Abstract: The present invention is a method of positioning a horse's foot for radiographic examination which includes attaching to the hoof of the lower limb to be X-rayed a radiolucent pad, and necessary height extension plates, all having the shape of the hoof's footprint in order to elevate the hoof to a level above the standing surface that will position the area of X-ray interest appropriately with the beam of the X-ray collimator. In addition, it is necessary to place a platform of the same or similar height as the pad and its height extensions beneath of the hoof of the opposite foot. The apparatus for attaching the pad to the horse's hoof preferably comprises a pair of overlapping elastic straps.

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: The present invention is a method of positioning a horse's foot for radiographic examination which includes attaching to the hoof of the lower limb to be X-rayed a radiolucent pad, and necessary height extension plates, all having the shape of the hoof's footprint in order to elevate the hoof to a level above the standing surface that will position the area of X-ray interest appropriately with the beam of the X-ray collimator. In addition, it is necessary to place a platform of the same or similar height as the pad and its height extensions beneath of the hoof of the opposite foot. The apparatus for attaching the pad to the horse's hoof preferably comprises a pair of overlapping elastic straps.

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: 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: 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 equine hoof appliance for horses, comprising a substantially flat pad having the general shape of the footprint of a horse's hoof and defining a curved toe portion and a substantially flat rear edge portion. The pad attaches to the ground-contacting surface of a horse's hoof and, on its opposite surface, mounts a horseshoe disposed around a ground contacting forwardly sloping and distally extending caudal projection on the pad. The caudal projection emulates and exaggerates the hoof frog and in so doing accomplishes two important objectives. The projection encourages heel first foot placement for maintenance of healthy phalanges alignment. Simultaneously the projection stimulates proprioceptive functions in the hoof to improve the horse's balance.

Abstract: A horseshoe has a closed end toe section provided with a concave depression in its upper surface and a rearwardly and downwardly beveled portion in its lower surface. The concave depression is provided over an area sufficient to avoid contact with the sole of a horse's foot beneath the tip of the coffin bone.

Abstract: Horseshoe device having a squared off toe portion including branches with heel portions in which the front edge of the toe portion is straight or linear across its front. The edge extends under the toe of the hoof an approximate predetermined distance from the hoof toe. An insert grab plate is formed or received in a cavity on the bottom of the shoe such that the ground contact surface thereof is forward of a line extending directly downwardly from the tip of the coffin bone to a line of up to 30 degrees forward and also extending from the coffin bone tip.

Abstract: A combination hoof pad and horseshoe which raises the horse's heel and at the same time supports the coffin bone. The pad is wedge-shaped to be higher at the heel and lower at the toe. An insert support is located on the bottom of the pad such that it presses upwardly from the ground line to give support to the center of the coffin bone. The shoe portion of the remedial pad and shoe combination is provided with replaceable high heels thus raising the hoof heel to relax the flexor tendons. Relaxing the flexor tendons reduces pull on the coffin bone.

Abstract: The invention involves a combination hoof pad and horseshoe which raises the horse's heel and at the same time supports the coffin bone. The pad is wedge-shaped to be higher at the heel and lower at the toe. An insert support is located on the bottom of the pad such that it presses upwardly from the ground line to give support to the center of the coffin bone. The shoe portion of the remedial pad and shoe combination is provided with high heels thus raising the hoof heel to relax the flexor tendons. Relaxing the flexor tendons reduces pull on the coffin bone.

Abstract: Horseshoe device (10) having a squared off toe portion (12) including branches (14,16) with heel portions (18,20) in which the front edge (30) of the toe portion is straight or linear across its front. The edge (30) extends under the toe of the hoof (H) an approximate predetermined distance from the hoof toe. An insert grab plate or calk (70,90) is received in a cavity on the bottom of the shoe such that the contact edge (74,92) is substantially directly below the tip of the coffin bone (C).