Gluing instructions Hoofstar RALLY
1 Dry the hoof
Important: Only necessary in wet weather or if the hoof is damp!
The Hoofstar Rally glue-on shoe sticks best to a dry hoof. Depending on the season and how the horse is kept, hooves may be more or less moist. If the hoof feels damp, dry it before applying the glue-on shoe — either with a heat gun or a regular hairdryer on the highest setting.
Regular hairdryer: dry each hoof for at least 2 minutes. In dry weather or with a heat gun, less time is needed.
2. Choose the correct bridge
Each Rally comes with a set of 3 to 5 bridges (with or without frog support). To find the right fit, hold the glue-on shoe against the hoof without attaching the bridge. Press both sides together until the side flaps sit snugly against the hoof wall. Hold different bridges in place and check which one fits perfectly into the gap.
Remove the shoe, detach the correct bridge from the set. Do this separately for each hoof — they can differ in size!
3. Insert the bridge
Watch the short instruction video to see exactly how it’s done.
Click the image on the left to watch!
4. Adjust the length
If the glue-on shoe is too long, it should be shortened so it ends flush with the back of the hoof. You can trim it using pincers, a metal saw, or an angle grinder. Put the shoe on, mark the back edge with a marker, remove the shoe, and cut off the excess. Try it on again to check the fit. Most horses prefer a V-shaped back edge.
Trimming is also possible after the shoe is already glued on.
5. Thoroughly roughen the hoof wall
For the adhesive to bond well, the hoof wall must be roughened.
Use a hoof rasp (or wood rasp if needed). Lift the hoof and rasp all areas where the Rally’s side walls will be glued. Use the fine side of the rasp and tilt it slightly. Best to work on a hoof stand to protect your back. You don’t need to roughen the sole.
Only on a freshly and thoroughly roughened hoof (exposing fresh horn) will the glue bond properly!
Do not use degreasers or brake cleaners — they reduce adhesion.
Don’t touch the roughened areas afterward.
VIDEO: Properly roughening hooves
6. Apply wrapping film
Put the shoe on again and tightly wrap it using the mini stretch film. Start with one or two layers across the toe to keep the shoe from slipping.
Wrap around 6 to 7 times. Since only the side walls are glued, the sole doesn’t need to be fully wrapped. Once done, place the hoof back on the ground. Repeat for the other hoof.
Make sure the film is tight and snug. If it’s too loose, the glue won’t hold properly. When in doubt, unwrap and start over.
Die Folie muss sehr straff und eng sitzen. Ist sie zu weit, wird der Kleber nicht gut halten. Im Zweifel die Folie nochmal abmachen und neu beginnen.
7. Select glue entry points
The Rally has many holes through which glue can be applied. Pick 2–3 holes on each side (4 total per shoe) and poke through the film to expose them — ideally one at the front and one at the rear of each side.
Use a key, hoof pick, or screwdriver to poke through — nothing too sharp!
If you notice during gluing that a section didn’t get glue, simply poke another hole and apply glue there.
8. Insert the adapter
If you're using a standard caulking gun instead of the one from the starter kit, you'll need an adapter for the Shubond acrylic adhesive to dispense it correctly.
The adapter (shown in the image) clicks onto the back of the Shufit cartridge and ensures the correct mixing ratio (10:1) is maintained.
9. Prepare the glue
The adhesive takes about 10 minutes to set. During this time, your horse should be tied and must stay still — no walking around. Especially in the first 2–3 minutes, make sure the horse doesn’t fidget, or microcracks could form in the glue.
After 10 minutes, you can remove the wrapping film — the Hoofstars are now firmly in place.
Note:
After 10 minutes the shoe can bear light weight — walking is okay.
After 1–2 hours, the glue-on shoe is fully loadable — even for riding.
Best to leave your horse in the box for 1–2 hours after gluing.
10. Gluing
Attach the mixing tip to the glue cartridge and place it over each of the 4 chosen glue holes. Slowly inject glue until the side wall is filled or you see glue rising.
Press gently — too much pressure may push glue under the sole. Press once per hole, then wait to observe how the glue flows.
Important: The tip only sits on top of the hole — it doesn’t go inside. That’s okay, the glue still flows in.
11. Curing & Remove Film
Let the glue cure for around 10 minutes. Keep your horse tied and still — especially for the first 2–3 minutes to avoid any movement that might affect bonding.
After curing, remove the film — your Hoofstar Rally is now secure.
Remember:
After 10 minutes: light loading (e.g. walking)
After 1–2 hours: fully loadable (riding possible)
We recommend leaving your horse in the box for 1–2 hours post-gluing.
Download the Hoofstar Rally Gluing Guide
You can download the complete step-by-step PDF guide here:
Download Hoofstar Rally Gluing Instructions
Removing the glue-on shoe
To remove the Hoofstar Rally, use pincers or a shoe puller. Grip the upper edge of the side flap as shown in the picture and roll it downward. The flaps are very flexible, so don’t worry — they won’t tear.
The glue remains on the hoof, and after a quick clean, the Hoofstar Rally can be reused.
