An animal trimming chute for trimming the hooves animals is described which comprises at least one movable grasper adapted to secure the lower leg of an animal during hoof trimming. The grasper comprises a knee board that cooperates with two movable stages for securing the lower leg, an upper stage and a lower stage. The upper stage may have a length along the lower leg of the animal that is substantially greater than the length of the lower stage in the same direction. The animal trimming chute may be part of a smart hoof trimming system employing data from various sensors to assist a trimmer in providing improved care of animals. In one aspect, such care may require adjusting the position of the leg during treatment by releasing the lower stage while still securing the leg with the upper stage.

The present invention provides improved systems and methods for flushing out animal footbaths at remote locations which do not have a reliable or high pressure water supply. Embodiments of the flushing systems of the present invention preferably include at least one fluid pressurizing pump and one or more large fluid storage tanks which receive water from a source and place it under pressure for use in the system. Embodiments of the flushing systems of the present invention are capable of automatically: taking in water from a low pressure water source; pumping the water into one or more storage tanks to place it under pressure; preventing backflow of the pressurized water; storing the pressurized water until one or more footbaths requires flushing; performing a flushing operation by opening a master valve or a series of valves in parallel; controlling whether the pressurized water remains untreated by flowing through a flush tube or becomes treated with one or more cleaning or disinfecting compounds by flowing through a mixing pipe in communication with one or more chemical tanks, the pressurized water flowing into and flushing out the one or more fouled footbaths; filling the footbaths with fresh disinfecting solution; refilling and re-pressurizing the one or more storage tanks for the next flushing operation; and blowing out any remaining moisture from the system of pipes to reduce bacterial growth and prevent pipe-bursting in freezing weather.

The present invention provides improved systems and methods for flushing out animal footbaths at remote locations which do not have a reliable or high pressure water supply. Embodiments of the flushing systems of the present invention preferably include at least one fluid pressurizing pump and one or more large fluid storage tanks which receive water from a source and place it under pressure for use in the system. Embodiments of the flushing systems of the present invention are capable of automatically: taking in water from a low pressure water source; pumping the water into one or more storage tanks to place it under pressure; preventing backflow of the pressurized water; storing the pressurized water until one or more footbaths requires flushing; performing a flushing operation by opening a master valve or a series of valves in parallel; controlling whether the pressurized water remains untreated by flowing through a flush tube or becomes treated with one or more cleaning or disinfecting compounds by flowing through a mixing pipe in communication with one or more chemical tanks, the pressurized water flowing into and flushing out the one or more fouled footbaths; filling the footbaths with fresh disinfecting solution; refilling and re-pressurizing the one or more storage tanks for the next flushing operation; and blowing out any remaining moisture from the system of pipes to reduce bacterial growth and prevent pipe-bursting in freezing weather.

A hoof care apparatus is comprised of a generally cup-shaped body comprising a cylindrical side wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface being sized and shaped for the receipt of and mating engagement with the bottom rim of a cylindrical dispenser containing a liquid hoof care product; and a tongue projecting radially from the outer surface of the side wall of the cylindrical body which serves as a hoof pick. The dispenser can be supported by the apparatus on a surface in an upright position when not in use.

A hoof care apparatus is comprised of a generally cup-shaped body comprising a cylindrical side wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface being sized and shaped for the receipt of and mating engagement with the bottom rim of a cylindrical dispenser containing a liquid hoof care product; and a tongue projecting radially from the outer surface of the side wall of the cylindrical body which serves as a hoof pick. The dispenser can be supported by the apparatus on a surface in an upright position when not in use.

The present invention provides improved systems and methods for flushing out animal footbaths at remote locations which do not have a reliable or high pressure water supply. Embodiments of the flushing systems of the present invention preferably include at least one fluid pressurizing pump and one or more large fluid storage tanks which receive water from a source and place it under pressure for use in the system. Embodiments of the flushing systems of the present invention are capable of automatically: taking in water from a low pressure water source; pumping the water into one or more storage tanks to place it under pressure; preventing backflow of the pressurized water; storing the pressurized water until one or more footbaths requires flushing; performing a flushing operation by opening a master valve or a series of valves in parallel; controlling whether the pressurized water remains untreated by flowing through a flush tube or becomes treated with one or more cleaning or disinfecting compounds by flowing through a mixing pipe in communication with one or more chemical tanks, the pressurized water flowing into and flushing out the one or more fouled footbaths; filling the footbaths with fresh disinfecting solution; refilling and re-pressurizing the one or more storage tanks for the next flushing operation; and blowing out any remaining moisture from the system of pipes to reduce bacterial growth and prevent pipe-bursting in freezing weather.

The present invention provides improved systems and methods for flushing out animal footbaths at remote locations which do not have a reliable or high pressure water supply. Embodiments of the flushing systems of the present invention preferably include at least one fluid pressurizing pump and one or more large fluid storage tanks which receive water from a source and place it under pressure for use in the system. Embodiments of the flushing systems of the present invention are capable of automatically: taking in water from a low pressure water source; pumping the water into one or more storage tanks to place it under pressure; preventing backflow of the pressurized water; storing the pressurized water until one or more footbaths requires flushing; performing a flushing operation by opening a master valve or a series of valves in parallel; controlling whether the pressurized water remains untreated by flowing through a flush tube or becomes treated with one or more cleaning or disinfecting compounds by flowing through a mixing pipe in communication with one or more chemical tanks, the pressurized water flowing into and flushing out the one or more fouled footbaths; filling the footbaths with fresh disinfecting solution; refilling and re-pressurizing the one or more storage tanks for the next flushing operation; and blowing out any remaining moisture from the system of pipes to reduce bacterial growth and prevent pipe-bursting in freezing weather.

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 small particles incorporated and encased in elastomeric materials. The particles have a lower density than the elastomeric materials and possess better thermally insulative properties. The pad is preferably elliptically shaped when viewed from the top or bottom, may be wedge-shaped when viewed from the side, and may include a triangular projection designed to contact a horse's frog and/or a front projection designed to cushion an animal's toe. The pad may also have side clips and toe bumper.

A boot assembly and method that simulates, in a static equine animal (stalled or hauled), the natural mechanical action of walking or other gaited exercise. The assembly has a boot, containing a shock absorbing pad that is fitted with one or more pulsing bladders disposed under or inside the shock absorbing pad. Pressuring and relaxing the pulsing bladder in the bottom of the boot rhythmically pushes against the sole and frog and against the toe of the equine hoof in much the same way that the hoof is exercised when the animal is moving. The pulsing action helps stimulate blood flow through the hoof and is beneficial to shod, injured, and transported horses. The assembly may be fitted on one or more hooves, and may be automated to provide timing and sequencing to simulate different gaits of the animal. In some aspects, the assembly is disposed in an ice boot or ice spa boot to also provide cryotherapy as well as simulated exercise.

An equine boot attachment and/or solid structure shoe that is designed to be attached on the underside of an equine boot or an equine hoof that allows the boot or hoof to roll forward, or to the side, without unnecessary bending, thus allowing an equine user to find a comfortable natural position to relieve stress on a sore, injured or diseased hoof. The rocking action allows the equine to adjust its stance to find the most comfortable position, not unlike standing in a bed of sand. This ability to find a naturally comfortable standing position is especially important for equine with lameness such as laminitis.