Abstract: A hoof boot has a base, a heel captivator, and a pivoting mechanism that disposes the heel captivator to pivot relative to the base, preferably in a manner that allows the heel captivator at least three degrees of freedom of movement relative to the base. The heel captivator is preferably low in the rearmost portion, which provides clearance for the pastern bones of the equine lower leg to descend upon weight bearing during movement at various gaits. To reduce the possibility for bruising and chaffing of soft tissue around the pastern bones, and to help eliminate accumulation of debris, preferred heel captivators have an open mesh architecture. Heel captivators can alternatively or additionally be designed with fabric covered neoprene or other liners. Boots are preferably tightened using mechanically advantages laces.

Abstract: A hoof boot enables a user to cover, protect and/or treat a hoof. The hoof boot comprises an elastic, hoof-enveloping casing. The casing comprises an interior surface area, an exterior surface area, a ground-contacting bottom portion, a hoof-contracting intermediate portion, and a boot-holding upper portion. The interior and exterior surface areas are non-parallel at the intermediate and upper portions for effecting axially-varied inwardly-directed radial return forces under hoof-based tensile stress from the upper to the bottom portion. The interior and exterior surface areas are substantially parallel at the bottom portion for effecting substantially uniform upwardly directed return forces under hoof-based compressive stress. The casing is elastically actuable and returnable during hoof loading/unloading for improving blood circulation in the hoof.

Abstract: A protective article for a horse includes a protective member and a replaceable securing member. The protective member includes a body portion extending between a pair of opposing ends and dimensioned to be wrapped around and secured to a horse's body part, and further includes a first engagement member coupled to the body portion adjacent one end, and a second engagement member coupled to the body portion adjacent the other end. The replaceable securing member is adapted to be selectively engaged with the engagement members in a manner that urges the engagement members towards one another. The replaceable securing member includes a first securing assembly adapted to be manually reversibly secured to the first engagement member, and a second securing assembly adapted to be manually reversibly secured to the second engagement member, the first securing assembly securing to the first engagement member independently of the second securing assembly.

Abstract: A horse boot assembly comprises: a boot body shaped to accommodate a hoof of a horse, fastening means associated with the boot body for fastening the boot assembly onto the hoof, and an adapter. The adapter is compressed against a rear part of the hoof upon fastening of the fastening means.

Abstract: Method and devices for treating equine laminitis by cryotherapy, comprising a boot to be fitted over the horse's hoof, having a wedge shaped sole that is angled by 20° toward the front; The purpose is accomplished by the boot in conjunction with three opportunely shaped removable soles, and a cryotherapy reservoir of flexible material, that is inserted into the boot and connected to an external device for refrigeration by circulation of a fluid.

Abstract: A hoof boot assembly enables a user to remedy a select hoof disorder, and comprises an outer hoof-enveloping casing and an inner cavity-filling core. The casing is constructed from an elastic material and the core is constructed from a viscoelastic material. The core is received in the casing such that when donned upon a hoof, the sole/frog cavity of the hoof negatively impresses the core. In other words, the boot assembly is outfitted upon a hoof such that the casing envelopes the hoof, and the core compressibly fills the hoof cavity thereof. The optional medicament is deliverable to a target treatment site via core compression for topically treating the site. The casing is elastically actuable and returnable during hoof loading/unloading, and the core is creep-compressible and creep-returnable during hoof loading/unloading.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a sock for use on the leg of a horse or ungulate, such as a cow, donkey or other hoofed animal. In the preferred embodiment the sock is tubular in shape having an upper opening and a lower opening. The sock is generally comprised of an upper cuff, main body and lower cuff. The upper cuff is configured to frictionally engage the leg of the horse such that the sock will not easily slip down on the leg of the horse. The main body is hollow and is configured to bunch together to hold the horse's body heat close to the leg of the horse. The lower cuff is configured to expand over said hoof of said ungulate and when over the hoof conform to or hug the small pastern.

Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of core cooling the blood of an equine animal. The apparatus is a flexible boot having disposed in it an orthotic pad that has means for circulating coolant so the bottom hoof area of an equine can be cooled. Optionally the pad is designed to allow cooling under vacuum. In some aspects the apparatus also provides means for cooling the lower leg of the equine in a way designed to allow coolant circulated through the boot pad to also be circulated through the leg cooling means while maintaining a controlled temperature against the leg surface. The invention is also a method of core cooling an animal utilizing the apparatus described.

Abstract: A horse boot includes the combination of an inner liner (10 and 10?) and an outer shell (12). The liner is adapted to wrap around the front and lateral surfaces of the hoof of the horse, while the shell includes an upper (16) designed to conform with the exterior surface of the liner for attachment to it. The shell is fastened to the liner by some detachable means, such as nuts (22) and bolts (20), and the liner/shell assembly is glued to the hoof. The shell may then be removed at will to allow the hoof to be barefoot and may be re-installed to produce a boot in place when desired.

Abstract: A structurally supportive therapeutic horseshoe comprised of an outer shoe portion and an inner structural stabilizer portion, with the outer shoe being formed from a material that is softer than the structural stabilizer. The outer shoe, one side of which is fitted adjacent to the horse's hoof, and the other side of which comes into contact with the ground, is more insulating than the metal used in a traditional shoe, and helps to maintain the natural temperature of the hoof, while acting as a shock absorber and providing a soft surface upon which the hoof can rest. The therapeutic stabilizer is designed to support each of the structural components of the hoof and foot, including the walls of the hoof, as well as the arch of the foot, while stabilizing the hoof on the ground and in motion, side-to-side, as well as when in the air.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include orthotic devices for treating hoof ailments, including laminitis and founder, and methods of treating the hoof ailments using an orthotic. In one embodiment, the hoof orthotic includes a platform having a heel end, a toe end, an inside and an outside edge, the heel end comprising a center section of the platform. The toe end includes a first tip and a second tip having a space therebetween such that the toe end is not enclosed. The platform includes an upper hoof contact surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being elevated at the heel end of the platform and sloping such that the heel end has a greater vertical height than the toe end. The orthotic also includes attachment means that extend vertically from the platform for attaching the orthotic to the animal hoof. The orthotic can be made from a resilient and/or elastomeric material that may also provide cushioning and fitting advantages.

Abstract: A horse protector may be a horse hoof protector or a leg protector and includes a body formed of a plastic material by way of injection molding. A surface element, such as leather, is disposed at a predetermined position of injection. Thus, when the body is being formed by way of injection molding, the surface element is integrally adhered to the outer surface of the body. Thus, the protector has the simple structure and can be easily manufactured, and the surface element of the protector is firmly bonded and is free from detachment.

Abstract: An equine support boot comprises a base portion, at least one upper strap, a concave portion formed in the base portion, an orthopedic pad disposed in the concave portion, and at least one sling strap connected to the base portion, the sling strap being configured to apply an upward force on the concave portion.

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 also includes a short rear lip projecting backward at an approximate 45-degree angle to facilitate entry while still providing a ridge to enclose the back bottom portion of the hoof. The inside of the boot is lined with bonding material along the interior surface of the upper. The boot is fitted to the hoof and held in place while the bonding material hardens, thereby securing the boot to the hoof. The entire fitting process may be carried out in less than two minutes.

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 hoofs 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: An elastic bandage for horses' legs particularly suitable for protecting horses' legs without limiting their movement and without preventing transpiration. The application of the bandage does not cause rubbing or abrasion of the horses' legs.

Abstract: A horse boot (10) includes a shell (12) and a gaiter (22). The shell has a sole (14) and an upper (16) with a vertical slit (18). The gaiter (22) is releasably attached to the heel of the upper and is wrapped around the pastern (P) above the hoofs hairline (C) and below the fetlock to anchor the shell to the pastern and function as a barrier against debris. The gaiter includes a portion of two-way stretch material (60) that makes it possible to fold it out of the way for ease of installation. The process is further facilitated by the slit (18) that allows spreading of the shell. By shaping the upper (16) so that it presses against the hoof (H) the boot is advantageously held in place using only the gaiter anchored to the heel of the boot and strapped to the pastern of the horse.

Abstract: An equine support boot comprises a base portion, at least one upper strap, a concave portion formed in the base portion, an orthopedic pad disposed in the concave portion, and at least one sling strap connected to the base portion, the sling strap being configured to apply an upward force on the concave portion.

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 hoofs 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 horse boot buckle includes a plate with cable eyelets and six cable guides that provide multiple tension adjustments. In addition, the buckle lever includes three alternative grooves for engaging the tensioning cable, thereby providing additional tensioning adjustment. The tensioning cable is hooked to the upper on both sides of its front rim. The buckle lever is pointing up in its closed position, thereby preventing accidental release of the tension on the cable.

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: An improved equine hoof boot, boot pad and boot and pad assembly that consists of a flexible boot and a shock absorbing pad disposed inside at the bottom of the boot, the pad having optionally a combination of soft and harder components.

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: An improved equine hoof boot, boot pad and boot and pad assembly that consists of a fabric boot and dimensioned elliptical shock absorbing pad disposed inside at the bottom of the boot, the pad optionally a combination of soft and harder components and also optionally having a triangular raised frog support at the rear of a hoof stop at the front.

Abstract: A horse boot includes a shell for the hoof and a gaiter for the pastern. The shell has a sole, an upper, a tongue, and an elastic component for tightening the upper and the tongue around the hoof of the horse. The gaiter is releasably attached to the upper so as to extend around the rear of the shell and is wrapped around the pastern of the horse immediately above the hoof's front hairline 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 allows replacement of the gaiter when worn out.

Abstract: A compact, athletic equine boot that resists turning on the animal's hoof when the animal such as a horse is jumping, running and turning in water, mud, sand and sawdust comprising a bell portion having a cushiony layer on the interior of a relatively rigid or hard shell, an internal compressible protrusion, a fastener to secure the boot on the hoof, the hard shell being flexible and strong to resist blows from over-reaching rear hooves. The invention also includes a laminate comprising a layer of a tough, flexible, strong material, a cushiony layer and a fastener for attaching one end of the laminate to another end of the same or different laminate. Also disclosed is a method of making.

Abstract: A flexible hoof sock for use with horse's comprising a sole portion and body portion both made of a flexible and durable material to enable the hoof sock to be worn in the field or in the stall. Further, comprising two flexible closure flaps attached to the upper portion of the body having VELCRO™ attachments at the distal ends of each closure flap and the opposing point of connection on the upper anterior portion of the body, or the tongue. The body, sole and closure flaps when attached to the tongue create a pocket or opening to encase an equine's hoof. Inside this opening one or both of two pads can be inserted, parallel to the sole portion of the hoof sock. The first pad is the cushion pad which is a circular pad that is made of rubberized material to provide cushioning to the horse's hoof. The second pad is a therapeutic pad which is also circular in shape and is made of a felt or similar absorbent material.

Abstract: A compact, athletic equine boot that resists turning on the animal's hoof when the animal such as a horse is jumping, running and turning in water, mud, sand and sawdust comprising a bell portion having a cushiony layer on the interior of a relatively rigid or hard shell, an internal compressible protrusion, a fastener to secure the boot on the hoof, the hard shell being flexible and strong to resist blows from over-reaching rear hooves. The invention also includes a laminate comprising a layer of a tough, flexible, strong material, a cushiony layer and a fastener for attaching one end of the laminate to another end of the same or different laminate. Also disclosed is a method of making.

Abstract: A horse boot buckle includes a plate with cable eyelets and six cable guides that provide multiple tension adjustments. In addition, the buckle lever includes three alternative grooves for engaging the tensioning cable, thereby providing additional tensioning adjustment. The tensioning cable is hooked to the upper on both sides of its front rim. The buckle lever is pointing up in its closed position, thereby preventing accidental release of the tension on the cable.

Abstract: A protecting apparatus structure for protecting a horse's heel includes a protecting board engaged with the rear of the heel, a buffer support plate extended from an internal edge of the protecting board, a protrusion protruded from the center of the buffer support plate for supporting a horse's hoof, symmetric winged plates extended from both sides of the buffer for increasing the supporting area, a metal plate included in the buffer support plate and extended to an appropriate height, a soft protecting plate sewed into an internal edge of the protecting board, a Velcro strap at an upper edge of the protecting plate, and a tying strap at a lower edge of the protecting plate. The buffer support plate provides a buffer for supporting the hoof and preventing discomfort or injury to a horse while the horse is running or jumping and improves the safety protection of the hoof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a size-adjustable shoe for hoofed animals consisting of at least one protecting portion and a fixing portion wherein the protecting portion comprises at least one sole, a cap extending to the front and to both sides and a fixing device, and the fixing portion comprises at least one heel portion, two side tabs and a fixing device. The heel portion can be attached to the sole with an adjustable spacing, and the fixing devices enable a firm hold of the hoofshoe to the hoof.

Abstract: The animal wound shield is a protective casing having a shank portion and an appendage cover that can be disposed around a limb and an attached appendage of the animal. The appendage cover is articulated to a lower end of the shank. Thus, the appendage cover is pivotally connected to the shank and moves with the movement of the appendage. The shank may have more than one section, or an upper and lower portion, to extend further up on the limb, and yet still accommodate for joints. The shield is designed for use around an injured limb to cover a bandaged area and prevent further damage to the wounded site. Vent openings are defined in the shank and the appendage cover to permit air circulation. Fasteners may be used at a top end of the shank to hold the shank on the limb.

Abstract: An improved animal hoof boot assembly that consists of a fabric boot and a critically dimensioned elliptical shock absorbing pad disposed inside at the bottom of the boot, the pad having a triangular raised frog support at the rear of a hoof stop at the front. The invention is also a method of transporting animals by fitting them with a boot assembly as described above.

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: The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to saddle cloths, pads or numnahs, particularly for horses. In one aspect, there is described a saddlecloth comprising a sheet material having a longitudinal spine (81) defining left and right saddlecloth sections; wherein each section includes at least one pocket (84, 85) housing at least one cushioning element comprising a bladder (30,31) and resilient element (38), wherein the bladder (30) is formed of a substantially inelastic material and is adapted for inflation and deflation with air or other fluid medium. Preferably, the pocket (84) in each section is a longitudinally elongate and houses two or more bladders (30, 31) dimensioned so as to overlap within the pocket (84) such that, when inflated, the bladders (30, 31) present a substantially uniform thickness. A modification for a saddlecloth for a side-saddle is also described.

Abstract: A hoof boot for the hoof of hoofed animals, the hoof boot comprising a ground engaging sole portion, a hoof bell and a means for retaining the hoof boot to the hoof, the hoof bell generally encircling the hoof, the means for retaining associated with the hoof bell wherein the hoof bell is initially separate from the sole portion, the means for retaining is carried by the sole portion and wherein the hoof bell is affixed to the sole portion by the means for retaining and the hoof bell and the sole portion are made fast to the hoof by the means for retaining.

Abstract: A two-component protective equine leg wrap (10) is provided which is designed for application to the lower part (16) of a horse's leg. The wrap (10) includes a panel (12) having a fetlock joint-receiving section (28) which is adapted to be applied to the leg part (16) and secured by means of connection straps (50). A separate reinforcing strap (14) also forms a part of the wrap (10) and is configured for attachment to the applied panel (10) to provide additional fetlock joint support and protection. The panel (12) preferably includes an inner laminate layer (30) made up of a foam body having a plurality of phase change microcapsules embedded therein to lessen heat buildup, and an outer breathable laminate layer (32).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a comfort management system for equine and, in particular, to a multi-purpose, multi-functional hoof-ware device, boot or shoe and multiple, interchangeable inserts for all equine hooves that uses, attaches, wraps, and fits the hoof while the equine is stalled, walking, trotting, loping for the purposes of protection, healing, alignment, cushioning and/or any other medicinal purposes for any given period of time fitting all sizes of equine hooves in multiple hoof environments, such as, diagnostics, normal use, during and after performance, corrective, medicinal purposes, emergencies situations, for preventative purposes, and rehabilitation of the hoof.

Abstract: A boot and harness swimming system for use by a dog in a swimming pool. The boots are placed on the paws of the dog and a harness is used across the dog's back to maintain the boots on the dog's paws. The boot has specific features such as a drain aperture and a concave bottom surface to appreciate the needs of a boot designed for swimming. A specifically designed floatation device for the animal's back is also provided.

Abstract: A pet nail cover has a sack portion that is shaped and dimensioned so as to cover at least the main toe and nail of the animal and extends into a groove between the toe's small flesh pad and a large flesh pad on the bottom of the animal's foot, thereby leaving the large flesh pad exposed, allowing for the animal's traction, mobility and comfort. The pet nail cover eliminates scratches on wooden floor surfaces made by a pet's nails, scratching or scarring on the eyes and ears of the animal, and allows the animal to run with traction and mobility on indoor floor surfaces without slipping. It is attached to the animal with a fastener portion secured around the ankle portion of the animal's leg. It may also have ventilation holes in the nail cover surface for comfort.

Abstract: A shin boot for protection of the knuckles, the calf and the tendons of horses, and in particular trotting horses, against impact damages and other damages, where the shin boot is made as a laminate of pore plastics, where the inner layer of the laminate is soft and has a low density, while the outer layer is hard and has a high density, and where the pore plastics material in both layers of the laminate consist of expanded polyethylene or polypropylene, with closed pores, being melted and pressed together in the mutually facing surfaces, to a united entity in the same operation as used for forming the shin boot, and that the outer, harder layer is substantially thinner than the inner, softer layer. The length and width and contour of the shin boot can, moreover, easily be adapted to the individual horse by means of a knife or similar without destroying the properties of the shin boot with respect to for instance hydrophobia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to saddle cloths, pads or numnahs, particularly for horses. In one aspect, there is described a saddlecloth comprising a sheet material having a longitudinal spine (81) defining left and right saddlecloth sections; wherein each section includes at least one pocket (84, 85) housing at least one cushioning element comprising a bladder (30,31) and resilient element (38), wherein the bladder (30) is formed of a substantially inelastic material and is adapted for inflation and deflation with air or other fluid medium. Preferably, the pocket (84) in each section is a longitudinally elongate and houses two or more bladders (30, 31) dimensioned so as to overlap within the pocket (84) such that, when inflated, the bladders (30, 31) present a substantially uniform thickness. A modification for a saddlecloth for a side-saddle is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a comfort management system for equine and, in particular, to a multi-purpose, multi-functional hoof-ware device, boot or shoe and multiple, interchangeable inserts for all equine hooves that uses, attaches, wraps, and fits the hoof while the equine is stalled, walking, trotting, loping for the purposes of protection, healing, alignment. cushioning and/or any other medicinal purposes for any given period of time fitting all sizes of equine hooves in multiple hoof environments, such as, diagnostics, normal use, during and after performance, corrective, medicinal purposes, emergencies situations, for preventative purposes, and rehabilitation of the hoof.

Abstract: An equine multi-purpose protector boot comprising: (a) a sole member rigid enough to resist lateral movement of the hoof with an upwardly depending rim extending around its periphery at least at the toe and at each side, the inner surface of the rim being substantially vertical at least in the region of the sides: (b) at least one flexible side flap located at each side of the hoof, attached to or integral with the sole member; (c) an outer compressive cover provided with means to force the side flap into conformation with the shape of the hoof; (d) a flexible heel member attached to the rear of the sole member and including at least one fastening strap (16) adapted to pass around the pastern bone within the range of 2 to 3.5 cm above the coronary band.

Abstract: A two-component protective equine leg wrap (10) is provided which is designed for application to the lower part (16) of a horse's leg. The wrap (10) includes a panel (12) having a fetlock joint-receiving section (28) which is adapted to be applied to the leg part (16) and secured by means of connection straps (50). A separate reinforcing strap (14) also forms a part of the wrap (10) and is configured for attachment to the applied panel (10) to provide additional fetlock joint support and protection. The panel (12) preferably includes an inner laminate layer (30) made up of a foam body having a plurality of phase change microcapsules embedded therein to lessen heat buildup, and an outer breathable laminate layer (32).

Abstract: A horse boot that resists turning on the horse's hoof when the horse is jumping, running and turning in water, mud, sand and sawdust comprises a bell portion having an internal protrusion, a cuff extending above the top of the bell portion sufficient to reach or almost reach the fetlock of the horse and a fastener for securing the boot onto the horses hoof is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of making the boot.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a comfort management system for equine and, in particular, to a multi-purpose, multi-functional hoof-ware device, boot or shoe and multiple, interchangeable inserts for all equine hooves that uses, attaches, wraps, and fits the hoof while the equine is stalled, walking, trotting, loping for the purposes of protection, healing, alignment. cushioning and/or any other medicinal purposes for any given period of time fitting all sizes of equine hooves in multiple hoof environments, such as, diagnostics, normal use, during and after performance, corrective, medicinal purposes, emergencies situations, for preventative purposes, and rehabilitation of the hoof.

Abstract: A protective device 104 for hoofed and shod animals fabricated of a durable and flexible material is presented. The protective device 104 includes a base 106 and a wall 108, with the wall designed to enclose a hoof 100 of a bare or shod animal such as a horse or cow. The protective device 104 includes a means for size adjustment 216 such as a sizing opening 214 in combination with a plurality of tread grooves 304, which assists in the adjustment of the size and shape of the hoof to fit a variety of hoofs. The protective device 104 preferably includes a shear-relief portion 302 formed such that the front of a hoof has minimal contact with the device 104. Ease of installation, decreased impact, and improved traction are all benefits provided by the protective device 104 disclosed.

Abstract: A protective device 104 for hoofed and shod animals fabricated of a durable and flexible material is presented. The protective device 104 includes a base 106 and a wall 108, with the wall designed to enclose a hoof 100 of a bare or shod animal such as a horse or cow. The protective device 104 includes a means for size adjustment 216 such as a sizing opening 214 in combination with a plurality of tread grooves 304, which assists in the adjustment of the size and shape of the hoof to fit a variety of hoofs. The protective device 104 preferably includes a shear-relief portion 302 formed such that the front of a hoof has minimal contact with the device 104. Ease of installation, decreased impact, and improved traction are all benefits provided by the protective device 104 disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible boot (10) for use with livestock comprising a flat sole (13) made of a relatively harder material and a relatively resilient and extensible wall (11) having the shape of a truncated cone. The wall (11) includes a fastening element comprising (a) an outer fastenable surface and (b) one or more flexible non extensible straps (14,15) attached at one end to the wall (11) and having a reversible hook and eye fastener elements capable of forming a reversible attachment along their length to the wall (11) so that the boot (10) may be fitted over a hoof. In use the boot (10) forms a substantially sealed cavity (19) around the hoof and medication may be introduced into the cavity (19).