Heavy Duty Shoes – Developed for High Loads, Abrasion Resistance & Shock Absorption

Horses that regularly perform heavy work or are exposed to high mileage require especially durable horseshoes. High loads affect not only the hoof itself, but also the horse’s entire musculoskeletal system. The HDS horseshoes with a synthetic coating were developed specifically for these demands: maximum abrasion resistance , high stability, and effective shock absorption.

Draft horses and heavy cold-blooded horses benefit especially from these properties. At the same time, HDS horseshoes are also suitable for many other applications where horseshoes often reach their limits due to abrasion or heavy loads.

Shock-Absorbing Synthetic Coating

The synthetic coating of the HDS horseshoes noticeably reduces impact forces and therefore relieves the horse’s joints, tendons, and ligaments. A clear advantage for horses used in demanding riding and driving disciplines.

Depending on temperature and ground conditions, we recommend the appropriate material version: the slightly softer Standard version is suitable for low to moderate temperatures, while the Extra version is more abrasion-resistant in warm to hot summer conditions compared to the slightly softer Standard material. Since the Traction is usually used with studs, this model is only available in the Standard version.

Exceptionally Abrasion-Resistant Heavy Duty Shoes

Heavy Duty Shoes are not only designed for cold-blooded horses with large hooves, but also for horses that require particularly abrasion-resistant horseshoes.

Compared to other models, the HDS features around 5 mm more synthetic material on the ground side. Despite the existing tread pattern, this means significantly more material and therefore a noticeable advantage in terms of abrasion resistance and overall durability of the horseshoes. Heavy Duty Shoes are available in sizes from 118 mm to 198 mm. Size increments are 4 mm up to 182 mm, and 8 mm above that.

Collage showing Heavy Duty composite horseshoes in use: a draft horse in driving work, horseshoes fitted on a cold-blooded horse, detailed views of the reinforced metal core and the synthetic coating, and a comparison of the Heavy Duty Shoes synthetic coating (118–198 mm) with standard composite horseshoes.

Possible Areas of Use

Thanks to their stability and high abrasion resistance, HDS horseshoes offer clear advantages in many demanding applications, including:

Leisure riders experiencing increased wear on hard or variable ground
Trail riders and pack horses covering long distances
Draft horses used in agriculture, forestry, and carriage or team driving
Police horses or mounted units
Pack horses on alpine crossings and multi-day trail rides

HDS Horseshoes in Endurance Riding

Not everyone immediately associates HDS horseshoes with endurance riding. However, the balanced combination of stability, abrasion resistance, and shock absorption also plays a crucial role here. HDS horseshoes can therefore be an interesting alternative for use in endurance riding.

That said, we want to be completely transparent – despite all their advantages, weight is also a relevant factor in endurance riding: the additional synthetic material volume results in a slightly increased weight, even in smaller sizes, which should be carefully considered in endurance sports.

Horseshoe weight comparison – size 126 mm round:

Clipped composite horseshoes : approx. 290 g
Clipped and Profiled Composite horseshoes: approx. 282 g
Clipped and Profiled HDS: approx. 353 g

High Stability Even in Large Sizes

As horseshoe size increases, the stability of HDS horseshoes also increases, as the metal core is additionally reinforced starting from sizes 154 mm and once more from size 178 mm. This design ensures increased shape stability even on very large hooves and under high loads – an aspect that can be particularly relevant for cold-blooded horses.

The HDS Range – the Right Grip for Every Situation

The conditions in which Heavy Duty horseshoes are used vary widely – and so do the requirements for the grip they provide. Whether in city traffic, on smooth historic cobblestone streets, or on snow and ice during alpine crossings, proper preparation is essential. For this reason, the HDS range consists of three different models.

HDS with quarter clips and deeper tread pattern – available in Standard and Extra
HDS with quarter clips and threaded inserts in the synthetic coating for permanent use of studs – available in Standard and Extra
HDS Traction – special model designed as a straight bar shoe with four robust threaded inserts for higher studs and flexible stud changes – available in the Standard version

Please note that the threaded inserts of HDS horseshoes are size-dependent. Further details can be found in the detailed product description and, of course, in the product name once you have selected the required hardness, size, and shape of the horseshoes.

The HDS Classic

For those who place less emphasis on additional stability and more on effective shock absorption and hoof protection that is as close to barefoot as possible, the Classic model is well worth considering. This version is also available in sizes up to 198 mm, making it another horseshoeing option for larger hooves.

Product Specifications

Whether you are a farrier or a horse owner: In order to avoid injuries to humans and horses, it is important that you read and follow our Safety Instructions when using our products. Although our goal is to offer you and your horse the best possible support with our products, you must always adapt your speed to the ground and weather conditions in order to prevent accidents as best as possible. For additional grip you may use spikes .

General Product Information
General Data and Delivery Information
Model range	Heavy Duty Shoes – particularly abrasion-resistant and stable horseshoes with a shock-absorbing synthetic coating
Brand	Duplo
Manufactured in	Germany
Item number	Clipped and Profiled HDS: 1150, 1151, 1430, 1431 Clipped and Threaded HDS for Anti-Skid Studs: 1140, 1141 1440, 1441 HDS Traction - Clipped and Threadeda Straight Bar Shoe: 1200, 1201
Packaging unit	sold individually
Delivery information	We strive to keep the most important horseshoe models from the extensive Duplo product range in stock here in Canada for you. If a product is currently unavailable, please feel free to contact us. Together, we will find a suitable alternative or take care of ordering the item from Germany for you.

Special Features of the Hoof Protection
Special Features of This Horseshoe
Your benefit	Particularly abrasion-resistant and stable horseshoes with shock-absorbing properties, available in sizes from 118 mm to 198 mm. Depending on the model, with or without stud holes, and available in Standard and Extra versions for summer and winter use.
Features	Side clips – to prevent slipping on the hoof Open Sole Area – allowing the hoof sole and the frog to breathe properly Different Grip Options - depending on the HDS model – ranging from reinforced tread patterns to robust threaded inserts For further information about the unclipped horseshoe, please refer to the detailed product description.

Product Description

Safety-Relevant Aspects
Safety Information
Online safety information	Our safety instructions can be found under Useful Information → Safety Instructions.
Safety instructions as PDF download	PDF download
Studs	The use of studs increases the risk of injuries. Please observe the additional information regarding stud use in our safety guidelines.
Threaded Inserts Embedded in the Plastic Coating	Repeated insertion and removal of the studs, as well as the accumulation of dirt in the stud holes, can impair the stability of the threaded inserts. When no studs are used, always protect the stud holes with stud blanks. Avoid repeated stud changes and only use our anti-slip studs with disc to ensure optimal pressure distribution.
Stud Holes Embedded in the Metal Core	The HDS Traction is suitable for the repeated insertion and removal of the cleats. Always protect the stud holes with stud blanks.