Full Branch Shoe – Enhanced Rear Hoof Support with a Regular Shoe Branch
Horseshoes or barefoot – flexibility or stability, and if stability, how much? These questions have always been at the heart of hoof protection. Even though our product range provides an optimal solution for many horses, we know that every horse has individual requirements when it comes to hoof protection. The level of stability needed also depends on the specific hoof condition and riding discipline. The fact is: there is no single solution that is ideal for every horse!
This is exactly why our product range is deliberately designed to be broad and versatile. With the Full Branch Shoe, our new model with quarter clips and a regular shoe branch, we are specifically expanding the range with an option for horses that can benefit from additional support and stability in the rear section of the hoof.
The Right Balance of Stability and Support for Optimal Hoof Protection
There are many reasons why a horse may benefit from a more stable horseshoe, particularly in the rear section of the hoof. This area may, for example, be underdeveloped and require additional support, the horse may be especially sensitive to pressure, or the horseshoe may be part of a therapeutic approach, such as in cases of navicular issues.
Of course, a horse may also require a particularly stable horseshoe because of its discipline, such as show jumping, driving, or Eventing . Whatever level of stability and support your horse needs, we offer the right model for almost every requirement.
Comparing Our Horseshoes – Flexibility vs. Stability and Support
Maximum freedom for the Hoof mechanism is provided by a pure plastic horseshoe, although the degree of flexibility varies depending on the hardness of the material. That is why our product range includes both pure plastic models and our proven composite horseshoes with a shortened Duplo branch. The well-knwon Duplo branch supports the hoof in the area of the bony structures but is intentionally kept short to interfere as little as possible with the natural freedom of movement in the rear section of the hoof.
Until now, horses requiring a horseshoe with greater support had to rely on our Straight Bar Shoes with their continuous ring-shaped metal core. For many horses, however, these proved to be either too rigid or not adaptable enough due to the uninterrupted metal core.
In terms of stability, our new model sits between the composite horseshoe with a shortened branch and the Straight Bar Shoe. Thanks in particular to its high level of adaptability—coming very close to that of our models with a shortened branch—we see the Full Branch Shoe as a long-overdue addition to our product range. It brings us one step closer to our goal of providing the ideal hoof protection solution for as many horses as possible.
Visual Comparison for Better Understanding
For simplicity, the colored knob arrays are shown in black in the model overview below. However, it is important to note that, across all models, the Extra version provides slightly more stability than the Standard version. For this reason, considering the different hardness levels is not only important in terms of wear and seasonal conditions, but also when selecting the level of support and stability your horse requires.
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Horseshoe Flexibility and Freedom of the Hoof Mechanism
more flexible
less flexible
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| Plastic horseshoes without a core (Classic, Base Plate, Pony) | Plastic horseshoes with a rigid plastic core (blueline® evo!) |
Models with a shortened shoe branch | HDS with a shortened shoe branch | Full Branch Shoe with a regular shoe branch | Straight Bar Shoes with a continuous ring-shaped metal core | HDS Traction Straight Bar Shoe with a continuous ring-shaped metal core |
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Stability and Support Provided by the Horseshoe
less support / stability
more support / stability
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The Full Branch Shoe with a Regular Shoe Branch in Detail – Photos
To offer an especially attractive price-performance ratio, the Full Branch Shoe does not come with knob arrays and the metal parts are not galvanized .
As with the Basic Shoe, the hardness of the plastic material can be identified by the abbreviations Std. (Standard, softer version) and Ex. (Extra, harder version).
The Full Branch Shoe is currently available in sizes from 110 mm to 146 mm and is offered in both round and oval shapes.
The Full Branch Shoe does not feature a reinforced tread pattern. However, for additional traction, you may add M-Spikes or FBS studs.
The sole area of the Full Branch Shoe is open but can optionally be closed using our Hoof Sole Protector . This also makes it possible to use the shoe in combination with padding materials.
We do not recommend lengthening or widening this model using our Extensions , as this may adversely affect the position of the branches.
Application and Safety Guidelines for Working with the Full Branch Shoe – Video
Adaptability
Thanks to the steel core, our composite horseshoes can be shaped in a similar way to traditional steel shoes. However, if you previously needed a model with increased stability in the rear hoof area, your only option was the Straight Bar Shoe with its continuous ring-shaped metal core.
Now you have a choice. The Full Branch Shoe offers an excellent middle ground, as one of its key advantages over our Straight Bar Shoes with a continuous ring-shaped metal core is its improved adaptability to the individual hoof shape. Adjustments can be made using an anvil and/or vise, or alternatively with our specially developed Duplo Shoe Spreader.
Shoeing a Horse with the Full Branch Shoe
Application Guide: Nailed Composite Horseshoes
Application Guide – Nailed Hoof Protection
In our video tutorial , Stephan Becker demonstrates the correct procedure for applying our composite horseshoes using our bestselling model with the shortened Duplo branch.
These instructions naturally also apply to our new Full Branch Shoe with a regular branch. The only difference is the adjustment of the horseshoe in the rear hoof area and carefully checking the position of the branches. If you plan to use the Full Branch Shoe with studs, also check the position of the threaded holes to ensure that no unwanted pressure is excerted on the hoof.
Application Guide: Glue-On Composite Horseshoes
Application Guide – Glue-On Hoof Protection
Like almost all horseshoes in our product range, the Full Branch Shoe is also suitable for glue-on application. Since the FBS comes without knob arrays, there is no need to remove them before gluing.
If you intend to apply the model with a regular shoe branch as a glue-on shoe, take care when adjusting the sides in the rear hoof area not to grind down to the steel branch. A strong weld between the horseshoe and the glue-on tab can only be achieved if sufficient plastic material remains.
Optimized Grip – Using Spikes and Studs
One advantage of the plastic coating og our horseshoes is that the material itself, combined with its lightly textured surface, already provides a certain level of grip. In some situations, however, it may be beneficial to further increase traction, by using spikes and / or studs.
Using Spikes with the Full Branch Shoe
For improved traction, the Full Branch Shoe can be retrofitted with spikes. These are comparable to the small tungsten carbide pins used in steel shoes and can be considered a preliminary step before using our FBS-studs.
If you would like to install a spike in an area that does not already have a flat dimple which is meant for the application of spikes first predrill one yourself. Further details on spike installation can be found in the spike product information.
Due to the special shape of the steel core, the use of L-Spikes with this model is only possible to a limited extent depending on the shape and size of the horseshoe. The recesses in the steel core intended for spikes in the quarter and toe area vary according to horseshoe size. In the area of the metal core, only M-Spikes can be used. Therefore, our general recommendation is to use only the smaller M-Spikes in combination with the Full Branch Shoe.
Using Studs with the Full Branch Shoe
Like our other composite horseshoes, the Full Branch Shoe combines a flexible, shock-absorbing plastic coating with a stable steel core. This allows it to combine the benefits of a barefoot-inspired plastic horseshoe with the stability and support of a traditional steel shoe.
Thanks to its full-length shoe branches, the Full Branch Shoe offers greater support in the rear hoof area than a composite horseshoe with a shortened Duplo branch. Similar to the Jumper and the Heavy Duty Shoes Traction , studs installed in the heel area therefore achieve a much more secure hold in the horseshoe.
You may be surprised to see us discussing studs, as the Full Branch Shoe does not come with integrated threaded inserts as standard. To keep the purchase price as attractive as possible, stud holes can be added by the farrier on site, just as they would be with a traditional steel shoe.
This gives you greater flexibility when choosing both the number and the exact position of the stud holes, allowing them to be tailored to the horse, the footing, and the intended use. For retrofitting studs, we have developed a stud specifically designed for this purpose: the FBS Stud.
Retrofitting Studs
All relevant information on retrofitting, detailed step-by-step instructions, and guidance on the required tools can be found in the product description of the FBS Studs.
Please read these instructions carefully before installation, as there are several important aspects to consider when retrofitting studs.
Pre-drill the stud hole using an HSS twist drill
Cut the M10 thread from the ground side of the horseshoe
Screw the FBS Stud into the prepared stud hole
Secure the FBS Stud by peening it with a hammer
Product Specifications
| General Information and Delivery Details | |
|---|---|
| Model | Clipped Full Branch Composite Horseshoe |
| Brand | Duplo |
| Product Range | Innovations test range at discounted introductory prices |
| Manufactured in | Germany |
| Item Numbers | 290, 291, 690, 691 |
| Packaging Unit | Sold individually |
| Returns and Exchanges | Possible within 3 months under certain conditions within the European Union (EU). For returns from outside the EU, please contact our customer service team. Full details can be found under Information → Service & Terms. |
| Function and Areas of Use | |
|---|---|
| Function | Alternative hoof protection, shock absorption, additional stability and enhanced support in the rear hoof area |
| Riding Styles and Disciplines | among others endurance riding , western riding,dressage , driving, show jumping, Eventing , gaited horse riding, classical riding, trail riding, and Working Equitation |
| Horse Breeds | Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, Paint Horses, Haflingers, Icelandic Horses, Arabians, Friesians, Andalusians, Hanoverians, and many more |
| Season / Hardness | The Full Branch Shoe is available in both hardness levels and can generally be used year-round. During colder months, we recommend the softer Standard version. In warmer temperatures, the Extra version has proven effective because it is more abrasion resistance . |
| Dimensions, Shapes, Sizes, and Weight | |
|---|---|
| Available Shapes | Round (typically suitable for front hooves) Oval (typically suitable for hind hooves) |
| Sizing | Determine the correct size based on hoof shape and the widest point of the hoof after trimming. If necessary, you may also use the size of a previously well-fitting horseshoe as a reference. Feel free to use our free sizing template. |
| Sizes (= Width) | 110 mm, 114 mm, 118 mm, 122 mm, 126 mm, 130 mm, 134 mm, 138 mm, 142 mm, 146 mm |
| Size Increment | 4 mm increments |
| Length | Varies by size. Details can be found under Information → Sizes and Shapes. |
| Thickness | 15 mm |
| Weight | Varies by size from 260 up to 465g |
| Materials and Design – Special Features of This Model | |
|---|---|
| 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. The regular shoe branch restricts the hoof mechanism slightly more than the shortened branches used in other models. |
| 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 spikes or FBS Studs. Always adjust riding speed according to the ground conditions, especially on slippery surfaces. |
| Knobs | without knob arrays |
| 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. The optimal nail size varies by hoof condition and size. You’ll find general recommendations in our shop under hoof nails. |
| Quarter Clips | Quarter clips make nailing easier and help prevent the horseshoe from twisting or slipping during the regular shoeing period. Be careful to adjust the quarter clips to the hoof angle when shoeing. |
| Application Methods and Individual Hoof Adjustments | |
|---|---|
| Application Type | Nailed horseshoe, glue-on horseshoe, cast shoe |
| Shoeing Instructions | can be found under 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. |
| Adjustment | Always fit the horseshoe individually to the hoof shape – use an angle grinder or belt
grinder for example. Advanced modifications (at your own discretion) are possible: narrow, widen, 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, Hoof Sole Protector, wedges, color strips, cast hooks, M-Spikes, and FBS Studs |
| Safety Guidelines | |
|---|---|
| Safety Information Online | can be found under FAQ → Safety Information |
| Safety Information PDF Download | PDF Download |
| Risk of Injury | 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; the quarter clips must be monitored. |
| Studs | The use of studs increases the risk of injuries. Please observe the additional information regarding stud use in our safety guidelines. |
Composite Horseshoes for Stud Use – A Comparison
With the introduction of the Full Branch Shoe, our product range now includes another option for horses requiring studs. The comparison below highlights the key similarities and differences to help you choose the most suitable hoof protection solution.
In addition to the models listed below, we also offer the open-toed horseshoe with threads. Since this special model is used only in very specific situations, we have not included it in the comparison below. If you would like to learn more about this open-toe model, which is frequently used for horses with laminitis , please refer to the corresponding product description.
| Threaded Composite Horseshoe | Threaded HDS | Snow Edition | Full Branch Shoe | Jumper | HDS Traction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Core | shortened branch | shortened branch | shortened branch | regular horseshoe branch | Straight Bar Shoe, ring-shaped metal-inlay | Straight Bar Shoe, ring-shaped metal-inlay |
| Plastic Hardness Options | Standard, Extra | Standard, Extra | Standard | Standard, Extra | Standard | Standard |
| Integrated Threaded Holes | M8 | depends on size | M8 | M10 – manually retrofitted | depends on size | depends on size |
| Maximum Number of Studs per Horseshoe | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 (STS) / 4 | 4 |
| Stud Use | permanent | permanent | permanent | permanent | stud chage possible | stud change possible |
| Compatible Studs | Grip Studs, Nordic Studs | Grip Studs, Nordic Studs | Grip Studs, Nordic Studs | FBS Studs | Studs for extreme conditions; Ice Studs | Studs for extreme conditions; Ice Studs |
| Adaptability | good | good | good | good | limited | limited |
| Round Sizes | 102–170 mm | 118–198 mm | 114–142 mm | 110–146 mm | 114–170 mm | 118–198 mm |
| STS Sizes | 102–154 mm | – | – | – | 102–154 mm | – |
| Oval Sizes | 98–166 mm | 118–198 mm | 114–142 mm | 110–146 mm | 114–166 mm | 118–198 mm |
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