coating | The soft plastic coating has a shock-absorbing effect. The bar made of plastic material can improve the blood circulation of the hoof. |
| Hoof Mechanism | The flexible synthetic material encourages the mobility of the elastic hoof 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 | To improve the grip of the shoe you may add a deeper thread pattern and / or spikes. Always adjust riding speed according to the ground conditions, especially on slippery surfaces. |
| Knobs |
The softer, production-related knobs do not prevent a nailed-on horseshoe from twisting on the hoof. Therefore, the Nailless should not be used as a purely nailed horseshoe. When used as a cast or glue-on shoe, also the softer knobs must be ground down before attaching the cast hooks / before plastic-welding the glue-on tabs to the shoe. |
| Metal Core | The metal core enhances durability and helps avoid unwanted pressure on the hoof. |
| Nailing Slots | The shoe features 6 to 8 nailing slots integrated into the metal core, depending on
size. Thus, the Nailless can be used as a half-nailed / half-glued horseshoe.
The optimal nail size varies by hoof condition and size. You’ll find general recommendations in our shop under hoof nails. |
| Shoeing and Customization | |
|---|---|
| Application | glue-on shoe or cast
shoe, half-nailed / half-glued horseshoe The Nailless should not be used as a purely nailed hoof protection due to the lack of a stable knob arrays. |
| Shoeing Instruction | can be found unter FAQ → Instructions |
| Therapy Shoe / Rehab | The model is also suitable for supportive use in the orthopedic and therapeutic field. We expressly point out that our products do not diagnose or cure any diseases and advise for any use with a therapeutic or orthopedic background to work closely with the hoof specialist or veterinarian on site. |
| Customization | Always fit the horseshoe individually to the hoof shape – use an angle grinder, belt
grinder,
hoof nippers, or toeing knife. Advanced modifications (at your own discretion) are possible: narrow, widen, lengthen the shoe or close the sole area; you may also bend or grind a Toe Rocker . More info available under FAQ → Adjustment to the Hoof. |
| Accessories | among others Wolf Busch® glue-on tabs, glue-on collars Pro and Easy, Extensions , Hoof Sole Protector , wedge , colored stripes, cast hooks, Spikes, welding device, glue and more |
| Safety Instructions | |
|---|---|
| Safety Information | can be found unter FAQ → Safety Information |
| Safety Instructions as PDF Download | PDF Download |
| Risk of Injuries in Herds | Minimized risk of injuries in herd situations and in case of irregular movements in comparison to a steel shoe or the sharp-edged border of a bare hoof - please also read our safety information. |
Tips and Tricks
Every product is only as good as its user. It is therefore our concern to offer you the best possible support around the application of our products. This applies not only to the small tips on the application of our products, but also to the tools and accessories required for this. On our website, you will find instructions for glued shoeing application as well as the necessary hoof cleaner, glue and our welding device. Of course, our Customer Service Team will also be happy to provide you with further information.
Shock Absorption and Protection of the Hoof Sole
If you need a glue shoe that provides shock absorption but at the same time protects the sole because your horse walks on the sole or even goes lame because of the sole being too thin, you can modify the Nailless into a hoof protection with a closed sole using our plastic plates or our Hoof Sole Protector . If you require a clipped-horseshoe we would recommend the Basic model for gluing.
Successful Gluing
The Nailless can be plastic-welded with all the glue-on tabs in our range; both the Wolf Busch® tabs (former RB-Carbon) and the Pro and Easy adhesive collars. No matter what gluing system you use, the important thing is that it is a realiable hoof protection and the horse doesn't keep losing a shoe. Successful gluing depends on many factors - so how do you play it safe with your glue-on shoe? In addition to the right size and fit to the hoof, there are three other crucial factors:
Uniform and Stable Welding Seams
To create a glue shoe, we recommend using a welding pad or our welding device. We have two different welding devices in our assortment - the standard welding device, which can also be conveniently mounted on the anvil or hoof stand, and the mini welding device - the smaller version of our welding device.
Check your welding seam - there should be a small glassy bulge should be visible along the entire length at the welding edges. Once the seam has become cool, we recommend a tear test. Don't worry - no matter how hard you pull on the tab, the forces acting on the horse's hoof will be many times greater. Should the tab give way during your tear test, the shoe would not last long on the hoof. If you are planning to apply a glued hoof protection for the first time or if you would like to practice plastic welding, you can buy a practice kit from us.
Final Preparations before gluing on the hoof
We recommend roughening the hoof wall with sandpaper before gluing and then degreasing the glue-on shoe as well as the hoof wall below the coronet band. For this purpose, we recommend the multi-purpose cleaning spray like Mega Foam.
Gluing and Sealing
You can buy different adhesives from us, with which we have had good experience depending on the surrounding temperature. Be sure to also observe the safety instructions and the final hardness of the adhesive used.
When gluing, less is more - spread one tab at a time, outline it with glue and make a cross and four dots in it. It is not helpful to "drown" the entire tab in glue. Once you have applied the adhesive, press the tab evenly with two fingers from bottom to top for about 10 to 15 seconds. When all the tabs are fixated, you should seal the outer edge of the tabs with some adhesive.
You can find detailed step-by-step instructions under FAQ → Instructions.
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