A diagnostic horseshoe combining a toe portion selected from a group of at least two toe portions, the selected toe portion including two toe joint ends; a lateral heel portion selected from a group of at least two lateral heel portions, the selected lateral heel portion including a point end and a heel joint end; and a medial heel portion selected from a group of at least two medial heel portions, the selected medial heel portion including a point end and a heel joint end, wherein an interlocking joint connects the heel joint end of the selected lateral heel portion to one of the two toe joint ends of the selected toe portion, and another interlocking joint connects the heel joint end of the selected medial heel portion to the other of the two toe joint ends of the selected toe portion.

A diagnostic horseshoe combining a toe portion selected from a group of at least two toe portions, the selected toe portion including two toe joint ends; a lateral heel portion selected from a group of at least two lateral heel portions, the selected lateral heel portion including a point end and a heel joint end; and a medial heel portion selected from a group of at least two medial heel portions, the selected medial heel portion including a point end and a heel joint end, wherein an interlocking joint connects the heel joint end of the selected lateral heel portion to one of the two toe joint ends of the selected toe portion, and another interlocking joint connects the heel joint end of the selected medial heel portion to the other of the two toe joint ends of the selected toe portion.

A shoe is for a hoof of an animal. The shoe has a sole for being mounted to an underside of the hoof of the animal. The shoe comprises at least two fixation areas for fixing the shoe to the hoof in operational use, wherein the fixation areas are located on opposite sides of the hoof, each fixation area comprising at least one protruding element, which penetrates, in operational use, into the hoof for fixing a position of the fixation area relative to the hoof. Each fixation area is connected with the sole by at least one elastic connection. The shoe can comprise an elastic clipping element for applying by an internal pretension force in the elastic clipping element, in operational use, an inwardly-directed pressure on the fixation areas for pressing the protruding elements into the hoof. A mounting tool is configured for applying the elastic clipping element to the shoe.

A shoe is for a hoof of an animal. The shoe has a sole for being mounted to an underside of the hoof of the animal. The shoe comprises at least two fixation areas for fixing the shoe to the hoof in operational use, wherein the fixation areas are located on opposite sides of the hoof, each fixation area comprising at least one protruding element, which penetrates, in operational use, into the hoof for fixing a position of the fixation area relative to the hoof. Each fixation area is connected with the sole by at least one elastic connection. The shoe can comprise an elastic clipping element for applying by an internal pretension force in the elastic clipping element, in operational use, an inwardly-directed pressure on the fixation areas for pressing the protruding elements into the hoof. A mounting tool is configured for applying the elastic clipping element to the shoe.

A horseshoe having a front end and a back end includes a base plate having a first stiffness, an intermediate layer having a second stiffness, the second stiffness being less than the first stiffness, the intermediate plate being disposed adjacent the base plate, a top plate disposed adjacent the intermediate layer and a heel wedge capable of articulating relative to the base plate.

A multi-zone horseshoe pad that provides hybrid performance characteristics, with discrete performance characteristics provided during discrete phases or different types of interactions between a hoof and the ground. The multi-zone horseshoe pad is substantially flexible while also providing shock absorption, protection, and support. The multi-zone horseshoe pad may include a pad body with different segments that have different hardness values. A relatively softer material may be provided toward a back segment of the pad body for shock absorption and vibration damping during impacts between the horseshoe and hoof at the pad's back segment. A relatively harder material may be provided toward a front segment of the pad body for minimizing energy loss through compression during push off events at the pad's front segment. A central segment of the multi-zone horseshoe pad may be both thicker and more flexible than an outer rim segment.

A multi-zone horseshoe pad that provides hybrid performance characteristics, with discrete performance characteristics provided during discrete phases or different types of interactions between a hoof and the ground. The multi-zone horseshoe pad is substantially flexible while also providing shock absorption, protection, and support. The multi-zone horseshoe pad may include a pad body with different segments that have different hardness values. A relatively softer material may be provided toward a back segment of the pad body for shock absorption and vibration damping during impacts between the horseshoe and hoof at the pad's back segment. A relatively harder material may be provided toward a front segment of the pad body for minimizing energy loss through compression during push off events at the pad's front segment. A central segment of the multi-zone horseshoe pad may be both thicker and more flexible than an outer rim segment.

The invention concerns cushioning compositions comprising (a) at least one of urethane polymer and silicone polymeric putty; and (b) hydraulic silicone crumb; said hydraulic silicone crumb being mixed with component (a). The invention also concerns devices and methods using such compositions. Protective devices have been used to protect the hoofs of animals. Shoes have been used to protect the hoofs from damage while the animal is walking or running.

The invention concerns cushioning compositions comprising (a) at least one of urethane polymer and silicone polymeric putty; and (b) hydraulic silicone crumb; said hydraulic silicone crumb being mixed with component (a). The invention also concerns devices and methods using such compositions. Protective devices have been used to protect the hoofs of animals. Shoes have been used to protect the hoofs from damage while the animal is walking or running.

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.