Abstract: Horseshoe comprising two legs connected by a bridge (3), characterized the bridge (3) comprises physical markers (1, 2) provided directly opposite one another in both a support surface (5) and a ground surface (4), wherein said physical markers (1, 2) function as a guide for cutting through the bridge (3) of the horseshoe.

Abstract: A cushioned horseshoe for use with a hoofed animal including a hoof contacting shoe with a top surface in contact with the hoof and a bottom surface comprising an integrally formed raised portion; and a plurality of nail holes extending from the top surface to the bottom surface of the hoof contacting shoe to receive nails; and a ground contacting shoe including a top surface comprising a recessed portion for receiving the raised portion of the hoof contacting shoe, a bottom surface for contact with a ground surface, and a through slot extending from the top surface to the bottom surface of the ground contacting shoe. Between the ground contacting shoe and the hoof contacting shoe is a pad between the bottom surface of the hoof contacting shoe and the top surface of the ground contact shoe, bonded to the bottom surface and the top surface with a rubber-tearing bond.

Abstract: A method of treating a hoof of an ungulate animal. The method comprises coating one or both of (i) at least a portion of a bottom surface of the hoof or (ii) at least a portion of a block surface with a curable polymer and allowing the polymer to cure for a period of time. The polymer is cured within 60 seconds or less of the coating and the cured polymer has a Shore D hardness of about 10 to about 50. The curable polymer is provided as a two component system. The first component is a reaction product of (a) comprises 4-4?-diphenylmethane-diisocyanate, castor oil, isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane, and glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, and wherein (b) comprises dicyclohexylmethane-4,4-diisocyanate, polyether polyol, 4,4?-diphenylmethane-diisocyanate (MDI), and triethoxy(3-isocyanatopropyle)silane. The second component comprises polyoxypropylene oxide ether polyol, diol (2000 MW), polyxoypropylene oxide ether polyol, triol (450 MW), tetrahydroxypropylethylendiamine, metaxylenediamine, and organobismuth catalyst.

Abstract: A horseshoe for attaching to a horse's hoof using an adhesive, such as glue. In one example, the horseshoe includes an elastomeric body containing a wear material, which improves wear and traction performance of elastomeric shoes. In another example, the elastomeric material may include radiopaque materials to improve visibility of the shoe when x-rays are taken of a horse's hoof or leg. In some aspects, the radiopaque material may be blended with the wear material. Or if the radiopaque material exhibits abrasive/gritty qualities, the radiopaque material may also serve as the wear material.

Abstract: The shock-absorbing horseshoe comprises a rigid part for abutment with a hoof of a horse, said rigid part forming one rigid body with two backward facing branches. A lower section of each backward facing branch is shorter than an upper section, and a resilient part extends backward beyond rear edges of each said lower section and ends at rear edges of said upper section.

Abstract: A horseshoe assembly and a method for mounting the horseshoe assembly onto a hoof is disclosed. The horseshoe assembly includes a core and a sole, wherein the sole overlays or encapsulates the core, and the core being mounted directly beneath a surface of a horse hoof. The method including: securing a cover plate over the horse hoof, the cover plate includes a plurality of anchor points distributed across the cover plate; disposing the horseshoe assembly beneath the horse hoof with the core directly contacting the bottom surface of the horse hoof; and utilizing one or more tying elements, securing the horseshoe assembly to the bottom surface of the horse hoof with a binding force which presses one or both of the core and the sole against the bottom surface of the horse hoof.

Abstract: A horse shoe has an upper with independent side walls that conform to the shape of the hoof. The upper includes a toe clip, two side tabs in the front half and two side walls in the rear half of the shoe, preferably all integral with a polymeric horseshoe with heel portions defining a gap. A cantilevered resilient bridge connects the heel portions, thus providing a spring-like structure tying the heel portions together. The top surface of the horseshoe has a grid of interconnected recesses and the upper has lateral perforations adapted to receive glue material. The shoe is fitted to the hoof by lining the surfaces of the upper and the horseshoe with glue and holding the shoe in place while the glue hardens, thereby securing the shoe to the hoof. Alternatively, the shoe is nailed on the hoof like a conventional horseshoe after removing the side walls.

Abstract: A horse boot has an upper that includes substantially independent side walls that may be flexed inward or outward as needed to conform to the shape of the hoof to which the boot is fitted. The upper has no front portion and is preferably integral with a polymeric horseshoe with free heel ends defining a gap. A cantilevered resilient frog support connects the heel ends of the horseshoe, thus providing a spring-like structure tying the heel ends together. The interior surface of the horseshoe has a grid of interconnected recesses and the upper has lateral perforations adapted to receive glue material. The boot is fitted to the hoof by lining the surfaces of the upper and the horseshoe with glue and holding the boot in place while the glue hardens, thereby securing the boot to the hoof. The entire fitting process may be carried out in a few minutes and the boot remains in place essentially without maintenance.

Abstract: A horse boot arrangement for a horse's hoof, the horse boot arrangement comprising a flexible sock member having a base portion for engaging a sole of the horse's hoof and a sleeve portion extending from the periphery of the base portion for covering the hoof, means for fastening the sleeve portion against the horse's hoof to ensure the flexible sock member remains on the hoof under working conditions, and rigid ground engaging means being detachably mountable to the flexible sock member via coupling means.

Abstract: A horseshoe for attaching to a horse's hoof using an adhesive, such as glue. In one example, the horseshoe includes an elastomeric body containing a toe portion, a first branch, a second branch, and a heel portion. A first slot extends laterally through the heel portion of the first branch. A second slot extends laterally through the heel portion of the second branch, and substantially aligns with the first slot. A resilient plate aligns with, and extends between the first and second slots. The plate is substantially perpendicular to at least a portion of the first and second branches. The aforementioned horseshoe may be attached directly to a bottom of a horse's hoof using adhesive bonding. Alternatively, the aforementioned horseshoe may also include a fabric cuff, which may be glued to a horse's hoof by applying adhesive between the cuff and the outside-vertical section of the hoof wall.

Abstract: A therapeutic extension horseshoe is formed in a substantially u-shape from a resilient, flexile moldable material. A pliable, metal rod-like reinforcer is shaped to include an anterior segment from which opposing side segments continuously extend to caudal ends separated as an open heel. Ungulate and contact surfaces are formed to include an extension to one of said opposing side segments, which extension acts as an additional load bearing surface portion to facilitate a modification of a posture of a horse shod therewith. At least one wear insert is arranged in the extended load bearing surface portion to minimize surface wear to the moldable material. Depending on its orientation, the therapeutic extension horseshoe may be used to provide a lateral extension or a medial extension.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved shock absorbing, light-weight, thermally insulative orthotic pad designed for use in a pad and boot assembly for hoofed livestock. The pad is comprised of a mixture of flexible spheroids and elastomeric materials. In a preferred embodiment, elastomeric material generally is more concentrated at the top portion of the pad, and spheroids dispersed in a matrix of elastomeric material concentrated at the bottom section of the pad. The spheroids have a lower density than the elastomeric materials and possess better thermally insulative properties, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, at least some of the spheroids are comprised of closed-cell polypropylene foam.

Abstract: A cushioned horseshoe for use with a hoofed animal including a hoof contacting shoe with a top surface in contact with the hoof and a bottom surface comprising an integrally formed raised portion; and a plurality of nail holes extending from the top surface to the bottom surface of the hoof contacting shoe to receive nails; and a ground contacting shoe including a top surface comprising a recessed portion for receiving the raised portion of the hoof contacting shoe, a bottom surface for contact with a ground surface, and a through slot extending from the top surface to the bottom surface of the ground contacting shoe. Between the ground contacting shoe and the hoof contacting shoe is a pad between the bottom surface of the hoof contacting shoe and the top surface of the ground contact shoe, bonded to the bottom surface and the top surface with a rubber-tearing bond.

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: Sole (5) for a shoe adapted for use on hoofed or cloven-hoofed animals where the sole (5) at least comprises: a forward (10) and a rear part (11) plus at least a coupling/joint (14) which allows the at least one forward part (10) and the at least one rear part (11) to move completely or partly independent of each other. The invention also discloses a shoe (1) for use of said sole (5).

Abstract: The shock-absorbing horseshoe comprises a rigid part (1) for abutment with a hoof of a horse, said rigid part forming one rigid body with two backward facing branches (3,4). A lower section (9, 10) of each backward facing branch is shorter than an upper section (11, 12), and a resilient part (13, 14) extends backward beyond rear edges of each said lower section and ends at rear edges of said upper section.

Abstract: A therapeutic extension horseshoe is formed in a substantially u-shape from a resilient, flexile moldable material. A pliable, metal rod-like reinforcer is shaped to include an anterior segment from which opposing side segments continuously extend to caudal ends separated as an open heel. Ungulate and contact surfaces are formed to include an extension to one of said opposing side segments, which extension acts as an additional load bearing surface portion to facilitate a modification of a posture of a horse shod therewith. At least one wear insert is arranged in the extended load bearing surface portion to minimize surface wear to the moldable material. Depending on its orientation, the therapeutic extension horseshoe may be used to provide a lateral extension or a medial extension.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible one-piece horseshoe plastic mold for an equine animal with an equine hoof to make an in situ horseshoe and hoof protection. The mold has a base mold with a cavity area to accommodate the equine hoof with a base and a fast setting material injected into the cavity area through a plurality of holes when the equine hoof is placed in the cavity area forming the horseshoe and hoof protection after an increment of time while the injected material cures and sets while the hoof is placed in the cavity. The present invention also includes a method of making and attaching an in situ horseshoe and hoof protection to an equine to accommodate an equine hoof utilizing a mold.

Abstract: A flexile shoe to protect a horse's hoof, made of a moldable composition, and reinforced throughout with pliant metal, and further reinforced with a hard wear insert at the toe of the shoe. A method of molding the shoe, and of bonding the shoe to the hoof with adhesive.

Abstract: The design of this shoeing system is specifically produced to ensure the maintenance of the breakover function of the hoof. The breakover built into the shoe is specifically produced to ensure the tip of the pedal bone remains the central point of rotation following the addition of a shoe. The dimension of this breakover can be calculated using the following equation: R=A+(B?b)+C. This equation can be used on all horses, all shoes and all terrains offering the trainer/owner/farrier the opportunity to shoe the horse using the most efficient breakover possible.

Abstract: A device used to protect the hoof of a horse, replaces a horseshoe and takes the form of a sole (1) which is glued to the lower surface of the hoof, i.e. the surface that rests on the ground. The sole (1) is made from a low-density synthetic material. Moreover, at least one part of the sole includes at least two stacked layers (2, 3) of material having different hardness values. One of the layers (2) has a greater hardness value in order to withstand wear and abrasion, the layer forming the surface of the sole (1) that rests on the ground, while another layer (3) has a lower hardness value in order to form a shock absorbing and/or damping layer, the layer being intended to come into contact with the hoof. The assembly follows the natural deformations in the horny wall of the hoof.

Abstract: Horseshoe-like hoof pad lining configuered as an essentially flat plate comprised of flexible plastic material which can be placed within the space defined by the hoof plate between the hoof plate and the hoof sole in order to avoid adhesion of especially snow and ice on the hoof sole, wherein the hoof pad lining is provided with a tube-like hump defining at least partly the enclosed space, which hump comprises a hollow space at least partly filled with air, wherein moreover the hump stands upright on the plastic material plate and extends internally up to the upper end of the hoof pad.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resilient pad to be placed between a foot and a shoe of a hoofed animal comprising a first region substantially defined by the area of the shoe and a second region substantially defined by an area enclosed by the shoe. The second region contains the shock absorbing area. The first region of the pad resides between the hoof and shoe and does not provide substantial shock absorbing properties. Further disclosed is a resilient pad comprising two hemispheres for a cloven hoofed animal.

Abstract: A shoe for a hoofed animal, e.g. a horseshoe, is described which comprises a body made from a thermoplastic composition which comprises a matrix of a thermoplastic material which has a softening point of less than 100° C., such as a polycaprolactone. A method of shoeing a hoofed animal, such as a horse, is also described.

Abstract: In a horseshoe (1) having a resilient intermediate layer (4) positioned to fill out the interspace between a rigid upper and lower parts (2, 3), which are mechanically connected at the front edge of the horseshoe (1), the upper and lower parts (2,3) are, in addition, interconnected by an interlocking device (A: A1; A2) near at least one of the rear edges of the branches of the lower part (3) to prevent separation of the upper and lower parts, while allowing elastic deformation of the resilient intermediate layer (4).

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: Disclosed is an energy absorbing compound comprising an epoxidized vegetable oil, a thermoplastic polymer and a prepolymer. The energy absorbing compound is a polymeric compound which exhibits low rebound velocity and hysteresis. The energy absorbing compound possesses good energy-attenuating properties and is capable of absorbing repeat shocks without structural damage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resilient pad to be placed between a foot and a shoe of a hoofed animal comprising a first region substantially defined by the area of the shoe and a second region substantially defined by an area enclosed by the shoe. The second region contains the shock absorbing area. The first region of the pad resides between the hoof and shoe and does not provide substantial shock absorbing properties. Further disclosed is a resilient pad comprising two hemispheres for a cloven hoofed animal.

Abstract: Horseshoe-like hoof pad lining configuered as an essentially flat plate comprised of flexible plastic material which can be placed within the space defined by the hoof plate between the hoof plate and the hoof sole in order to avoid adhesion of especially snow and ice on the hoof sole, wherein the hoof pad lining is provided with a tube-like hump defining at least partly the enclosed space, which hump comprises a hollow space at least partly filled with air, wherein moreover the hump stands upright on the plastic material plate and extends internally up to the upper end of the hoof pad.

Abstract: In a horseshoe (1) having a resilient intermediate layer (4) positioned to fill out the interspace between a rigid upper and lower parts (2, 3), which are mechanically connected at the front edge of the horseshoe (1), the upper and lower parts (2,3) are, in addition, interconnected by interlocking means (A: A1; A2) near at least one of the rear edges of the branches of the lower part (3) to prevent separation of the upper and lower parts, while allowing elastic deformation of the resilient intermediate layer (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a horseshoe arrangement (2) of the kind that comprises a first part (21), which lies proximal to a horse's hoof, and a second part (22) which lies proximal to the ground, wherewith said first part (21) has a horseshoe shape and consists of hard material, such as metal material, and said second part (22) has a corresponding horseshoe shape and consists of a resilient material, such as a plastic material. The two parts (21, 22) are mutually co-ordinated so that each nail-accommodating hole (21a, 22a) will extend through said two parts (21, 22). Each hole (21a) of the first part (21) has a cross-sectional size that exceeds the cross-sectional size of the hoof-penetrating portion (3a) of a nail (3). Each hole (21a) of the horseshoe-shaped part (21) has at its hoof-distal periphery a plurality of hole-encircling surface sections (21b, 21c) which are coordinated pair-wise and adapted for sliding co-action with nail-associated support surfaces (3b, 3c) proximal to horse's hoof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a horseshoe-like, plate-configured hoof pad of plastic material having two legs, which can be adapted to the size of the hoof by means of changing their distance with respect to one another, having the form of a connecting bar which can be engaged with the legs of the pad in the area of their ends, which pad is provided with a running surface covered by profile bodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of protecting the equine hoof, promoting comfort and health thereof, and enhancing the biomechanical performance of the animal. More particularly, the present invention is a horseshoe composed of one or more plastic or rubber and other components which can be nailed or glued to the equine hoof. Key to the invention is the use of two different materials, one harder, one softer to achieve a new horse shoe with several advantages over the current state of the art.

Abstract: An appliance for assisting in the shoeing of horses and other animals is made of malleable galvanized sheet metal. It is formed of a pair of wings which extend outwardly from a center axis and extend upwardly from a line perpendicular to the axis at an angle of approximately 25°-40° to accommodate various hoof trim angles. The wings are wrapped about an animal's hoof and are trimmed, if necessary, to lie flush with the hoof edge. The wings each have a plurality of apertures for receiving the ends of shoeing nails that are clinched to the outer surface of the appliance. The appliance extends the life of a shoeing, prevents loose and thrown shoes and is useful in repairing cracked hooves.

Abstract: In a shock-absorbing horseshoe (1) a resilient intermediate layer (4) is positioned in a sandwich arrangement between an upper part (2) and an under part (3) substantially in parallel therewith, the intermediate layer (4) filing out completely the interspace between the upper part (2) and the under part (3). In the under part (3) openings (7A) are provided, said openings allowing passage of nailheads of conventional horseshoe fastening nails (13) in such a manner that the securing of the horseshoe (1) to the hoof by means of such nails is accomplished solely through the abutment of the nailhead against the resilient intermediate layer (4) and through the resilient compression of said layer.

Abstract: A horseshoe like hoof pad of plastic material having two legs, which can be adopted to the size of the hoof by means for changing their distance with respect to one another having the form of a connecting bar bridging these legs of the pad within the area of their ends and engaging the legs, which pad having a lower surface contacting the underground and an upper surface contacting the hoof, which lower surface is provided with profile elements.

Abstract: A shoe (1) which can be slipped over a hoof of an animal, particularly a horse, has at least one base part (2) approximately adapted to the hoof, on which base part is formed a wall (3) to be adjusted to the hoof of the animal. On the inner side of the wall (3) is provided an element (11) comprising an elastically deformable material, which element is at least partially surrounded by the wall (3) and can be pressurized with a fluid medium.

Abstract: A shoeing system for horses' hooves comprises a shoe (3) and shoe insert (2) of shock-absorbing material between the hoof and shoe. The single-part or multiple-part insert (2) is matched to the shape of the horse shoe (3) and is nailed in the front area between the hoof and shoe and can move in the rear area with the hoof relative to the shoe. This mobility is ensured by a sliding member (26) situated between the insert (2) and the shoe (3) and capable of moving relative to the shoe. In the heel area, the insert is provided on its inner side with beading (22) which both permits and restricts displacement of the insert.

Abstract: A horseshoe having an excellent adherence and gripping effect over any kind of grounds, particularly rigid and hard surfaces, such as pavements, the horseshoe being at least partially encased in a resilient material.

Abstract: A horseshoe having holes for horseshoe nails extending therethrough and including a resilient material. Washers are embedded in the resilient material and horseshoe nails extend through the washers and the holes when the horseshoe is fastened to a horse's hoof. A portion of the horseshoe adapted to bear on the hoof comprises a plate against which the resilient material adheres. The washers abut the plate and are horizontally movable relative thereto, and the holes in the plate have a larger cross section than the nail, such that the nail is capable of moving horizontally together with the washers during loading of the horse's hoof.

Abstract: A kit which can be used to form a horseshoe, which can be assembled by a farrier in the field, and which can be applied to a horse using adhesives. Specifically, a kit is provided including a rigid cast polymeric sole or a horseshoe, and a rigid planar member for attachment to the sole. A hoof contacting layer (cuff) including a skirt extending therefrom is also provided. The sole, planar member, and hoof contacting layer all include a heat activated thermoplastic urethane adhesive. The kit can also include layers of shock-attenuating material also coated with the adhesive. Such shock-attenuating material may be wedge shaped. Alternatively, additional layers of rigid wedge-shaped material may be added as necessary to produce a shoe with the desired shape. Since the adhesive is heat activated thermoplastic urethane adhesive, a farrier can heat the layers in the field to activate the adhesive and glue the shoe together.

Abstract: A hoof pad adapted for attachment between the hoof of a horse and a horseshoe. The hoof pad is made of a leather-like composite material having a substantially continuous web portion impregnated with a binder composition. The web portion of the composite material is made of a particulate, matrix-forming material, preferably a natural or synthetic fibrous material. The binder composition binds the particulate, matrix-forming material in the web and imparts resiliency and water resistance to the composite material. Preferably, the binder composition is a natural or synthetic rubber latex. The hoof pad can be a full pad or a rim pad, and is sized to fit between a horse's hoof and a horseshoe with a peripheral portion shaped substantially the same as the arcuate portion of the horseshoe.

Abstract: A horse-shoe having two aluminum layers and between them, an internal layer made out of an elastic, shock-absorbing material such as silicone rubber. The lower or ground contact layer has a recessed groove and nail holes provided along the interior surface of bottom surface of the lower layer. The upper layer or hoof contacting layer has nail holes formed in it which are aligned with the nail holes of the lower layer such that the horseshoe can be readily attached to a hoof of a horse. The upper and lower layers are also secured at locations separate from the nail holes so as to provide a pre-assembled, multi-layer horse-shoe.

Abstract: A protective covering for a horse's hoof is provided which comprises a horseshoe having convex and concave edges and a polymeric fiber fabric embedded in a polymeric resin bonded to the horseshoe. The fabric extends beyond the convex edge of the horseshoe. When the shoe is fitted to the horse's hoof, the fabric extends up over the outside of the hoof. The protective covering is secured to the hoof using an acrylic structural adhesive both between the hoof and the shoe and between the polymeric fiber fabric and the outside of the hoof. The polymeric fiber fabric is preferably a polyolefin, and particularly preferred is woven polyethylene. The polymeric resin is preferably polyurethane.

Abstract: A horseshoe utilizes reinforced belting material as padding. In certain embodiments, the reinforced belting material is cut to a certain depth in selected locations and the belting material may be removed along the layers of reinforcing material. A truncated toe portion of a horseshoe is adhesively bonded to the turf side of the toe portion of the pad. The reinforcing material provides lateral stability to the padding allowing a thicker pad with the same stability. A new use is provided for used or seconds belting material for the economical production of improved horseshoes. The padding may also be molded from rubber or plastic with a turf side of the toe portion recessed to accommodate the truncated horseshoe.

Abstract: A horseshoe impact pad including a molded base of urethane material or the like having a recess formed in the upper, hoof engaging surface thereof and having a resilient honeycomb panel disposed within the recess and fixedly secured to the base. The horseshoe pad may be of full hoof design, for certain racing application, or may be generally limited to the hoof area covered by the horseshoe itself. The hoof side of the pad may also be configured to include a frog support component. The turf side of the pad may be provided with stabilizing ribs, heel shock-reducing projections, etc., and the base may be tapered to provide a desired tilt to the animal's hoof.

Abstract: Shoes for horses are fabricated from a plastic material which is reinforced by kinked metal wire. The shoes are lightweight, readily formable, have good wear properties and are much easier on the horse than metal shoes. The reinforced plastic material is also useful for fabrication of hoof pads.

Abstract: A hoof pad comprising a polymer composition containing at least about 50% by weight of high molecular weight polycaprolactone polymers wherein the composition has a melting point of from about 120.degree. F. to about 200.degree. F.

Abstract: A replaceable horseshoe pad is disclosed for use with a shoe plate. The horseshoe pad comprises a cushioning sole plate and a plurality of ground contacting cleat-like members each jointed to, and extending outwardly from the sole plate. The cleat-like members are adapted to extend through corresponding cleat receiving apertures formed in the shoe plate. The invention further comprises a mechanism for securing the sole and shoe plates to a horse's hoof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting the hooves of a horse from concussive forces are described. A pad manufactured of woven felt is fixedly secured between each of the horse's hooves and a horseshoe. The pad has a size and shape approximating that of the horseshoe, and has a preferred thickness of about 0.125-0.250 inches, a surface density of about 30.0-68.0 ounces/square yard, and a density of about 0.218-0.304 ounces/cubic inch. In a preferred embodiment, the pad is first attached to the horseshoe followed by attachment of the horseshoe and pad to the hoof. Any excess portions of the pad extending beyond the edges of the horseshoe are trimmed off.