First of all, I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful holiday season. I hope you are able to enjoy time with family and friends.
I also want to share a few important updates from Equine Hoof Solutions USA as we head into the new year.
Pricing Update – Effective January 2026
We will be raising our prices effective January 2026.
The good news is that, with the generous support of Duplo Germany, I am able to keep this increase at a moderate level, despite Duplo Germany’s own price increases, imposed tariffs, and the currently very high EUR–USD exchange rate.
As always, we continue to do everything we can to keep pricing fair while maintaining quality, availability, and service.
Upcoming Pallet Order – Please Respond
As mentioned in earlier emails, I will be placing a pallet order soon.
Please reply as soon as possible if:
- There are items you use regularly that you would like me to keep in stock but have noticed are not always available, or
- I have placed a special order for you in the past and you expect to need it again.
Including these items in the pallet helps avoid costly express shipments.
Important note on special orders:
Due to new de minimis regulations, small packages can no longer enter the U.S. without customs charges. Special orders must be shipped via DHL or UPS Express, and with customs duties included, additional costs can be up to 50% of the order value. For this reason, I will need to charge extra for special orders outside the pallet.
Product Updates & New Offerings
- The Duplo Basic line is expanding to 114 mm, available in round and oval, as well as standard and extra. These can be used in place of many Duplo clipped and profiled models.
- I am bringing in a new product next year: the Duplo Closed Sole. It will be available initially in limited sizes.
- If you are experiencing slipping or traction issues, please check out the Duplo Clipped and Threaded shoes, which accept 4 mm and 6 mm heel studs.
- Don’t forget GripStuds, which fit most Duplo Composite Shoes in sizes M and L. These small studs work similarly to those used in studded tires.
- For carriage or draft horses, I carry the Duplo Heavy Duty Shoe, made with thicker urethane and a reinforced metal inlay, available in sizes 118 mm to 198 mm.
International Hoof Care Summit & Shipping Schedule
Together with Duplo Canada, I will be attending the International Hoof Care Summit in Covington, Kentucky, at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. If you are attending, please stop by our booth at the trade show on February 4th and 5th.
Shipping notice:
During the week of February 2nd–6th, packages will ship Monday the 2nd and Friday the 6th only. No shipments will go out from Tuesday the 3rd through Thursday the 5th, so please plan orders accordingly.
Finally, I want to sincerely thank you for your continued support and for helping make the Duplo Composite Horseshoe better known in the U.S., for the benefit of our equines.
Warm regards,
Kathi van der Gugten
Equine Hoof Solutions USA
