Abstract: A horse boot (10) includes a shell (12) and a gaiter (22). The shell has a sole (14) and an upper (16) with a vertical slit (18). The gaiter (22) is releasably attached to the heel of the upper and is wrapped around the pastern (P) above the hoofs hairline (C) and below the fetlock to anchor the shell to the pastern and function as a barrier against debris. The gaiter includes a portion of two-way stretch material (60) that makes it possible to fold it out of the way for ease of installation. The process is further facilitated by the slit (18) that allows spreading of the shell. By shaping the upper (16) so that it presses against the hoof (H) the boot is advantageously held in place using only the gaiter anchored to the heel of the boot and strapped to the pastern of the horse.

Abstract: A horse boot (10) includes a shell (12) for a hoof and a gaiter (22) for the pastern. The shell has a sole (14), an upper (16), a tongue (18), and an elastic strap (60) for tightening the upper and the tongue around the hoof of a horse. The gaiter (22) is releasably attached to the upper so as to extend around the rear of the shell and can be wrapped around the pastern (P) of the horse immediately above the hoofs hairline (C) and below the fetlock to function as a barrier against the entry of debris into the shell. The gaiter provides an additional anchor to retain the shell in place under extreme conditions of use. The releasable connection to the shell (12) allows replacement of the gaiter (22) when worn out.

Abstract: A horse boot buckle includes a plate with cable eyelets and six cable guides that provide multiple tension adjustments. In addition, the buckle lever includes three alternative grooves for engaging the tensioning cable, thereby providing additional tensioning adjustment. The tensioning cable is hooked to the upper on both sides of its front rim. The buckle lever is pointing up in its closed position, thereby preventing accidental release of the tension on the cable.

Abstract: A boot for a horse has two tongues which are located opposite one another and allow the boot to be opened exceptionally wide.

Abstract: A horse boot (10) includes a shell (12) for a hoof and a gaiter (22) for the pastern. The shell has a sole (14), an upper (16), a tongue (18), and an elastic strap (60) for tightening the upper and the tongue around the hoof of a horse. The gaiter (22) is releasably attached to the upper so as to extend around the rear of the shell and can be wrapped around the pastern (P) of the horse immediately above the hoof's hairline (C) and below the fetlock to function as a barrier against the entry of debris into the shell. The gaiter provides an additional anchor to retain the shell in place under extreme conditions of use. The releasable connection to the shell (12) allows replacement of the gaiter (22) when worn out.

Abstract: A horse boot includes a shell for the hoof and a gaiter for the pastern. The shell has a sole, an upper, a tongue, and an elastic component for tightening the upper and the tongue around the hoof of the horse. The gaiter is releasably attached to the upper so as to extend around the rear of the shell and is wrapped around the pastern of the horse immediately above the hoof's front hairline and below the fetlock to function as a barrier against the entry of debris into the shell. The gaiter provides an additional anchor to retain the shell in place under extreme conditions of use. The releasable connection to the shell allows replacement of the gaiter when worn out.

Abstract: A horse boot buckle includes a plate with cable eyelets and six cable guides that provide multiple tension adjustments. In addition, the buckle lever includes three alternative grooves for engaging the tensioning cable, thereby providing additional tensioning adjustment. The tensioning cable is hooked to the upper on both sides of its front rim. The buckle lever is pointing up in its closed position, thereby preventing accidental release of the tension on the cable.

Abstract: A stirrup bushing is provided with a star-shaped cross-sectional configuration that allows structural distortion when compressed by the forces exerted by a rider. The bushing consists of an inner sleeve adapted to fit tightly around the rod of the stirrup and of outer fins extending radially along the length of the inner sleeve. In an alternative, preferred embodiment, the bushing also includes an outer sleeve enveloping the longitudinal fins, so as to provide an additional structure and an expanded surface to distribute and attenuate the forces exerted by the supporting strap over the rod of the stirrup. The invention lies in the idea of providing voids in the structure of the bushing, such that compressive forces are relieved through deformation, rather than contained in a fixed geometry that produces deterioration of the material.

Abstract: A horse boot of the type having a sole and flexible envelope with re-entrant folds for surounding the hores's hoof below the coronary band is improved by adding a movable back strap and movabale toothed side gripping plates capable of sliding forward during attachment of the boot. This modification provides an adjustable fit boot that better secures the boot to the hoof in a self-adjusting and natural way.