A horseshoe that has vertical metallic retaining-clips to deter dislodging of the horseshoe after installation uses a safety feature: a protective safety cap to cover the open end of each retaining-clip. The safety cap comprises a sheath that is tightly fastened to the corresponding retaining clip. The safety cap has an extended inside axial length that is longer than the vertical height of its corresponding retaining-clip whereby, if a dislodged or uninstalled horseshoe having the retaining-clips is stepped on by a horse-hoof, the extended axial length of the cap folds on itself and prevents the vertical retaining-clip from causing a penetrating injury to the hoof-underside. The safety cap could be closed at its top or open fully/partly and comprises plastic material that is flexible but tough. Preferably the safety cap is fastened to the corresponding retaining clip by riveting. Alternatively, the safety cap may be glued to the retaining clip.

A horse boot removably securable to a horse hoof, the horse boot including a sole having opposite first and second engagement surfaces. Said first engagement surface being configured to face the horse hoof when the horse boot is in an installed position, and the second engagement surface being configured to face and contact a ground surface. A plate is embedded within the sole between the first and second engagement surfaces. The sole is horseshoe shaped and has an open-central area configured to permit a bottom of the horse hoof to remain open to airflow.