product description
Protective Insoles - Hoof Pads for Horseshoes
Our focus is on our composite and pure urethane horseshoes, and the suitable accessories. However, we have never been, and will never become, 'opponents of steel shoes'. Steel shoes have their rightful place, just as our alternative shoes and other forms of hoof protection do.
It is important that the rider or horse owner and the farrier work together to find the ideal hoof protection for each individual horse.
Our horseshoes are designed with the weel-being of the horse in mind, and this focus remains, even if traditional steel shoes are the best choice for the horse.
It’s no surprise that Hubert and Danny Frank, along with the entire toolmaking team, are also active in this area. Our urethane hoof pads for traditional horseshoes, known as Protective Insoles, have been available in a test model since the launch of Duplo Innovations. Unfortunately, as we pursued other projects in the meantime, it took some time before we could expand our range with additional hoof pads.
We look forward to your feedback on our new 'Universal' Protective Insoles. All participants who submit a review of a verified purchase of any model of our pins in the online shop by March 31, 2025, will be entered into a drawing to win a €50 voucher.
Functions of Our Hoof Pads (Protective Insoles)
- Shock Absorption - The urethane material used provides effective shock absorption .
- Frog Support - This design allows the frog to contribute to weight-bearing, enhancing circulation. With each step, the digital cushion receives impulses that help pump blood from the hoof back to the horse’s heart. Improved circulation generally has a positive effect on horn growth.
- Different Models for Added Benefits - Depending on the model you choose, you can either benefit from the integrated synthetic rim, which offers some protection against snowballing , or opt for the version with a grid sole combined with padding material.
Originally, we planned to offer hoof pads precisely tailored to various horseshoe brands. However, the feedback on our first PIns prompted us to rethink our approach. The result is our 'Universal' Hoof Pad, providing you as a farrier with maximum flexibility while requiring less storage space in your farrier car.
Shock-Absorbing Urethane Hoof Pads for Traditional Steel Shoes - Images
The initial version developed for Kerckhaert Comfort horseshoes features naillings slots and recesses that match the position of the quarter clips of the horseshoe. The intergrated synthethic rim is intended to work like a kind of Snowgrip® to prevent snow from balling up. The hoof pad is currently available in horseshoe sizes 0 and 1. While the pads are currently transparent, they will soon be available in blue, as they will also be made from the softer standard recycled material.
With the Universal hoof pad, you can choose between an open sole section and a grid sole. The grid sole is ideal for use with padding material. Both versions are initially planned for horseshoe sizes 0 to 6. The sizes will be made available for sale depending on the production schedule. Please be patient if your size is not yet available.
Since we didn't want to delay the launch until all sizes were ready, the remaining sizes will be added as quickly as possible.
All hoof pads are made from resource-efficient recycled granulate. The new 'Universal' models will be available in both a softer and a harder version. The 'KC' model is only available in the softer version. As with our recycled horseshoes, the color represents the hardness level: blue indicates the softer standard version, and yellow represents the harder extra version.
Application and Safety Instructions for Working with Hoof Padse
Please observe our safety information when working with our products. These guidelines are intended not only for farriers but also for horse owners, and riders.
Step-by-Step Guide for Adjusting the Hoof Pad
Preparing the Horseshoe
Currently, our hoof pads are only available in a round shape. However, with some skill, they can also be adjusted to fit oval-shaped horseshoes.
First, select a horseshoe that matches the shape and size of the hoof, and fit it to the hoof shape as usual.
When hot shoeing, make sure the horseshoe has cooled down before inserting the hoof pad.
Adjusting the horseshoe to the shape of the horse’s hoof.
The correct fit of the horseshoe is the first step.
Preparing the Hoof Pad
When using the'Universal' hoof pad with a clipped horseshoe, it's necessary to adjust the pad to make room for the clips. Since there are no cutouts for the clips, the insole is completely versatile and can be used with horseshoes both with and without clips.
The 'KC' insole already has cutouts for quarter clips. However, it may still be necessary to manually adjust them as well.
The hoof pad has been modified in the area of the clips to ensure it can be optimally inserted into the previously adjusted horseshoe.
The 'KC' model—for Kerkhaert Comfort horseshoes—can generally be easily placed into the horseshoe.
Adjusting the Hoof Pad to the Shape of the Horseshoe
Once the hoof insole is placed in the horseshoe, adjust its outer shape to match the horseshoe by sanding off any excess urethane material. Ensure adequate ventilation while sanding, and avoid inhaling dust.
The frog support of the hoof pad consists of multiple bars. If these bars do not align ideally between the branches of the horseshoe, you can modify parts of the system by clipping or sanding them as needed.
When adjusting the outer shape, ensure adequate ventilation and follow all safety guidelines for working with the belt sander.
The two outer bars of the frog support were modified to ensure the insole fits well between the branches of the horseshoe.
Nailing on the Horseshoe
The fully adjusted horseshoe with the hoof pad can now be nailed on just like a regular horseshoe. Generally, it’s not necessary to pre-drill the nailing slots; you can simply nail through the urethane material.
In contrast to the 'Universal' model, the 'KC' hoof pad has integrated nailing slots. If the position of these nail holes isn’t ideal, you can still easily nail directly through the urethane material.
Nailing on the horseshoe with the Protective Insole.
Die Nagellöcher des Modells KC.
Securing the Hoof Pad in the Horseshoe
For the 'Universal' hoof pad, additional fixation at the rear section of the shoe should generally not be necessary. Since the insole is nailed through, it is usually held securely in place and shouldn’t shift. However, depending on any modifications you make to the insole, additional fixation may be needed. For example, if you decide to remove the frog support to suit the horse's specific needs, it is advisable to secure the insole.
Regarding the 'KC' model, we have received some feedback suggesting that additional fastening may be necessary, though this is not always the case. Please use your professional judgment as a farrier to determine the safest and most effective approach on site.
Features of the Protective Insoles
Shock absorption, frog support, and a synthetic rim designed to help reduce snowballing — these are the main qualities of our urethane insoles for horseshoes. The first model was developed to fit Kerckhaert Comfort horseshoes. Stephan Becker uses this model to illustrate the specific features of our hoofs pads, also known as Protective Insoles.
The Protective Insoles – Hoof Pads for Horseshoes
Application of the Universal Hoof Pad
From fitting to the horseshoe to nailing it on... In this video, we explain step by step the straightforward application of the next generation of our protective insoles. For the application guide we have used the blue model with open sole area of our Protective Insoles Universal as an example.
The Next Generation - Protective Insoles Universal
Product Features Protective Insoles
| Article | Protective Insoles - Hoof Pad / Insole for Horseshoes |
|---|---|
| Hersteller | Duplo |
| produced in | Germany |
| Product Range | Innovations Test Range |
| made from | recycled plastic from our own production (excluding the color) |
| Color | blue – this color indicates the softer version of the hoof pads The KC model still has remaining stock in "transparent"; once these are sold out, this model will also be available in blue. yellow – this color indicates the harder version of the hoof pads |
| Arcile Number | Hoof Pad Model 'KC': KC0000; KC0001 'Universal' Hoof Pad, softer version – round with open sole area: POS000 to POS006 'Universal' Hoof Pad, softer version – round with grid sole: PGS001 to PGS006 'Universal' Hoof Pad, harder version – round with open sole area: POE000 to POE006 'Universal' Hoof Pad, harder version – round with grid sole: PGE001 to PGE006 |
| Size | depending on the pad model, available in horseshoe sizes 0 to 6 The planned sizes will be released for sale based on production status. Please be patient if your size is not yet available. |
| Shape | round – however, the hoof pads can be adjusted to fit oval horseshoes |
| Function | hoof pad, horseshoe insole, frog support, shock absorption, helps prevent snowballing, snowball protection |
| Safety Information | You can find the safety guidelines for our composite horseshoes and compatible accessories under FAQ → Safety Information. |
| Packaging Unit | sold in pieces |
| Exchange and Return | Possible under certain preconditions within 3 months within the EU; For returns from outside the EU please contact our Customer Service Team. For further details please look at our section FAQ → Service & Conditions. |
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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