Abstract: A plastic, removable insert unit for use with an arched horseshoe pad or a horseshoe, the insert unit including a substantially flat region and locking elements for attaching the insert to the horseshoe pad or to the horseshoe, wherein when the insert unit is attached to the horseshoe pad or to the horseshoe, the substantially flat region fits within the arch of the horseshoe pad or the horseshoe and substantially fills the arch is disclosed.

Abstract: A durable, resilient plastic horseshoe including a first plastic polymer having a first durometer, and a second plastic polymer having a second durometer higher than the first durometer is disclosed, wherein when the shoe is placed on a foot of a hoofed animal and the animal places weight on the foot and causes the shoe to come in contact with the ground, the first plastic polymer is simultaneously in contact with the second plastic polymer and the ground, and the second plastic polymer is in contact with the first plastic polymer and free of contact with the foot.

Abstract: A resilient pad to be placed between a foot and a shoe of a hoofed animal, the pad including a first plastic polymer having a first durometer, and a second plastic polymer having a second durometer higher than the first durometer is disclosed, wherein when the pad is in position between the foot and the shoe, the first plastic polymer is simutaneously in contact with the second plastic polymer and the shoe, and the second plastic polymer is in contact with the first plastic polymer and free of contact with the foot.