Abstract: A novel horse hoof boot is provided with a method of forming the same. The boot includes two separate elements, the first configured in part to support the horse's hoof inside the boundary of the hoof wall and the second wrapping around the outside of the hoof to provide stability. The method enables custom forming of a boot to a particular horse's hoof by forming a three-dimensional rigid hoof model which guides formation of the boot components.

Abstract: The present invention provides metal alloys that comprise at least copper, zinc and aluminum and, in addition, include manganese and iron, for the production of horseshoes that have bactericidal and fungicidal properties, impeding the proliferation of bacteria and fungi specific to equines and mitigating the effects of vibration on equine joints, absorbing impacts known as “absolute shock”.

Abstract: A horseshoe with splaying and flexibility features has a U shaped compliant metallic unitary body having left and right wings and a central integral toe area which forms a compliant leaf-spring disposed proximate to or as part of the toe area. The leaf-spring may be crescent shaped and resiliently deforms exerting pressure sideways thus causing splaying of the wings. The leaf-spring may have a groove on either side to assist farrier-preparation during horseshoe sizing. The leaf-spring forms a cavity in use, which is optionally filled with a resilient material, e.g., silicone, to prevent accumulation of dirt/debris in the cavity. Optional contiguous serrations on the left and right wings provide relative vertical flexibility of the left and right wings. The splaying and flexibility enhance horse-hoof comfort and hoof-structure regeneration. The horseshoe may be cast/forged, blanked, or welded or produced by mechanical joining. Preferably, the horseshoe comprises hardened spring steel.

Abstract: A horseshoe assembly and a method for mounting the horseshoe assembly onto a hoof is disclosed. The horseshoe assembly includes a core and a sole, wherein the sole overlays or encapsulates the core, and the core being mounted directly beneath a surface of a horse hoof. The method including: securing a cover plate over the horse hoof, the cover plate includes a plurality of anchor points distributed across the cover plate; disposing the horseshoe assembly beneath the horse hoof with the core directly contacting the bottom surface of the horse hoof; and utilizing one or more tying elements, securing the horseshoe assembly to the bottom surface of the horse hoof with a binding force which presses one or both of the core and the sole against the bottom surface of the horse hoof.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying novel horseshoes to the hoof of a horse comprising the steps of, establishing the apex of the hoof wall curve that defines each lateral side of the hoof wall, and applying a horseshoe to the hoof by aligning the longitudinal mid line of each arm of the horseshoe with the respective apex on each lateral side of the hoof wall and aligning the heels of the horseshoe arms with the caudal part of the central sulcus of the hoof's frog.

Abstract: A horse shoe has an upper with independent side walls that conform to the shape of the hoof. The upper includes a toe clip, two side tabs in the front half and two side walls in the rear half of the shoe, preferably all integral with a polymeric horseshoe with heel portions defining a gap. A cantilevered resilient bridge connects the heel portions, thus providing a spring-like structure tying the heel portions together. The top surface of the horseshoe has a grid of interconnected recesses and the upper has lateral perforations adapted to receive glue material. The shoe is fitted to the hoof by lining the surfaces of the upper and the horseshoe with glue and holding the shoe in place while the glue hardens, thereby securing the shoe to the hoof. Alternatively, the shoe is nailed on the hoof like a conventional horseshoe after removing the side walls.

Abstract: A horse boot has an upper that includes substantially independent side walls that may be flexed inward or outward as needed to conform to the shape of the hoof to which the boot is fitted. The upper has no front portion and is preferably integral with a polymeric horseshoe with free heel ends defining a gap. A cantilevered resilient frog support connects the heel ends of the horseshoe, thus providing a spring-like structure tying the heel ends together. The interior surface of the horseshoe has a grid of interconnected recesses and the upper has lateral perforations adapted to receive glue material. The boot is fitted to the hoof by lining the surfaces of the upper and the horseshoe with glue and holding the boot in place while the glue hardens, thereby securing the boot to the hoof. The entire fitting process may be carried out in a few minutes and the boot remains in place essentially without maintenance.

Abstract: A horse shoe shielding device comprising: a shielding member comprising a concave portion adapted to receive the heel of a horse shoe when worn on a horse such that the heel of the horse shoe is covered by the shielding member; and attachment means adapted to allow attachment of the shielding member to the horse shoe, wherein at least a portion of the shielding member extends rearwards from the attachment means and then upwards to shield the heel of the horse shoe, and wherein the horse shoe shielding device is adapted to cover only a portion of the hoof of the horse.

Abstract: A therapeutic support horseshoe includes a resilient, flexile moldable material formed in a U shape with an anterior segment from which opposing first and second side segments continuously extend to opposing caudal ends separated as an open heel and a pliable, metal rod-like reinforcer embedded in the flexile moldable material between opposing hoof-contacting and ground-contacting surfaces, the reinforcer extending from one caudal end, through the anterior segment, to the other caudal end of the horseshoe. The horseshoe so formed includes an inner side surface and an outer side surface between the opposing hoof-contacting and ground-contacting surfaces a slot formed in the inner side surface, approximately halfway between the opposing hoof-contacting and ground-contacting surfaces, and extending from the one caudal end to the other caudal end.

Abstract: A horseshoe connected to a hoof of a horse for use on different surfaces without removing the horseshoe from the horse. The horseshoe includes an insert removably connected to the horseshoe. The insert may be positioned within a recess located on the bottom surface of the horseshoe. The insert may have a toe grab for providing traction. A related method of inserting a toe grab to a horseshoe without removing the horseshoe from a horse.

Abstract: The present invention provides metal alloys that comprise at least copper, zinc and aluminium and, in addition, include manganese and iron, for the production of horseshoes that have bactericidal and fungicidal properties, impeding the proliferation of bacteria and fungi specific to equines and mitigating the effects of vibration on equine joints, absorbing impacts known as “absolute shock”.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for diagnosing equine hoof and leg pathology. With the hoof to be diagnosed on the ground and in a load bearing position, sectors of the hoof are sequentially raised by application of a wedge to the bottom of the hoof where the wedge extends radially beneath the sector from the center of the hoof. Elevating a first sector of the foot stretches and adds tension to the connective tissue in the region diagonal to the sector that is elevated. At the same time, the joint surface and connective tissue in the region above the raised sector will be compressed during the elevating process. Following observation and measurement of the horse's response to the raising of the first sector, the foot sector diagonally opposite to the first sector is similarly raised and the horse's response is observed and measured. The discomfort or relief that is observed offers specific guidelines for diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: A therapeutic extension horseshoe is formed in a substantially u-shape from a resilient, flexile moldable material. A pliable, metal rod-like reinforcer is shaped to include an anterior segment from which opposing side segments continuously extend to caudal ends separated as an open heel. Ungulate and contact surfaces are formed to include an extension to one of said opposing side segments, which extension acts as an additional load bearing surface portion to facilitate a modification of a posture of a horse shod therewith. At least one wear insert is arranged in the extended load bearing surface portion to minimize surface wear to the moldable material. Depending on its orientation, the therapeutic extension horseshoe may be used to provide a lateral extension or a medial extension.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include orthotic devices for treating hoof ailments, including laminitis and founder, and methods of treating the hoof ailments using an orthotic. In one embodiment, the hoof orthotic includes a platform having a heel end, a toe end, an inside and an outside edge, the heel end comprising a center section of the platform. The toe end includes a first tip and a second tip having a space therebetween such that the toe end is not enclosed. The platform includes an upper hoof contact surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being elevated at the heel end of the platform and sloping such that the heel end has a greater vertical height than the toe end. The orthotic also includes attachment means that extend vertically from the platform for attaching the orthotic to the animal hoof. The orthotic can be made from a resilient and/or elastomeric material that may also provide cushioning and fitting advantages.

Abstract: An improved horseshoe suitable for use on an reining arena surface allows a horse to selectively and subsequently undertake sliding action in a first mode and maneuverability actions in a second mode. A substantially U-shaped body has a top surface for contacting and affixing to the hoof of a horse, and a ground-engaging bottom surface that includes an arrangement of contours which are shaped and arranged to provide less friction in the forward direction to effect the sliding action in the first mode, and more friction in a different direction in a second different mode to aid maneuverability actions.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to horse hoof protective devices, systems, and methods, including, for example, a horse hoof protective device that can be coupled to a horseshoe and is configured to be positioned over a horse's hoof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved horseshoe, which comprises a hoof engagement surface that is provided with an unevenness and makes contact with the hoof in such a manner that the shoe will fit more closely to and immovably against the bottom of the hoof. The unevenness provides an anti-slip interference with fibrous material of the hoof to lessen relative movement between the horseshoe and the hoof, both during assembly thereto by a farrier and during galloping of the horse, desirably inhibiting shearing stresses being placed on the securement nails. The anti-slip interference is provided by an array of bumps or hemispherical shaped domes that project upwardly from the hoof-engaging surface to displace fibrous hoof material and complete an interlocking engagement therewith in an amount sufficient to inhibit relative movement but not create discomfort to the horse.

Abstract: A gel that includes a fungicide or an anti-bacterial is contained within a single dosage packet that includes a tapered nozzle end and a body. The fungicide or anti-bacterial gel is applied to the hoof of a horse by opening the packet at the tapered nozzle end and squeezing the body. The gel is then spread over the frog and sole of the hoof with a portion of the packet. The gel is heated so that it spreads to recessed areas of the hoof that can contain the bacterial and fungus infections.

Abstract: An all-in-one packing, pad and shoe substitute for barefoot horse hoof protection, comprising a plug of resin in fixed relation with the hoof bottom wall and a vertical extent of the interior hoof side wall dimensioned sufficient for ground contact adjacent the hoof wall face, the hoof side wall face being free of an added conventional external horseshoe.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing custom and standard sized Fiber reinforced polymer horseshoe by utilizing vacuum molding. The specified horseshoe is produced from a mold rendered from a three dimension image, gathered by utilizing three dimensional scanning techniques, by casting a mold directly to the hoof, and or casting standard sized horseshoes. Standard sized horseshoes have set specified dimensions to which a mold can be produced from a polymer, metal, or composite. Horseshoes can be manufactured for a wide array of equine applications including horse racing, jumping, military, and law enforcement applications. Previously Fiber reinforced polymers have not been used in abrasion resistant applications, however this invention will use fiber reinforced polymers to both reduce weight of the horse shoe, and increase abrasion resistance in such a manner that cannot be met with conventional metal horseshoes.

Abstract: A mechanical shoeing and, more specifically, a shoe which is intended to be mounted to the hoof of a sport horse that comprises: a front central part (3) or toe piece; two side branches (4 and 5) or quarters which extend freely from each side of the front central part, rear end portions (6 and 7) thereof forming heels; and holes (8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, 13, 14, 15) or nail holes which are defined in the side branches (4 and 5) in order to receive nails for fixing to the hoof (2). Moreover, in plan view, the inner hoof-facing surface (2) of each of the side branches (4 and 5) comprises zones (D and E) which belong to the rear end portions (6, 7) or heels and which are flared and, as well, are wider than the side branches (4, 5). In plan view, the inner face of each of the side branches (4 and 5) of the shoe also comprise a zone (A, B) which has a simple curved inner profile and which is narrowed such as to be narrower than zone C of the front central part (3) or toe piece.

Abstract: A flexile shoe to protect a horse's hoof, made of a moldable composition, and reinforced throughout with pliant metal, and further reinforced with a hard wear insert at the toe of the shoe. A method of molding the shoe, and of bonding the shoe to the hoof with adhesive.

Abstract: A removable horseshoe clip for temporarily placement on a horseshoe during the fitment process to secure the horseshoe against slipping or rotational movement during nailing, and method of use. The removable horseshoe clip includes an inner retaining clip sized to engage the inner peripheral edge of a horseshoe, a broad base for seating against the bottom surface of the horseshoe, and an outer retaining clip adapted to abut the outer peripheral edge of a horseshoe and the outer surface of a hoof wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a shoe for an animal is disclosed. The hoof of an animal may be aligned to a pre-determined position. The animal may then be examined against a criteria. It is then determined whether the bone structure of the animal satisfies the criteria. The hoof may be re-aligned to a different pre-determined position if the criteria is not satisfied. A shoe is then manufactured for the animal according to position data corresponding to a satisfactory position.

Abstract: A structurally supportive therapeutic horseshoe comprised of an outer shoe portion and an inner structural stabilizer portion, with the outer shoe being formed from a material that is softer than the structural stabilizer. The outer shoe, one side of which is fitted adjacent to the horse's hoof, and the other side of which comes into contact with the ground, is more insulating than the metal used in a traditional shoe, and helps to maintain the natural temperature of the hoof, while acting as a shock absorber and providing a soft surface upon which the hoof can rest. The therapeutic stabilizer is designed to support each of the structural components of the hoof and foot, including the walls of the hoof, as well as the arch of the foot, while stabilizing the hoof on the ground and in motion, side-to-side, as well as when in the air.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved horseshoe, which comprises a hoof engagement surface that is provided with an unevenness and makes contact with the hoof in such a manner that the shoe will fit more closely to and immovably against the bottom of the hoof. The unevenness provides an anti-slip interference with fibrous material of the hoof to lessen relative movement between the horseshoe and the hoof, both during assembly thereto by a farrier and during galloping of the horse, desirably inhibiting shearing stresses being placed on the securement nails. The anti-slip interference is provided by an array of bumps or hemispherical shaped domes that project upwardly from the hoof-engaging surface to displace fibrous hoof material and complete an interlocking engagement therewith in an amount sufficient to inhibit relative movement but not create discomfort to the horse.

Abstract: The invention relates to product categories using a metal polymer composite having properties that are enhanced or increased in the composite. Such properties include color, magnetism, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, density, improved malleability and ductility and thermoplastic or injection molding properties.

Abstract: A removable horseshoe clip for temporarily placement on a horseshoe during the fitment process to secure the horseshoe against slipping or rotational movement during nailing, and method of use. The removable horseshoe clip includes an inner retaining clip sized to engage the inner peripheral edge of a horseshoe, a broad base for seating against the bottom surface of the horseshoe, and an outer retaining clip adapted to abut the outer peripheral edge of a horseshoe and the outer surface of a hoof wall.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying novel horseshoes to the hoof of a horse comprising the steps of, establishing the apex of the hoof wall curve that defines each lateral side of the hoof wall, and applying a horseshoe to the hoof by aligning the longitudinal mid line of each arm of the horseshoe with the respective apex on each lateral side of the hoof wall and aligning the heels of the horseshoe arms with the caudal part of the central sulcus of the hoof's frog.

Abstract: An adjustable inductive shoeing apparatus including an inductive heating element, an adjustable mounting structure, and a control circuit is described. The inductive heating element is substantially U-shaped and disposed in a serpentine arrangement to replicate the U-shape of a horseshoe at least twice. The adjustable mounting structure supports and secures a horseshoe adjacent to the inductive heating coil so as to facilitate heating of the horseshoe and/or an adhesive. The adjustable mounting structure includes a pair of jaws and/or a plurality of brackets which are movable to conform to the lateral extents of a horseshoe. Brackets are disposed in a substantially U-shaped pattern along the adjustable mounting structure. In some embodiments, brackets contact the inductive heating element so as to adjust the inductive heating element to the shape and size of a horseshoe. In other embodiments, inductive heating element passes through the brackets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a horseshoe which is compliant with the natural expansion and relative movement of the hoof of the horse during the hoof's impact with the ground surface. The horseshoe 200 according to the invention is made of a solid homogenous metal. The horseshoe comprises a toe section 210, two side sections 215 and two heel sections 220. At least one bending articulation region 216 is provided in each side section 215, said articulation regions realized by a local structural weakening of the horseshoe 200. According to one embodiment of the invention the horseshoe is provided with a ridge 225. The ridge has a first shape (a) in the toe section and a second shape (b) in the side sections wherein the second shape have a smaller cross sectional area than the first shape, the transitions forming the structural weakening.

Abstract: A method of making a composite horseshoe to a bespoke design to fit a specified hoof of a specified horse includes the step of providing a template horseshoe adapted to fit the specific hoof of the specified horse. A mould is constructed of the template horseshoe, and the mould is filled with a plastic material mixed with wear resistant particles to replicate the template horseshoe.

Abstract: A horseshoe adapted to be attached to the hoof of a horse comprises a body having a U-shaped configuration, the body including a ground engaging surface, a hoof engaging surface, and a convex outer and a concave inner side wall, the side walls extending between the surfaces, and a continuous sequence of separate wedges in the form of V-shaped projections for improving traction of the horseshoe are integrally formed and extend outwardly from the convex outer side wall. An open sided swedge is provided in the ground engaging surface of the body.

Abstract: A horseshoe includes a thin, resilient member, embedded in a moldable material such as plastic or composite. Due to this dual construction, the horseshoe is strong yet light in weight. The moldable material has a thickness which varies across the horseshoe, so as to define a cavity in the space between the shoe and the horse's hoof. A channel, formed in the moldable material, provides access to the cavity, which can be filled with a medicated material after the shoe has been attached to the hoof. In an alternative embodiment, a source of current can be connected across the ends of the resilient member, causing the resilient member to function as a resistance heater, which can melt an adhesive used to attach the shoe to the hoof. The latter alternative can also be practiced with conventional all-metal horseshoes, or with an insulating horseshoe that is provided with an external conductive element.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and formulations for making and using synthetic hoof shoes, repairing an animal's hooves, and/or providing prophylactic measures for protecting an animal's hooves. In general a synthetic material is applied either in situ to the hoof area of a hoofed animal or is used to produce a pre-molded shoe to be attached to the hoof area of a hoofed animal.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a horseshoe including a plurality of calks for enhancing traction. The calks are located on sloped interior side wall portions of the horseshoe. Each calk includes a small rounded leading end and a rearwardly and outwardly tapered surface for permitting the horseshoe to slide forwards during the braking or planting phase of the gait cycle. Further, each calk includes a grab surface on the trailing end for enhancing traction during the propulsive or thrust phase of the gait cycle. The horseshoe of the present invention can reduce the magnitude of the shock loads experienced by a horse during the hoof planting phase by sliding slightly on the hoof lands, and improve traction with the rear grab surface during the propulsive phase of the gait cycle.

Abstract: A horseshoe includes one or more plastic or rubber and other components which can be nailed or glued to an equine hoof, where two different materials, one harder, one softer are used.

Abstract: A horseshoe includes a thin, resilient member, embedded in a moldable material such as plastic or composite. Due to this dual construction, the horseshoe is strong yet light in weight. The moldable material has a thickness which varies across the horseshoe, so as to define a cavity in the space between the shoe and the horse's hoof. A channel, formed in the moldable material, provides access to the cavity, which can be filled with a medicated material after the shoe has been attached to the hoof. In an alternative embodiment, a source of current can be connected across the ends of the resilient member, causing the resilient member to function as a resistance heater, which can melt an adhesive used to attach the shoe to the hoof.

Abstract: A shoe for a hoofed animal, e.g. a horseshoe, is described which comprises a body made from a thermoplastic composition which comprises a matrix of a thermoplastic material which has a softening point of less than 100° C., such as a polycaprolactone. A method of shoeing a hoofed animal, such as a horse, is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an attenuating horseshoe for reducing the vibrational energy transferred from the shoes of the horse to the leg of the animal. The attenuating horseshoe includes a substantially rigid shoe with a central toe having branches extending from each end of the central toe. A channel is formed within each of the branches and an attenuating material substantially fills each of the channels. The attenuating material may comprise a resilient material.

Abstract: A horseshoe with spikes and a method for making the spikes. The horseshoe has a ground engaging surface provided with first and second series of substantially parallel V-shaped grooves. The first series of substantially parallel V-shaped grooves define a first series of axes and the second series of substantially parallel V-shaped grooves define a second series of axes intersecting the first series of axes at an angle, thereby defining a plurality of pyramid-like spikes on the at least one portion of the ground engaging surface.

Abstract: A shoe for a hoofed animal, e.g. a horseshoe, is described which comprises a body made from a thermoplastic composition which comprises a matrix of a thermoplastic material which has a softening point of less than 100° C., such as a polycaprolactone. A method of shoeing a hoofed animal, such as a horse, is also described.

Abstract: A hoof guard for hooves of equestrian animals, especially for horse hooves, including a horseshoe-shaped base body, which has a walking side and a hoof application side. The hoof guard also includes at least two lifting devices, which can be displaced in or on the base body and which can be fixed to the base body. Each lifting device consists of a sliding part, which is mounted in or on the base body inside a depression or recess, and of a stop part, which projects away from the walking side while extending in an essentially perpendicular manner to the sliding part, and which rests against the hoof. The sliding part and the depression or recess of the base body are each provided with at least one complementary profile, which extends in the direction of displacement of the sliding part and which is provided for forming a slideway for the sliding part in or on the base body whereby enabling a simple adaptation to hooves of different shapes.

Abstract: A hoof shoe having a locus of flexing through spaced resin portions across interruptions is applied or formed in situ. The method includes cleaning the surface of the shoe area of the horse hoof of debris, applying preshaped resin portions arranged in a horseshoe pattern or depositing unshaped resin portions onto the cleaned hoof surface in the horseshoe pattern, and shaping the resin portions arranged in an intended horseshoe shape.

Abstract: A shoe for a hoofed animal, e.g. a horseshoe, is described which comprises a body made from a thermoplastic composition which comprises a matrix of a thermoplastic material which has a softening point of less than 100° C., such as a polycaprolactone. A method of shoeing a hoofed animal, such as a horse, is also described.

Abstract: Improved horseshoe of the type substantially consisting of an element with legs (6-7), which either or not merge into each other, and whereby the upper surface (8) of which, which is intended for coming into contact with the hoof (2), is provided with unevennesses, such as grooves, ribs, protrusions or impressions, characterized in that at least one leg (6) or (7) is provided with a surface (17), (18), respectively, the surface structure of which differs from that of the remaining part (A) of said upper surface (8).

Abstract: A horseshoe includes a thin, resilient member, embedded in a moldable material such as plastic or composite. Due to this dual construction, the horseshoe is strong yet light in weight. The moldable material has a thickness which varies across the horseshoe, so as to define a cavity in the space between the shoe and the horse's hoof. A channel, formed in the moldable material, provides access to the cavity, which can be filled with a medicated material after the shoe has been attached to the hoof. In an alternative embodiment, a source of current can be connected across the ends of the resilient member, causing the resilient member to function as a resistance heater, which can melt an adhesive used to attach the shoe to the hoof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of protecting the equine hoof, promoting comfort and health thereof, and enhancing the biomechanical performance of the animal. More particularly, the present invention is a horseshoe composed of one or more plastic or rubber and other components which can be nailed or glued to the equine hoof. Key to the invention is the use of two different materials, one harder, one softer to achieve a new horse shoe with several advantages over the current state of the art.