Abstract: A reinforced polymer cuff horseshoe is formed in a substantially u-shape from a resilient, flexile, moldable material and includes a pliable, metal rod-like reinforcer shaped to include an anterior segment from which opposing side segments continuously extend to caudal ends separated as an open heel. The reinforcer is embedded in the material between ungulate and ground contact surfaces. A cuff member attached to the material between the ungulate and ground contact surfaces and configured to extend up from the ungulate surface for a predetermined extent while an inner, hoof-contacting surface of the cuff surrounds and snugly fits to an outer surface contour of a hoof. A plurality of grooves or open channels is arranged in the ungulate surface for receiving an adhesive or glue for bonding the horseshoe to a hoof.

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 protective sleeve is provided for use with a low-profile boot to provide a resilient layer that prevents penetration of debris accumulated at the interface of the boot with the pastern of the horse, especially at the rear of the hoof. The form of the sleeve is tailored so that it conforms to the natural shape of a typical hoof and pastern without creases or other unnecessary accumulations of material that might provide discomfort to the horse. The lower portion of the sleeve is adapted to wrap around and cover the heel bulb, but not the rest of the hoof, in order to retain the ease with which the boot is put on the hoof of the horse. The lower portion of the sleeve is designed to wrap around the pastern and overlap for fastening with a loop-and-hook strap. Also, a retaining flap disposed upon the protective sleeve and located between the horse's hoof and the interior of its boot allows the sleeve to more securely stay in place around the animal's hoof and pastern during movement.

Abstract: A protective sleeve is provided for use with a low-profile boot to provide a resilient layer that prevents penetration of debris accumulated at the interface of the boot with the pastern of the horse, especially at the rear of the hoof. The form of the sleeve is tailored so that it conforms to the natural shape of a typical hoof and pastern without creases or other unnecessary accumulations of material that might provide discomfort to the horse. The lower portion of the sleeve is adapted to wrap around and cover the heel bulb, but not the rest of the hoof, in order to retain the ease with which the boot is put on the hoof of the horse. The lower portion of the sleeve is designed to wrap around the pastern and overlap for fastening with a loop-and-hook strap.

Abstract: A horse boot includes a receiver for a hoof. The receiver has a sole, an upper on the sole and a mechanism for tightening the upper around the hoof of a horse. The boot further includes a gaiter which is attachable to the upper so as to extend around the rear of the receiver. The gaiter can be wrapped around the portion of the horse's leg immediately above the hoof and functions as a barrier against the entry of debris into the receiver.