Glue-on horseshoes have revolutionized hoof care for horses with sensitive, damaged, or tricky-to-shoe feet. But even the best glue-on shoes will fail if the hoof prep isn’t done right.

Many application failures come down to one issue: poor preparation.

Here’s how to make sure you’re setting your horse (and your glue-on shoes) up for success.

🚫 The #1 Rule: Moisture Is Your Enemy

Glue simply won’t bond to a hoof that’s:

  • Wet
  • Sweaty
  • Oily
  • Covered in conditioner or dirt

Common mistake:
Trying to glue on shoes right after a bath or without drying the hoof fully.

✅ Farrier tip:

  • Use a heat gun or hairdryer to make sure the hoof is bone dry.
  • Clean the hoof with isopropyl alcohol (not water).
  • Avoid applying glue in humid or rainy weather if possible.

🪚 Rough It Up: Surface Prep Matters

Glue bonds best to a roughened surface.

Common mistake:
Applying glue to a smooth hoof wall or tab surface.

✅ Farrier tip:

  • Rasp the hoof wall lightly to create texture.
  • Sand the glue-on tab area of the shoe for extra grip.
  • Remove any old glue residue completely before reapplying.

📏 Fit Before You Glue

It’s tempting to glue and go, but a poor fit = failure.

Common mistake:
Skipping a dry fit before glue application.

✅ Farrier tip:

  • Always check fit before gluing.
  • Adjust composite shoes with standard hoof tools as needed.
  • Ensure the shoe sits flush against the hoof with no gaps or twists.

🧪 Choose the Right Glue

Not all adhesives are created equal.

Common mistake:
Using cheap or mismatched glue (e.g., wood glue, regular epoxy).

✅ Farrier tip:

  • Use polyurethane or MMA hoof adhesives.
  • Duplo’s Wolf Busch tabs are compatible with major glue systems like Equilox and Vettec.

🕒 Timing Is Everything

Glue has a working window — and environmental factors like temperature and humidity affect curing times.

Common mistake:
Not allowing glue to fully cure before turning the horse out.

✅ Farrier tip:

  • Watch the glue’s manufacturer instructions carefully.
  • In cooler temps, use a heat source to speed curing.
  • Allow at least 30 minutes to fully cure before walking the horse.

🧼 Bonus: Keep the Work Area Clean

Dust, debris, or even loose hair can sabotage the bond.

✅ Farrier tip:

  • Work in a clean, dry area.
  • Have all tools ready to avoid delays.
  • Wear gloves to avoid contamination.

🚀 The Takeaway

Glue-on shoes offer amazing benefits, but hoof prep is EVERYTHING. With careful preparation, you’ll get:

  • Longer-lasting adhesion
  • Happier, more comfortable horses
  • Fewer mid-cycle shoe losses

👉 Want an easy-to-use glue-on system? Check out Duplo’s glue-on options with Wolf Busch tabs, designed for smooth application and reliable hold.