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5 Phases for Direct Gluing Shoes

Farrier Curtis Burns delivers advice for better success with using direct glue-on shoes.


Pictured Above: At the 2019 Northeast Association of Equine Practitioners Symposium, farrier Curtis Burns delivered practical advice on the application and business of using direct glue applications.

Farrier Takeaways

  • If any member of the horse’s care team opposes a gluing solution, it may prove best to leave the situation.
  • Keep a minimalist approach to the job, but rely on the tools to make the shoeing remain efficient.
  • Keeping the horse at ease and able to put its foot down earlier in the process likely will result in an easier gluing stage.
  • Product knowledge of glue and devices is essential to limit failures with the modality.

From traditional steel shoes to modern materials, farriers have a wide range of flexibility when managing the various challenges presented by horses’ feet. Both direct and indirect glue have become increasingly popular tools for many farriers over the years. Before considering glue applications, Wellington, Fla., farrier and Polyflex founder Curtis Burns notes it is essential to answer whether it is an appropriate option.

“The key is when to say no,” he says. “Only one case can put you in a good or bad place. Part of the reason I’m where I am today is because I knew when to say no.”

But saying no is only part of the story. Improper application of the shoe will result in failure. During the 2019 Northeast Association of Equine Practitioners Symposium in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Burns shared measures he takes to achieve successful glue applications.

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Jeremy mcgovern

Jeremy McGovern

Jeremy McGovern is the former Executive Editor/Publisher. A native of Indiana, he also is president of American Horse Publications.

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