How It All Began
The story of my Highland pony mare and Hoofstar begins in 2019.
Back then, we had the opportunity to buy two of these wonderful ponies. They are originals from Scotland and now live in the Ruhr area.
Different Hooves, Different Challenges
My husband’s mare never had any problems with the ground here. My mare, however, has been an ongoing struggle since 2020 due to a change of yard: too much abrasion and generally unfavorable ground conditions kept causing her problems.
Our First Experiences with Glue-On Hoof Protection
We started gluing — first with help, then on our own.
The hoof care professional who was supporting us at the time knew about as much about gluing as we did. So we basically tried things out together to see what worked.
From Hoofstar Rally to Duplo with RB Carbon or Wolf Busch tabs, to Carrestep and Easyshoe Octo — whether 2K adhesive or “superglue”: we tried it all.
Tried a Lot, Learned a Lot
We taught ourselves how to weld on the tabs, cursed often and sometimes cried. Actually, it’s not rocket science — but it was and remained exhausting.
Especially because she threw everything off. Due to her way of moving, which resembles the action of some Spanish horses, and her general high spirits, I sometimes found myself searching for the glue-ons in the mud with a flashlight in the dark.
Glue-On Breaks and Difficult Ground Conditions
There were also breaks from gluing, especially after using 2K adhesive, when this was often necessary.
But because the Rally was the only one that lasted at least three to four weeks, we both had to get through it. During the breaks from gluing, she could sometimes go barefoot in the open stable for two to three weeks. But out on rides, she always needed hoof boots at the very least.
Our terrain consists of gravel paths, the occasional grassy track and a lot of asphalt. In the open stable, there are concrete slabs, slatted floors, gravel and natural ground — the glue-ons have to withstand quite a lot.
The Low Point in 2025
In 2025, we reached the low point.
From August onward, nothing worked anymore. In September and October, the wet season began, my pony was lame and I was afraid of stress-related laminitis.
Every type of hoof boot came off. Some of them did not even last five hours despite being secured. Pony without protection again — lame again.
RUNA as the Last Hope
My stable mate reminded me of RUNA and even still had a used pair in the cupboard.
So we modified them, sanded them, glued them and hoped. Worried.
12 hours. 1 day. 2 days. 3 days. 10 days. 3 weeks.
Now and then a tab came loose, but overall: it held.
Sound from Day One
My pony was sound from the very first day.
The vet said: “That was a rescue at the very last second!”
After that, I was able to glue on the RUNA that I had bought from you. Even though I had a complaint in this case, you handled it in an absolutely customer-friendly and competent way.
We Will Remain Fans
At the moment, she is going barefoot again for a while. But we will remain fans and users.
Our second mare is also being glued in the same rhythm, and stable friends have already been asking about it too.
Thank You for Your Work
Thank you both for your wonderful products!
Gitta with Erin