Duplo News
Would you like to discover the horse events we'll be attending and stay updated on the latest developments regarding our composite horseshoes? Then this is the right place for you. For comprehensive insights into hoof care, alternative hoof protection and, of course, our alternative horseshoes, we invite you to follow us on social media.
Explore the world of our hoof protection, crafted in Germany, and the Original Composite Horseshoe. Learn more about our latest products and events. We want to help you find the best possible hoof protection for your horse to optimally support its health and well-being. Just like people, horses are individuals, and not every hoof requires the same hoof protection solution. Some horses can go barefoot, while others need horseshoes, and some may require additional shock absorption. We do not adhere to rigid, one-size-fits-all thinking or advocate for a single approach to alternative hoof protection. Our goal is to find the right solution for each horse. Make sure to regularly check our online shop to stay up to date with our product innovations and events.
Events – Fairs and Farrier Conventions with Duplo Composite Horseshoes
Here, you'll find the dates of current events worldwide, including seminars specifically dedicated to composite horseshoes, as well as fairs where composite horseshoes are among the many products represented. We are very excited to meet you in person and get to know you!
Germany
- FEI World Championships – Aachen, August From August 11 to 23, 2026, the international equestrian elite will return to a place that made history with the unforgettable World Equestrian Games in 2006. Then as now, the focus will be on unforgettable moments, world-class performances, and a truly captivating atmosphere. The enthusiasm in packed arenas and on the streets of the host city once turned the event into a legendary celebration – and in 2026, it promises once again to deliver goosebump-worthy memories that will last. You can look forward to several disciplines: jumping, dressage, para-dressage, eventing, vaulting, and driving. We’re truly excited to see you there!
Events – Workshops and Seminars with Duplo Composite Horseshoes
In these practical workshops, you will gain in-depth insight into the versatile applications of composite horseshoes. Spectator places are also available for those who do not wish to participate actively. The workshop price already includes all practice materials, so you can enjoy a true all-inclusive package. We will introduce you to our wide range of products and explain the differences as well as the optimal applications of the various adhesive systems. You will also receive valuable tips on choosing the right tools and materials for the gluing process. It is important to us that every participant has the opportunity to perfect their welds and independently apply a glue-on shoe to a hoof or hoof dummy, of course under supervision. We are happy to welcome both newcomers and experienced users!
Glue-on Workshops in Germany
Verden
- September 2026
- November 2026
Freyung-Grafenau
- September 2026
- October 2026
News from the World of Alternative Hoof Protection – Stay Up to Date
Test Our New Material and Get a Thank-You Gift
We value your practical experience: As part of the ongoing development of our horseshoes, we are currently testing a new material – and would like to involve you in the process. You can choose between two different material compounds: a softer version similar to our Standard shoe and a firmer version with properties comparable to our Extra shoe. The test shoes with quarter clips are available in round and oval shapes and in sizes from 118mm to 142mm. Quantities are limited, so they are only available while stocks last. Put the shoes to the test under real-world conditions and share your experience with us: test report. As a thank-you for a detailed test report including photos, you will receive a EUR 10 Duplo voucher and a Duplo bucket. Your feedback provides valuable insights and helps us continue improving our products. Would you like to take part? Simply send your test report by email to info@duplo-frank.de. We look forward to hearing about your experience!
New in Our Range: The Full Branch Shoe
With the Full Branch Shoe, we are expanding our range with a model featuring quarter clips and regular horseshoe branches. It is especially suitable for horses that can benefit from additional support and stability in the rear hoof area. To offer a particularly attractive price-performance ratio, the Full Branch Shoe does not include colored knob arrays or galvanized metal parts. You can choose between the Standard and the Extra version. The Full Branch Shoe is initially available in sizes from 110mm to 146mm and is offered in both round and oval shapes. It does not have a deeper tread pattern. For additional slip protection, M-Spikes or FBS studs (M10) can be used; suitable stud holes can be drilled and threaded manually if needed.
Did you know that the Duplo Arizona is not only used in rocky terrain?
Thanks to its special shape and weight distribution, the Arizona is also suitable as a special shoeing solution for gaited horses and as a supportive shoe for horses with bone spavin. In gaited horse disciplines, the shoeing position, breakover point, and weight can be used to specifically influence the horse's movement pattern – for example, to promote a smoother tölt. The Arizona has also proven itself in practice for horses with bone spavin: the reinforced toe area protects the hoof toe during typical toe dragging and can support forward movement. These versatile applications demonstrate how important close cooperation between farriers and manufacturers is for innovative shoeing solutions.
The Year Is Coming to an End – Important Updates for You
The end of the year is approaching, bringing a number of important changes we'd like to inform you about in advance. We're updating our tiered pricing for both private and business customers and expanding the list of eligible business customer groups. In the future, breeders, trainers, riding schools, equine therapists, and equine-assisted education / therapeutic riding programs will also benefit from our business terms. After a long period of stable prices since May 2022, an overdue update to our pricing policy is now scheduled. The new prices will apply to all orders placed from 2025-12-29 onward and are already visible in your personal customer price list online, which you can find under FAQ → Online Price List. If you're eligible for business pricing, please make sure to log in to your customer account beforehand so that the reduced prices are displayed correctly. Our last regular office day this year is 2025-12-22. We will be available as usual until 12:00 PM. After that, we'll be on company holiday. Orders received between 2025-12-23 and 2025-12-28 will still be processed on 2025-12-29 at the old prices and shipped within the year. We'll be back and available for you as usual starting 2026-01-07. We've summarized all key information about the upcoming changes and the year-end process for you on a dedicated information page.
Changes in the Innovations Test Range at the Turn of the Year
At the turn of the year, the Hoof Sole Protector and the models made from regranulate will move from our Innovations Test Range into the regular product range. In recent years, we have tested horseshoes made from regranulate and can now confirm that they work well. However, since the available material is limited, these models are not suitable for the mass market. As previously practiced in the Innovations Test Range, the following continues to apply: all customers benefit from the same reduced price. The Snow Edition, the horseshoes made from test material, and the Protective Insoles will remain in the Innovations Test Range in the coming season. This means you can continue to purchase these products at discounted test prices. The same applies to the Wolf Busch® 'Basic' glue-on tabs.
blueline® products by Wolfgang Busch
The Wolf Busch® brand is already well known to many of our customers – especially for its proven glue-on tabs. Wolfgang Busch, the man behind the brand, is also known for his expertise and innovative approach to horseshoeing. Our long-standing and trusted cooperation has, among other things, led to the development of open-toe horseshoes that have already helped many horses. With blueline®, Wolfgang has created another product line, which so far includes the blueline® weld-on clips and the blueline® evo! combination horseshoes.
Wolf Busch® Basic Glue-on Tabs – The Cost-Effective Alternative for Your Glue-On Horseshoes
With the new Basic Glue-on Tabs, we offer a smart, budget-friendly alternative for your glue-on horseshoes – without compromising on functionality. After extensive development and numerous tests – including direct use on horses by our customers – the first version is now ready. The Basic Tabs are initially available in size 4. We look forward to your feedback!
'Nordic' Studs with Disk – Studs for Nordic Countries
In Nordic countries, winter conditions require horseshoes with taller studs to ensure safety. The combination of snow and ice creates slippery surfaces, making riding particularly hazardous. Our 4mm and 6mm studs do not offer adequate traction for these challenging conditions. Previously, the only solution was to use our Jumper or HDS Traction shoes equipped with higher studs. However, Straight Bar Shoes are not always the best choice for every horse. To address this issue, we developed the new 'Nordic' stud with a disk, specifically tailored to meet the demands of these regions. The 'Nordic' stud with disk stands approximately 10mm high and is intended for use with our horseshoes featuring stud holes in the plastic coating. It is essential to ensure that the stud can always sink fully into the ground. Therefore, suitable ground conditions in the paddock, stable, and field are critical for safe use.
Special Shipping Terms for Our Customers in the United Kingdom
After the recent Farrier Focus event, we took some time to reflect on the many valuable discussions we had there. We received great feedback and noted a clear interest in our product range. Since we currently don't have a distribution partner in the UK, we're introducing a special offer to make it easier for you to access our products directly: shipping costs have been reduced to 15 EUR net per parcel until further notice. Our horseshoes are made in Germany and are classified under Customs Tariff Code 39269097. As far as we know, this classification allows you to benefit from the preferential origin terms of the EU–United Kingdom Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Continuous Improvement: Our Online Shop Is Gradually Becoming More Accessible
We are constantly striving to develop and improve our services. To ensure the best possible usability of our website and online shop, we are working to make them as accessible as possible. In doing so, we follow the guidelines of the German Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG) and the associated regulation (BFSGV). Our goal is to make access to our products as simple as possible and to ensure that all users, regardless of their individual needs, can navigate a user-friendly website. The full implementation of the planned measures will take some time. We thank you for your understanding and patience. For further details, please refer to our 'Accessibility Declaration'.
Environmental Protection and Recycling – a Challenge We Face in Many Areas of Life
No matter which industry we take a closer look at, recycling is an important issue everywhere. As a company that processes synthetic materials, we are aware that it affects us as a manufacturer of composite and plastic horseshoes just as much as manufacturers of car or bicycle tires or shoes. In some stores, used products can be returned to collection containers as part of bonus programs for new purchases – a good way to ensure that used goods are disposed of properly. Some clothing companies also produce garments from plastic collected from the sea. Good solutions have therefore already been found in many areas. Unfortunately, addressing the challenges of recycling is more difficult in our sector. Due to the current situation and the questions we regularly receive from our customers, we would like to take a closer look at this topic in our newsletter.
New Contact Persons in the USA!
We have great news – Kathi and Peter van der Gugten from Equine Hoof Solutions are now our new contact persons in the USA. Kathi has been working with horses for more than 20 years, and Peter spends four months each year in the Alps as a trail guide, always using our horseshoes. Both are convinced of our products and are happy to assist you with any questions or support you may need. You can find their contact information in our list of distribution partners.
Use of Our Instant Adhesives Without a Certificate
The European Commission amended Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation (EC) by Regulation (EU) 2020/1149, which entered into force on 2020-08-24. Many farriers are currently unsure which adhesives they may continue to use without additional training and certification. That's why we asked our adhesive suppliers about the requirements concerning diisocyanates. The instant adhesives available in our online shop are not affected by the new regulation and can therefore continue to be used as usual, provided that the relevant safety instructions are observed.
Reviews and Feedback ✩✩✩✩✩
Are you happy with us? If so, we would greatly appreciate a 5-star review on Google. Thank you!
P.S.: Google already considers 4-star reviews to be negative.
Are you unhappy with us? If so, please let us know – we want to improve!
Packaging Licensing
According to the German Packaging Act, we are licensed with LUCID (Stiftung Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister) and participate in the dual system operated by activate by Reclay for our packaging materials.
Hoof Protection Made in Germany – New Products in Our Online Shop
In our online shop, you'll discover a wide range of products dedicated to hoof protection. Here, you'll find not only proven solutions but also regular innovations. Even after two decades of company growth and development, we remain committed to creating new approaches to equine shoeing. The demand for effective hoof protection continues to grow, and we take great pride in offering innovative solutions made in Germany. Alongside our hoof protection products, you'll also find a comprehensive selection of items for hoof care and for applying our composite horseshoes.
Model Revision
The development of our alternative horseshoe, the “Original” Composite Horseshoe, began more than 20 years ago. As in other industries, there comes a point when new knowledge and experience need to be incorporated into product development. Since our early days, we have learned a great deal – both through many years of using the horseshoes on our own horses and through close contact with horse owners and farriers. At the same time, our production technology has continued to evolve, and many things that would have been unthinkable a decade ago can now be implemented without difficulty. From toolmaking and injection molding to storage and shipping – everything takes place at our production facility in the Bavarian Forest in Germany. We started revising our horseshoe models in mid-2020, but unfortunately it is not possible to implement all planned changes immediately across all models. The changes include, for example, reducing the number of knob arrays on the Extra Plus horseshoe from four to two, adding a slight depression on the hoof side of the horseshoe to relieve the sole, improving the positions of the nail holes, adding a plastic lip to the Extra horseshoes, and introducing a new tread design for the profiled horseshoes. Depending on which model and size you order during the transition period, you will either receive an older version or a revised horseshoe. If you have any questions, please contact the Duplo Team.