GB2338394A - Releasable horseshoe - Google Patents

Abstract

A releasable horseshoe has a resilient, preferably rubber, sole attached to a hoof engaging conical upper fastenable to the hoof eg by means of a hook and burr type fastening. It is proposed that the sole may be air or gel filled for shock absorption, have spikes or have increased area for marshy ground.

Description

1 RELEASABLE SHOE 2338394 The invention relates to a releasable shoe for

horses and ponies designed for walking, trotting, cantering, galloping and jumping.

The traditional metal horse shoe has several disadvantages: It prevents natural wear of the hoof. The frog cannot function as a shock absorber. The metal slips on roads. They have to be replaced every six weeks.

This invention consists of a releasable shoe for horses and ponies designed for walking, trotting, cantering, galloping and jurngina with a resilient sole and conical upper; fastened by, for example velcre, 5ULkles or similar means.

It is designed to be easy to fit, will not snag or come loose and provides greatly improved grip and shock absorption. It allows the natural action of the frog, whilst the shock absorbing inner protects this sensitive surface c' from sharp stones.

The shoes are worn only when the horse is being ridden, allowing the hooves to wear down naturally in the field. They are particularly suitable for a young horse with softer joints or horses that are only ridden several days a week.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of 2 example wifh reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

(k 7M) Figure 1 shows a side view with an example of fastening by velcro strap, other styles may be fastened with buckles or similar means.

Figure 2 shows the shoe from below, the sole may have a variety of moulded treads to give grip and shock absorbing inner.

Figure 3 shows a cross section illustrating the conical upper, welted sole and shock absorbing inner.

1 2 The shoes may be made in a range of sizes and width fittings. They are also designed in several different styles as listed below:

A/ 'Road' Sole made of durable resiliant material such as vulcanised rubber with moulded grip, giving the same purchase and durability as a walking boot.

BI'Trainer' Lighter sole with gel or air shock absorption system for cantering on hard surfaces.

C/ 'Jumper' Front shoes give high resilience and shock absorption. Rear shoes are more rigid for greater grip. They may also have spiked sole.

0 D/ 'Muddy' Enlarged sole area used when the surface is soft or marshy to 1= prevent the hoof sinking in.

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Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS l/ A releasable shoe for horses and ponies designed for walking,

   trotting, cantering, galloping and jumpn t 1 h a resilient sole and conical upper; fastened by, for example velcro, uckles or similar means.

   2/ A releasable shoe for horses and ponies as claime ' d in Claim 1, with a shock absorbing inner covering the frog of the hoof 3/ A releasable shoe for horses and ponies as claimed above available in a variety of styles as described A/ 'Road', B/ 'Trainer', WJumper', D/'Muddy'.

   4/ A releasable shoe for horses and ponies substantially as described herein with references to Figures 1-3 of the accompanying drawing.

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