Durasole

Durasole by Alvin Farrier Supply Is your horse tender footed on trail rides, after a rain storm or after a trim? Durasole is the answer! Durasole works by swelling and thickening the cell membranes of the exfoliating sole, not by coating the sole with impermeable oils. About Alvin Farrier Supply— Distributors of Durasole Alvin Farrier Supply knows horses and is the main distributor of Durasole. It was established October 28th, 1992 by Tom and Janice Stiefel of Alvin, Texas. Tom, a Farrier of 30 years, developed the company after he was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and could no longer actively shoe horses. He was joined by his wife, Janice, who retired from IBM at the Johnson Space Center after 30 years. The company has grown steadily through the years in both walk-in, ship-out and now internet customers with our new on-line catalog. Due to this growth, the product base and buying power has allowed us to keep prices competitive. In the fall of 1998, the building was enlarged for the third time and our daughter, Joy Smith, joined the company to keep up with the demands of the business. In October of 1999, we opened our second location in Tomball, Texas , only 13 miles from the Sam Houston Race park. Our youngest daughter Tonia operates this location. We pride ourselves in providing quality customer service with friendliness and technical assistance. Is It True That Durasole Has No Real Equal? We believe Durasole to be the most effective sole hardner on the market. Since 1978, Durasole has been one of the best-kept secrets in the horse world. Distributed primarily through farrier and veterinary suppliers, Durasole has been used extensively and successfully on equine athletes engaged in strenuous activities over difficult terrain. Used and recommended by many knowledgeable farriers and veterinarians, Durasole has helped keep horses sound everywhere from race tracks, show rings and event courses to rodeo arenas, endurance trails and polo fields: Durasole is literally without peer… without equal! Durasole is highly concentrated and formulated to be used in small quantities. A few drops of Durasole on your horse's sole can make a big difference to your horse. How Does Durasole Work? Durasole acts as a fixative on the exfoliating sole and insensitive frog on the solar surface of the equine hoof. It disables the intrinsic enzymes which would weaken mechanical composition of these structures, protects the structures from extrinsic damage from microorganisms in their environment, and alters the tissue of the exfoliating sole and insensitive frog at the molecular level, increasing their strength and rigidity by improving their mechanical stability and enhancing their primary function. Formaldehyde is the primary fixing agent in Durasole and it causes proteins to crosslink in a meshwork, stabilizing the protein mass and preserving morphology. Although it is a strong reducing agent, formaldehyde fixes by an oxidative reaction, forming methylene bridges between the side amino groups of lysine and glutamine on different protein chains.

---

What exactly is DuraSole®?

DuraSole® is a professional, farrier-trusted hoof sole hardener formulated to toughen soft, thin, and sensitive soles while preserving proper hoof function. It is an aldehyde-based sole dressing designed to harden the equine exfoliating sole and frog rather than simply coat it. Farriers and veterinarians have leaned on this fast-acting treatment for decades, calling it their "magic secret" for managing tender-footed horses, and it remains a staple among serious farrier hoof care products.

Why DuraSole® works from the inside out

Unlike surface coatings that seal the foot with impermeable oils, DuraSole® works within the hoof material by swelling and thickening the cell membranes of the exfoliating sole. This reinforces the natural horn structure to create tougher, more resilient soles while maintaining flexibility and natural hoof mechanics. The result is a protective layer of hardened tissue between the sensitive sole and the ground, improving durability without creating excessive stiffness or drying out chronically thin-soled hooves.

The formula behind the hardener

DuraSole® is highly concentrated and intended to be used in small quantities, applied dropwise to a dry sole and frog. Its proven formulation works to reinforce the internal horn structure, making it effective for thin soles, seasonal softness, and sensitivity caused by environmental conditions or workload. Because it functions as an antibacterial and antifungal fixing agent, it also helps address thrush and white line disease while it strengthens the foot.

How to apply DuraSole® correctly

Clean and thoroughly dry the hoof, then apply DuraSole® directly to the sole and frog and disperse it with a brush, applying no more than the sole and frog will absorb. Allow the foot to dry before turnout or riding. For best results during an intensive cycle, the product can be applied several times daily during the first week, tapering to twice daily as the horse stays in training. DuraSole® is for external hoof use only and should be used according to your farrier's or hoof-care professional's guidance.

The Horses DuraSole® Was Made To Help

DuraSole® is ideal for horses with soft or thin soles, recurring sole bruising, and sensitivity, as well as horses worked in wet, muddy, or rocky environments. It supports performance, trail, and working horses across rocky footing, hard ground, and high-impact surfaces, and serves both shod and barefoot horses. Barrel racers, eventers, endurance riders, and rodeo competitors rely on it to keep hard-working feet comfortable and sound.

Where to buy DuraSole® from Alvin Farrier Supply

Alvin Farrier Supply is a leading distributor of DuraSole® and stocks the DuraSole® Hoof Sole Hardener 4 oz. Full Size bottle for $35.00, sized for routine barn use, farrier rigs, and long-term hoof-care programs. The family-owned operation has supplied farriers and horse owners with professional hoof-care products for decades. Orders and questions can be directed to Alvin Farrier Supply at (281) 323-4090 or through alvinfarriersupply.com.