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: There is disclosed a composition useful for medicated treatment of hooves of live animals. The composition comprises a major portion of a carrier and hoof penetrant, a minor amount of a filler comprising chiefly polyolefin fibers, and an oil-in-water emulsifier to form a staple composition. The composition can include optional quantities of a medicinal compound. A specific example of the compound comprises approximately 12 weight percent of chopped fibers of a polyolefin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, about 69 percent of a carrier comprising pine tar, paraffin wax and coconut oil, and an oil-in-water emulsifier such as an aliphatic alcohol or alkyl glucose fatty acid ester. Preferably, the composition also includes a medicinal compound such as alcohol, iodine or a soluble iodide. The method comprises packing the hooves of live animals such as horses with the composition.