The Tabs Are Coming Loose from the Hoof – What Can I Do?

If the glued bond of the tabs comes loose from the hoof, this is almost always due to problems with hoof preparation, glue application, or fitting of the base plate. Go through the following points step by step to find and fix the cause.

Were the hooves greased or oiled?

• Were the hooves greased or oiled before gluing (e.g. with hoof oil, hoof ointment, etc.)?
• Important: During gluing, the hooves must be completely clean and free of grease. Grease and oil prevent the glue from forming a stable bond with the hoof wall.

If hoof care products were used beforehand, there should be a sufficiently long gap of several days between application and gluing, and the hoof surface should be thoroughly cleaned and prepared.

Here you can find our help article on the correct use of hoof oil and hoof grease→

Was the layer of dirt thoroughly removed & the gluing surface roughened?

• Was the dirt patina on the hoof as well as any loose periople carefully removed?
• Was the gluing surface lightly roughened to create a clean, load-bearing surface?

Only a well-prepared, solid hoof wall allows for a permanently durable bond.

Watch the video "how to grind the hoof wall"→

Was too much glue used?

When gluing, the rule is: less is more.

• If too much glue is applied, it can:
  • cure only poorly or unevenly
  • form too thick a layer of glue, which can later crack open

A thin, even layer that can cure fully and sits flush between the hoof and the tab is better.

Were the hoof & tabs clean and degreased?

• Were the hoof and glue tabs thoroughly cleaned and degreased before gluing?

Dust, dirt, moisture, and grease residue can significantly reduce adhesion.
Careful cleaning of both contact surfaces is therefore essential.

Watch the video "How to degrease the hoof"→

Was the hoof too dry?

Our glue needs a certain amount of moisture to cure optimally.

• Was the hoof perhaps very dry, e.g. during hot periods or with very dry stable or ground conditions?
• During especially hot and dry periods, it can help to water the hooves before gluing to support better curing.

For better or faster curing of the glue, our activator spray can additionally be used after gluing:

Was the base plate correctly fitted to the hoof?

Even the best glue can't hold if the fit isn't right:

• Was the base plate cleanly fitted to the hoof?
• If large gaps form between the tab and the hoof, the glue cannot reliably and permanently bridge these gaps.

The base plate should follow the hoof as closely and evenly as possible, so the tabs sit flush and the glue can form a bond across the full surface.

Go to our help article "Correctly fitting the base plate"→

If the problem persists: contact us

If the tabs continue to come loose from the hoof despite following the points above, please contact our customer service.

• Please send us meaningful photos if possible (hoof from all sides, view of the tabs, glued areas, base plate).
• We'll take a detailed look at your case and give you specific tips on how to further improve the durability of the bond in your situation.