WO2017077297A2

WO2017077297A2 - A shock absorbing horseshoe

Info

Publication number: WO2017077297A2
Application number: PCT/GB2016/053403
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Leach
Original assignee: Andrew Leach
Priority date: 2015-11-02
Filing date: 2016-11-02
Publication date: 2017-05-11
Also published as: GB201602898D0; WO2017077297A3; GB2543864A; GB201519302D0; GB2543864B

Abstract

A Shock Absorbing Horseshoe A shock absorbing horseshoe having a shock absorbing layer/zone of lattice form. The size of the walls and/or interstices of the lattice structure can be varied to vary the compressibility of the shock adsorbing layer. The shoe includes a relatively inflexible member that may be metallic. The inflexible member is arranged to sit nearest most the hoof. The shoe may also include a tread layer for contact with the ground, the tread layer and shock absorbing layer being formed from a single integral piece using a 3D printing process. The inflexible member may be formed of two parts positioned on either side of the frog and joined, and possibly inset within a relatively flexible material.

Description

A Shock Absorbing Horseshoe

The present invention relates to a shock absorbing horseshoe. It was conceived as an alternative to traditional racing plates though it may equally be used as a therapeutic or prophylactic aid for any equine. US5205362A, US522789A & US5105891 describe horseshoes that provide a cushioning effect through provision of a shock absorbing layer that is coupled to a metal frame. A problem with these designs is that the shock absorbing layer has a relatively low hardness and thus typically wears quickly through contact with the ground. US4844172 describes a horseshoe having protruding podded cleats and associated internal air chambers. The cleats, which form part of the tread, are arranged to collapse to provide cushioning. US3494422 describes another shoe that incorporates protruding cleats used to provide grip to the shoe.

US2003/0234112 discloses a rubber or elastomeric horseshoe having a tread comprising hollow cylindrical buttons. When the shoe is fitted, an adhesive is applied that fills the buttons.

US2705536 describes a horseshoe including a cellular cork layer to provide cushioning. US5509484 describes a horseshoe having an internal honeycomb panel to provide cushioning. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a horseshoe having a relatively compressible region arranged between relatively incompressible tread layer and a relatively incompressible region. In this way the shoe provides shock resistance while still able to present a harder wearing surface to the ground.

The arrangement also provides improved nail retention compared with arrangements in which a relatively compressible member is sandwiched between the traditional inflexible metal horseshoe and the hoof.

To provide grip, it is preferred that the tread layer defines a tread pattern. It is further preferred that the horseshoe is flat soled; a stipulation for use as a racing shoe by certain horse race organisers. The shoe is favourably arranged such that the tread layer substantially directly underlies the wall of the hoof when worn. The relatively compressive region may be a relatively compressive layer. The relatively incompressible region may be a relatively incompressible layer.

The compressible region may be a porous material, which is taken to include open regular lattice structures, it is possible to select a synthetic plastics material that has a higher hardness, i.e. wear resistance, whilst still retaining significant resilient compressibility to provide cushioning. Further, this cushioning effect can be achieved without the need for the porous layer to form the tread of the shoe.

It is preferred that the relatively compressible region and the tread layer are defined at least in part by a single integral piece; this may be of a single resiliency compressible synthetic plastics material. Alternatively, the single integral piece may be comprised of multiple materials. Different materials may be used to form the compressible layer and tread layer, e.g. through using additive manufacture processes. This provides a stronger shoe over an arrangement comprising multiple parts bonded by adhesive.

The relatively compressible region and the relatively incompressible region may be formed from a single integral piece. The relatively compressible region and the relatively incompressible region may be formed from first material, e.g. nylon, and the tread layer may be formed from a second material e.g. comprising para-aramid fibre.

It is favourable that the horseshoe comprises a relatively rigid member, i.e. being relatively inflexible compared to the tread layer and compressible region. The rigid member, which may be metallic, and may define a layer, provides non-resilient malleability so that the shoe may be shaped prior to fitting to more closely match the horse's hoof, but to retain its deformed shape against the urge of the synthetic plastics material to return to its original shape. The presence of a relatively rigid member also means the shoe is more similar to traditional shoes and thus more familiar to farriers. The presence of the relatively rigid layer also helps to retain the nail in the shoe.

In one arrangement, when the shoe is in use, the relatively rigid member is arranged with respect to the synthetic plastics material to be held nearest most, and preferably directly against the underside of a horse's hoof. In a second embodiment, the metallic member or members are internal, being at least partly embedded, and preferably wholly embedded within the synthetic plastics material.

The rigid member, which may comprise a plate, may be a single piece that extends substantially from one heel free end of the shoe, around the toe, to the other heel free end, e.g. such toe be arcuate shaped; however, in a preferred embodiment, there are at least two members, preferably each of arc form, that are separated, so when the shoe is fitted, sit on either side of the frog of the horse's hoof, conjoined by a portion of resiliency flexible synthetic plastics material that extends around a toe of the hoof. This arrangement is considered to be particularly beneficial as it allows the shoe to flex about the region of the toe so that the shoe can widen, i.e. such that, when worn, the heel free end regions of the horseshoe can move apart through movement in a plane substantially corresponding/parallel with the base of the horse's hoof that contacts the ground. This allows the shoe to accommodate spreading of the hoof upon impact with the ground; but inhibits unwanted flex of the horseshoe in other directions, particularly in the free end regions of the horseshoe, which can lead to loosening of the shoe. The resiliently compressible material may be a synthetic plastics material.

It is preferred that the resiliently compressible material has a porosity up to about 50%.

In order to provide predictable and uniform cushioning, it is preferred that the resiliently compressible material has an internal structure that comprises a substantially regular arrangement of interstitial voids, e.g. pores or channels. The interstitial voids are favourably air filled, alternatively they may be filled with another gas or other material that is more compressible that material from which the lattice is formed. A preferred method of constructing the resiliently compressible synthetic plastics material is through a 3D printing process, e.g. as an interlaced structure. Most favourably the synthetic plastics material comprises a lattice structure. It is favourable that the lattice comprises a regular arrangement of channels which extend substantially through the lattice. Preferably the primary axes of the channels align with the primary axis of compression of the shoe.

In a preferred embodiment, the horseshoe is substantially arcuate, e.g. takes the form of an arcuate plate. The arcuate horseshoe is preferably arranged to sit against the wall of a horse's hoof.

In order to fasten the horseshoe to the underside (palmar) of a horse's hoof, the resiliently compressible synthetic plastics material favourably comprises a nail hole.

To inhibit 'throwing' of the horseshoe once secured to the horse's hoof, the synthetic plastics material may define a relatively non-compressible region, preferably through being relatively non-porous, substantially surrounding the nail hole; and favourably extends substantially the axial length of the nail hole through the porous material. This inhibits compression of the synthetic plastics material around the nail head that would otherwise lead to separation between the nail head and horseshoe, and ultimately loosening of the nail.

To strengthen the horseshoe, it is preferred that horseshoe comprises a peripheral region that is relatively incompressible. Preferably the peripheral region also defines at least a part of the periphery of the horseshoe.

In a preferred embodiment, the horseshoe comprises a relatively compressible layer comprised from a compressible porous synthetic plastics material, and a relatively incompressible, through favourably being relatively non-porous, tread layer.

It is favourable that the nail hole is arranged such that a head of a nail seated within the nail hole will lie in a recess of the tread pattern, preferably so as not to protrude from a plane of the tread defined by the tread layer.

The arrangement of relatively rigid members connected by a resiliency flexible connector is considered to have independent inventive merit and thus according to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a horseshoe comprising two relatively rigid members arranged, when the shoe is fitted onto a hoof, to sit on either side of a frog of the hoof, and a relatively flexible connecting portion that extends around a toe of the hoof conjoining the relatively rigid members.

Preferably the relatively rigid members are comprised from a non-synthetic plastics material, preferably a metallic material, and the relatively resiliency flexible connecting portion may be comprised from a synthetic plastics material, favourably a resiliency compressible porous synthetic plastics material.

The relatively rigid members are preferably elongate arc shaped members, most preferably elongate arc shaped plates. Favourably the relatively flexible connecting portion comprises a relatively flexible arc connecting portion.

Preferably the relatively ridge members are sized, such that when the shoe is fitted, they extend substantially across the quarter portion of the hoof wall, more favourably from the heel to the toe on either side of the frog.

In one preferred embodiment, the relatively rigid members are encased, more preferably wholly encased, within the connecting member. Favourably the connecting member is formed as a singled integral piece.

It is preferred that the relatively rigid members define apertures through which fasteners can be passed to secure the shoe to the horse's hoof. This reduces the likelihood of the (usually metal) nail head being forced into the shoe - a problem where the shoe is primarily formed of relatively soft plastic, and so reduces the likelihood of the shoe being thrown.

Preferably the connecting portion extends beyond the rigid members to define heel ends of the shoe.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a horseshoe having a body comprised from a lattice of resiliency compressible synthetic plastics defining interstitial voids.

According to a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a horseshoe comprised from a resiliency compressible porous synthetic plastics material.

Through use of a porous material, it is possible to select a synthetic plastics material that has a higher hardness, i.e. wear resistance, whilst still retaining significant resilient compressibility to provide cushioning. Further, this cushioning effect can be achieved without the need for the porous layer to form the tread of the shoe. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a horseshoe comprising a relatively compressible region and relatively incompressible region through which a fastener may pass to secure the horseshoe to a hoof.

A through hole may pass through the relatively incompressible region for receiving a nail. The incompressible region may at least partly surrounded by the incompressible region. The horseshoe may comprise a layer that includes the relatively compressible region and the relatively incompressible region. The relatively incompressible region and relatively compressible region may be formed as a single integral piece. The nail hole may pass through the compressible layer and that the horseshoe may comprise a further relatively non-compressible region substantially surrounding the nail hole

The invention will now be described by example with reference to the following figures in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the underside of a horseshoe shown partly cut away to illustrate a shock absorbing lattice layer; Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the upper side of the horseshoe of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the shock absorbing lattice layer;

Figure 4 is a cross section view through the horseshoe at divergent lines X-X & Y-Y;

Figure 5 is a perspective an alternative embodiment of horseshoe shown with tread uppermost and part cut away to show internal rib; and Figure 6 is a perspective, of the shoe of Fig 5 shown with upperside of the shoe uppermost with part of upperside cut away to show other internal rib. With reference to Figures 1-4, there is shown a horseshoe 1 arranged to be secured to the underside (palmar) of a horse's hoof. The horseshoe 1 is generally of arcuate plate form having inwardly pointing free ends. The shoe 1 has an upper or palmar side 1A that, when in use, sits against the wall of the horse's hoof, and an underside IB that contacts the ground. The arcuate form of the shoe means that when the shoe is worn the frog and sole of the hoof remain exposed.

The shoe 1 is comprised from a metallic plate 2 and a synthetic plastic 3. The plate 2 and synthetic plastic 3 are secured together by adhesive or fasteners such as rivets (not shown) or a combination of these. The metallic plate 2 and synthetic plastic 3 comprise a first set of in register apertures 4 to facilitate riveting of the metallic plate 2 and synthetic plastic 3 together.

The metallic plate 2 defines the upper side 1A of the horseshoe 1. The synthetic plastic 3 is formed as a single integral piece by a three-dimensional printing process (additive manufacture) defining a shock absorbing layer 5 and a tread layer 6. The metallic layer 2 and synthetic plastics layer 3 comprise a further set of in register apertures 2A, 3A (see Fig 4) that together define nail holes 7 to allow the shoe 1 to be fixed to the hoof in the traditional way. The shoe 1 may be shaped prior to fitting, e.g. by hammering, to provide a closer fit.

The metallic plate 2 may further define one or more tabs 2B that extend from the outer periphery of the shoe 1 to aid fitting.

The shock adsorbing layer 5 has a regular lattice structure comprised from web of interlaced walls 51 defining there-between a regular arrangement of interstitial channels 52. The shock absorbing layer 5 includes a peripheral wall 53 of comparatively greater thickness than web walls 51 that define in part inner and outer edges of the horseshoe 1. The greater thickness of the peripheral wall 53 strengthens the shoe 1. The apertures 52 extend through the shock adsorbing layer 5, their axes aligned with the direction of primary compression of the shoe 1, namely substantially perpendicular with the upper and lower surface s of the shoe

A thin web layer 55 is provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the lattice of the shock absorbing layer that seals the interstitial channels 52 to provide improved strength to the structure. The web layer 55 between the shock adsorbing layer 5 and metallic plate 2 provides relatively incompressible layer against which the metallic layer can be secured .

The relative thickness of the web walls 51 and the width of the channels 52 may be selected to vary the porosity of the shock absorbing layer 5 and thus provide different degrees of stiffness. For example, a lattice with a greater density, e.g. lower porosity, may be desired where the shoe 1 will experience greater compressive forces, for example for horses of greater weight or for racing. Lower density lattices may be desirous for lightweight horses or where a strong cushioning effect is wanted; for example when used with a lame pony.

It is currently believed that fill densities below 95% (i.e. porosity above 5%) will provide sufficient shock absorbing effect in certain situations. The maximum useful porosity is currently thought to be -50%; dependent to some extent on the plastic material used to form the shoe. The preferred average width of the aperture of the channels 52 of the lattice work is between 0.1. mm and 6mm more favourably, 2mm and 6 mm, with an average thickness of web wall 51 between 0.4mm and 1mm.

Where the shoe is to be used for horse racing, the material selected to form the lattice and lattice structure will be selected is order that the lattice only partly compresses under a pressure of 25Kg/cm to ensure that shoe provides a cushioning effect for a galloping horse. Although the lattice of the present example has apertures 52 of square cross section, this shape is not considered to be significant, and a variety of other regular cross- sectional shapes, e.g. circular, hexagonal, or irregular shapes may be used.

The shock absorbing layer 5 comprises walls 54 of greater thickness to walls 51 that surround nail holes 5 forming apertures 3A and rivet holes 4 that pass through the lattice. The height of the walls 54 at least equate to the thickness of the lattice. The walls 54 greater stiffness compared with lattice walls 51, support the head of the horseshoe nail in order to minimise compression of the plastic 3 in the region of the nail. The tread layer 6 comprises a peripheral wall 61 with chevron shaped transversal walls 62 defining recesses 63 there between that together define a tread pattern having a flat tread plane i.e. no protrusions, which is requisite for racing shoes. The peripheral wall 61 and transversal walls 62 are significantly thicker than the webbing walls 51 of the shock absorbing layer 5 and as such the tread layer 6 is significantly stiffer than the shock absorbing layer 5 providing only a modest if any shock absorbing function. The tread layer's 6 primary purpose is to provide a hard wearing surface and improved traction to the ground.

The tread pattern is arranged such that apertures 3A of the shock absorbing layer open into recesses 63. This allows the recesses 63 to receive a head of shoeing nail (not shown) that sits in holes 7, so that the nail does not protrude beyond the plane of the tread 6. This minimises compression forces placed upon the nail.

Examples of suitable metals for the metallic plate 2 include those commonly used for traditional or racing horseshoes such as aluminium, iron or alloys thereof. The metallic plate 2 is preferably thinner than the plate used for a traditional metal horseshoes; however it needs to be sufficiently thick to resist any urging force from the synthetic plastics 3 to revert to its former shape following shaping prior to fitting. A suitable thickness can be easily obtained through empirical experimentation. It may also be possible to use other materials such as titanium, or non-metallic material such as carbon-fibre for the plates. Although preferred, the metallic layer may not be required, especially if the shoe is made bespoke to fit a specific horse's hoof. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a second embodiment of horseshoe 100 having a body 110 comprised from a single integral piece of synthetic plastics material that encases two relatively rigid ribs 120.

The ribs 120 are separated, lying on opposing sides of the apex of the arcuate shoe 100, and are curved to follow the shape of the shoe and thus the shape of the wall of the hoof. The ribs 120 are positioned and of sufficient length that, when the shoe is mounted to the hoof, each rib 120 extends across the quarter portion of the hoof wall from the heel to the toe of the hoof.

The ribs 120 comprise plates defining a number of through holes 121 arranged in register with like holes 114 through the body 110 to define through holes between the upper and lower faces of the shoe 100. The ribs 120 are formed from a metal such as titanium, an aluminium alloy or steel, and/or other rigid non-metallic material such as carbon fibre, in order that they are relatively rigid compared with the synthetic plastics material body 110. The ends 121 of ribs 120 that lie at the heel ends 111 of the shoe 100 may be tapered to follow the taper of the shoe 100. The body 110 defines a tread layer 160 with recesses 163 in which through holes 114 open. A toe portion 112 of the body 110, which in use sits around the toe of the hoof extending between the two ribs 120 comprises a shock absorbing lattice region 150 of the form described in the previous embodiment. Similar shock absorbing regions 151 are provided in portions of the shoe 100 between the heel free ends 111 and the ends of the ribs 122. A further shock absorbing layer 152 (see Fig 5) extends between the ribs 120 and a tread layer 160 conjoining shock absorbing regions 150, 151 in the toe portion and heel ends. The body 110 defines a peripheral wall 153 that extend around the ribs 120 to form inner and outer sides of the shoe; and a web 154 that extends between the inner and outer sides to define the palmer face of shoe 100. The overall thickness of the horseshoe 100 may be increased if it is wished to increase the thickness of further shock absorbing layer 152.

With this described arrangement the ribs 120 provide increased rigidity to the heel end portions of the shoe 100, i.e. the portions from the end nail hole to the tip of the free end of the shoe, inhibit flexing of these portions - a problem with plastic only shoes. However, the free ends 111 are still able to move apart in a plane parallel with the bottom of the hoof, corresponding with the lower and upper faces of the shoe and web 154, by virtue of flexing of the interconnecting toe portion, to accommodate spreading of the heel of the hoof during impact with the ground.

A further advantage of providing an internal rib is that it circumvents the problem of bonding an external metallic plate to a synthetic plastics body.

As before the body 110 is preferably formed using a three-dimensional printing process. The process may comprise forming a first side of the shoe, e.g. the tread side in which is formed a recesses shaped to receive ribs 120, temporarily suspending the printing process to insert the ribs into the recesses, and then continuing the printing process to form the remainder of the body 100.

Although the aforementioned embodiment describes internal ribs, in a possible variant embodiment the ribs 120 may be arranged to have at least one exposed face, lying for example on the palmer side of the shoe in order to have direct contact with the horse's hoof. With this arrangement, the ribs would be preferably inset so that the exposed faces of the ribs lie substantially flush with the body of the horseshoe.

It will be appreciated that the function of each rib could be achieved using more than one piece, though this would complicate manufacture and so is not preferred. Although preferred, the synthetic plastics body of the embodiment of Fig 5 and 6 need not comprise a shock absorbing lattice portion or layer.

A suitable synthetic plastic material for either of the aforementioned described examples preferably can be printed through a three-dimensional printing process and has a high wear resistance. Polyurethane or nylon are considered ideal, displaying a wear resistance greater than the aluminium alloy typically used in the manufacture of traditional racing horse plates. Notwithstanding, it is envisaged that there are likely to be other synthetic plastics materials that would be suitable.

Because the porosity of the shoe can be easily varied by altering the wall thickness: aperture size ratio, it is possible to create a range of shoes with different densities for horses of different weights or functions, e.g. racing shoe or a therapeutic/convalescence shoe. In order to easily identify shoe of different types, each shoe type may be formed using a different coloured plastic.

Although it is preferred that the shock absorbing layer is formed as a regular lattice having channels, equal effects may be achieved through a compressible layer formed from irregular lattices, webs, or matted fibres. It may also be possible to use materials having spherical or spherical like voids that may be arranged discreetly or interlinked. In such an arrangement rather than a discreet wall, regions of greater density may be provided around the periphery of the layer and around the apertures that pass therethrough for receiving shoeing nails.

Although the examples relate to traditional arcuate horse shoes, it is possible that invention could be applied shoes of different shapes includes those intended to cover the sole and frog of the hoof.

The shoe may be arranged to be glued to the hoof in addition or instead of being nailed in place. Where the shoe is used as a racing shoe, it is preferably made in order to weigh no more than 125g. Where the shoe is used for other purposes, e.g. general use, weight is less important.

It is possible to manufacture the single integral piece from a plurality of different materials having different physical properties. This is possible using multiple nozzle 3D printing techniques know to those skilled in the art. For example, the webbing 55 and compressible layer may be formed from a first material e.g. nylon, that is relatively flexible/compressible, and the tread layer from a separate material that has, for example, harder wearing properties e.g. para-aramid fibre.

Claims

A horseshoe having a relatively resiliency compressible region arranged between a relatively incompressible tread layer and a relatively incompressible region.

A horseshoe according to claim 1 wherein the relatively resiliency compressible region comprises a lattice of resiliency compressible material.

A horseshoe according to claim 1 or 2 comprising a relatively incompressible non-porous tread layer.

A horseshoe according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the relatively incompressible tread layer defines a tread pattern.

A horseshoe according to any claim 1-4 wherein the relatively compressible region and the tread layer are comprised from a single integral piece.

A horseshoe according to claim 5 wherein the relatively compressible region, the relatively incompressible tread layer, and the relatively incompressible region are comprised from a single integral piece.

A horseshoe according to any previous claim comprised from a three- dimensional printed synthetic plastics material.

A horseshoe according to any claim 1-7 comprising a relatively rigid member.

A horseshoe according to claim 8 wherein the relatively incompressible region is arranged between the relatively rigid member and the relatively compressible region.

10. A horseshoe according to claim 8 wherein the relatively rigid member provides the relatively incompressible region.

11. A horseshoe according to claim 8-10 wherein the relatively inflexible member is arranged when the horseshoe is in use, to be held nearest most the underside of a horse's hoof.

12. A horseshoe according to any previous claim comprising a nail hole for fastening the horseshoe to the underside of a horse's hoof.

13. A horseshoe according to claim 10 wherein the nail hole passes through the compressible layer and that the horseshoe comprises a further relatively non- compressible region substantially surrounding the nail hole.

14. A horseshoe according to any claim 1-10 comprising a further relatively non- compressible region adjacent the compressible region and between the relatively incompressible tread layer and the relatively incompressible region for receiving a nail to secure the horseshoe to a hoof.

15. A horseshoe according to any claim 12 -14 having a relatively non-porous region substantially surrounding the nail hole.

16. A horseshoe according to any claim 12 -15 wherein the relatively non- compressible region substantially surrounds a region of resilient compressible porous synthetic plastics material.

17. A horseshoe according to any claim 11-16 wherein the non-compressible region extends substantially the axial length of the nail hole.

18. A horseshoe according to any previous claim comprising at least two relatively rigid members arranged, when the shoe is fitted onto a hoof, to sit on either side of a frog of the hoof, and in which the resiliently flexible plastics material provides a relatively flexible connecting portion that extends around a toe of the hoof conjoining the relatively rigid members.

19. A horseshoe according to claim 18 wherein the relatively rigid members are encased within a body of the shoe.

20. A horseshoe according to claim 19 wherein the relatively rigid members are relatively rigid arc members.

21. A horseshoe comprising two relatively rigid members arranged, when the shoe is fitted onto a hoof, to sit on either side of a frog of the hoof, and a relatively flexible connecting portion that extends around a toe of the hoof conjoining the relatively rigid members.

22. A horseshoe according to any claim 21 wherein the relatively rigid member is comprised from non-synthetic plastics material and the relatively flexible connecting portion is comprised from a synthetic plastics material.

23. A horseshoe according to claim 21 or 22 wherein the synthetic plastics material is a resiliently compressible porous synthetic plastics material.

24. A horseshoe according to claim 22 or 23 wherein the relatively rigid members are comprises from a metallic material.

25. A horseshoe according to any claim 21-24 wherein the relatively rigid members comprise relative rigid elongate arc shaped members.

26. A horseshoe according to any claim 21-25 wherein the relatively flexible connecting portion comprises a relatively flexible arc connecting portion.

27. A horseshoe according to any claim 25-26 wherein the relatively ridge members are sized, such that when the shoe is fitted, extend substantially across the quarter portions of the hoof wall.

28. A horseshoe according to any claim 21-27 wherein the relatively ridge members are sized, such that when the shoe is fitted, extend substantially from the heel to the toe on either side of the frog.

29. A horseshoe according to any claim 21-28 wherein the relatively rigid members are encased within the connecting member.

30. A horseshoe according to claim 29 wherein the relatively rigid members are wholly encased within the connecting member.

31. A horseshoe according to any claim 21-30 wherein the relatively rigid members define apertures through which fasteners can be passed to secure the shoe to the horse's hoof.

32. A horseshoe according any claim 21-31 wherein the connecting portion is formed as a single integral piece.

33. A horseshoe according to any claim 21-32 wherein the connecting portion extends beyond the rigid members to define heel ends of the shoe.

34. A horseshoe comprised from a resiliency compressible synthetic plastics material defining a matrix having intercedes with an average width between 0.01mm to 6mm.

35. A horseshoe comprised from a resiliency compressible porous synthetic plastics material.

36. A horseshoe having a body comprised from a lattice of resiliently compressible synthetic plastics material.

37. A horseshoe according to claim 35 or 36 wherein the resiliently compressible synthetic plastics material has an internal structure that comprises a substantially regular arrangement of solid free zones.

38. A horseshoe according to claim 37 wherein the resiliently compressible synthetic plastics material has a substantially open structure.

39. A horseshoe according to claim 38 wherein the resiliently compressible synthetic plastics material is formed as an interlaced structure.

40. A horseshoe according to any claim 35-37 in which the resiliently flexible synthetic plastics material has a lattice form internal structure.

41. A horseshoe comprising a relatively compressible region and relatively incompressible region through which a fastener may pass to secure the horseshoe to a hoof.

42. A horseshoe according to claim 41 in which a through hole passes through the relatively incompressible region for receiving a nail.

43. A horseshoe according to claim 42 in which the incompressible region is at least partly surrounded by the incompressible region.

44. A horseshoe according to any claim 41-44 comprising a layer that includes the relatively compressible region and the relatively incompressible region.

45. A horseshoe according to claim 44 wherein the relatively incompressible region and relatively compressible region are formed as a single integral piece.

46. A horseshoe according to claim 23 or 24 wherein the nail hole passes through the compressible layer and that the horseshoe comprises a further relatively non-compressible region substantially surrounding the nail hole