WO2022240939A1

WO2022240939A1 - Equine hoof replica useful as teaching aid and methods of preparation thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2022240939A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/028699
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jamie Monroe THOMAS
Original assignee: Thomas Jamie Monroe
Priority date: 2021-05-11
Filing date: 2022-05-11
Publication date: 2022-11-17

Abstract

An equine hoof replica that simulates different texture details and anatomical hardnesses offers a teaching aid alternative to a cadaver leg for use in learning techniques for equine hoof trimming and care.

Description

EQUINE HOOF REPLICA USEFUL AS TEACHING AID AND METHODS OF

PREPARATION THEREOF

BACKGROUND

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/187,167, entitled “A teaching aid for horse hoof trimming,” filed May 11, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0002] This disclosure pertains to teaching aids simulating horse or equine hooves, useful in practicing how to trim and care for equine hooves, and methods for preparing these teaching aids.

[0003] Learning to trim and care for equine hooves typically involves equine cadaver legs to practice on. These legs must be sourced, stored in freezers dedicated for this storage, transported while frozen, and finally used as a teaching aid immediately after thawing. It is generally unappealing for hoof care students to handle these cadaver legs. There is also a random nature to the quality and suitability of each hoof to be used as a teaching device. The lack of consistent and uniform hooves makes teaching the skills needed for hoof care more difficult. Cadaver legs have fluids that have to be contained, they decompose after a short period of time, and can only be used once.

[0004] What is needed therefore, is a realistic simulation of an equine hoof that can be used as an alternative to a cadaver leg in the teaching of equine hoof trimming.

SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure relates generally to replicas or simulations of equine hooves that can be used in teaching how to trim and care for equine hooves and methods of their preparation.

[0006] Learning to trim equine hooves typically involves equine cadaver legs to practice on. These legs are difficult to acquire, store and transport. They are generally unappealing to handle. The equine cadaver leg must be used in teaching environments immediately after they thaw. The thawing leg has an unpleasant smell and remaining organic fluids such as blood. The leg must be wrapped in plastic to help contain these fluids which interferes with the teaching process. The apparatus described herein solves this problem.

[0007] The replica of an equine hoof described herein provides a realistic altemative to equine cadaver legs. It simulates the different texture details and anatomical hardnesses to offer a trimmable teaching aid alternative to the cadaver leg.

[0008] The replica described herein differs from and is an improvement upon what currently exists. This teaching aid is unique to the equine hoof trimming craft in that it realistically simulates the cadaver equine leg in the most important requirements for learning to properly trim and care for equine hooves. It provides unique materials and material hardnesses for the hoof wall, hoof sole and hoof frog. It also provides a realistic reaction to hoof trimming tools and caring treatments such as glue-on shoes, casting material, glues and epoxies, nippers, knives and files.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 shows preferred embodiments of a reusable leg portion of an equine hoof replica as described herein.

[0010] FIGs. 2A-2D show preferred embodiments of a trimmable hoof portion of an equine hoof replica as described herein.

[0011] FIGs. 3A-3D show preferred embodiments of an equine hoof replica as described herein.

[0012] FIGs. 4A-4D show steps in an exemplary method of preparing a mold for use in preparing preferred embodiments of an equine hoof replica as described herein.

[0013] FIGs. 5A-5D show preferred embodiments of a partial trimmable hoof portion for use in an exemplary method of preparing preferred embodiments of an equine hoof replica as described herein.

[0014] FIGs. 6A-6F show steps in an exemplary method of preparing a trimmable hoof portion of an equine hoof replica as described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The present disclosure relates to a realistic simulation or replica of an equine hoof that can be used in teaching how to trim and care for equine hooves as well as a method for preparing a replica of an equine hoof. The equine hoof replica is shaped to replicate a leg section and hoof of an equine cadaver leg for use in teaching equine hoof trimming and care.

[0016] Preferred embodiments described herein relate to a replica of an equine hoof for use as a teaching aid. In preferred embodiments, the replica includes a reusable leg portion and a trimmable hoof portion affixed to the reusable leg portion.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows preferred embodiments of a reusable leg portion 100 of an equine hoof replica, when the trimmable hoof portion is not attached to the reusable leg portion 100. Reusable leg portion 100 includes a connecting surface 101 and a leg portion body 102. Located on connecting surface 101 are integrated pegs 104 and a bolt receiving cavity 106. Bolt receiving cavity 106 passes entirely through connecting surface 101 and leg portion body 102. In the exemplary preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, three integrated pegs 104 are located on connecting surface 101, but any suitable number of pegs can be used such as one, two, four, or five. As discussed further below, reusable leg portion 100 is preferably 3D printed and preferably made up of polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), or any thermoplastic polymer that will produce a durable and reusable leg portion through a 3D printing process. The 3D printing is based on an actual frozen equine cadaver leg, discussed further below, such that the reusable leg portion 100 is a replica of such frozen cadaver leg.

[0018] FIGs. 2A - 2D show preferred embodiments of a trimmable hoof portion 200 of an equine hoof replica, intended to connect to reusable leg portion 100 of FIG. 1. Trimmable hoof portion 200 has a receiving surface 201 that is configured to come into contact with connecting surface 101 of reusable leg portion 100 of FIG. 1. Trimmable hoof portion 200 also has a distal portion 202 that is generally configured to be shaped like the lower portion of an actual equine hoof that contacts the ground. FIG. 2A shows a top view looking down onto receiving surface 201. Receiving surface 201 of trimmable hoof portion 200 includes receiving holes 203 which are configured to receive and connect with integrated pegs 104 of reusable leg portion 100 shown in FIG. 1. Trimmable hoof portion 200 also includes threaded connection hole 204 which, when trimmable hoof portion 200 is connected to reusable leg portion 100 from FIG. 1, will be aligned with bolt receiving cavity 106 of reusable leg portion 100. FIG. 2B shows a top view looking down onto a surface of distal portion 202 of trimmable hoof portion 200. Trimmable hoof portion 200 includes hoof walls 205 and hoof bars 206, as well as a hoof sole 212 and a hoof frog 214. As discussed further below, hoof walls 205 and hoof bars 206 are preferably 3D printed as a unit and are preferably made of matte polylactic acid (PLA), or any other suitable trimmable material that will produce a realistic trimmable hoof material through a 3D printing process. The 3D printing is based on the same actual frozen equine cadaver leg used to prepare the reusable leg portion 100 shown in FIG. 1, as discussed further below, such that the hoof walls 205 and hoof bars 206 are replicas of the hoof walls and hoof bars of the same frozen cadaver leg. Hoof sole 212 and hoof frog 214 are preferably made of polyurethane rubber and are prepared separately as discussed below. Receiving surface 201 of trimmable hoof portion 200 shown in FIG. 2A also includes sole pour tube 208 and frog pour tube 210 used to prepare hoof sole 212 and hoof frog 214, as discussed below. The use of an alternate material for hoof sole 212 and hoof frog 214 relative to hoof walls 205 and hoof bars 206 results in a realistic replica of an equine hoof having varying textures and hardnesses that is suitable for teaching.

[0019] FlGs. 3A - 3D show preferred embodiments of an equine hoof replica 300 made up of reusable leg portion 301 and trimmable hoof portion 302. Trimmable hoof portion 302 includes distal portion 307 and receiving surface 304. Receiving surface 304 is intended to come into contact with connecting surface 305 of reusable leg portion 301 when reusable leg portion 301 is connected to trimmable hoof portion 302. Equine hoof replica 300 also includes bolt 303 which passes through bolt receiving cavity 308 of reusable leg portion 301 and into the threaded connection hole (not shown) of trimmable hoof portion 302. Threaded connection hole 204 can be viewed with reference to FIG. 2A and receives bolt 303 in order to securely fasten trimmable hoof portion 302 to reusable leg portion 301. When trimmable hoof portion 302 is fastened to reusable leg portion 301, integrated pegs 306 of reusable leg portion 301 are received into receiving holes (not shown) of trimmable hoof portion 302. Receiving holes 203 can be viewed with reference to FIG. 2A. As shown in FIGs. 3C-3D, trimmable hoof portion 302 includes hoof walls 309 and hoof bars 310, as well as hoof sole 312 and hoof frog 314.

[0020] Preferred embodiments described herein also relate to methods of preparing a replica of an equine hoof for use as a teaching aid. FIGs. 4A-4D illustrate preferred initial steps in a preferred method of preparation. As shown in FIG. 4A, a frozen equine cadaver leg 401 is used. A container 402 is filled with a suitable molding material 403, which may preferably be silicone rubber. As shown in FIG. 4B, frozen equine cadaver leg 401 is placed into molding material 403 held within container 402 and molding material 403 is allowed to cure and harden for a suitable amount of time. After molding material 403 has solidified sufficiently around frozen cadaver leg 401, as shown in FIG. 4C, frozen cadaver leg 401 is removed. Container 402 then includes molded interior shape 405 and becomes mold 406 having an interior shape 405 that corresponds to the exterior of the hoof of frozen equine cadaver leg 401. [0021] In preferred embodiments, after frozen equine cadaver leg 401 is used to create mold 406, it is then scanned by suitable scanning apparatus and software to produce scan files of the cadaver leg and its hoof. Examples of suitable scanning apparatus and software include an EINSCAN-SP Scanner and EINSCAN SHINING 3D Software (EinScan, Hangzhou, China). The 3D scan files are used for 3D printing of a reusable leg portion, such as reusable leg portion 100 shown in FIG. 1. The 3D scan files are also used for 3D printing of a partial trimmable hoof portion 500, as shown in FIGs. 5A-5D, as well as a hoof sole mold plug (not shown). Preferably, hoof walls 505 and hoof bars 506, lacking a hoof sole and hoof frog, are 3D printed. Preferably, partial trimmable hoof portion 500 is 3D printed as a unit and is preferably made of matte polylactic acid (PLA), or any other suitable material that will produce a realistic hoof material through a 3D printing process. All portions and features of trimmable hoof portion 500 shown in FIGs. 5A-5D are preferably 3D printed as a unitary structure, including receiving surface 501, receiving holes 503, threaded connection hole 504, sole pour tube 508 and frog pour tube 510. Partial trimmable hoof portion 500 as shown in FIGs. 5A-5D has receiving surface 501 and distal portion 502. Distal portion 502 includes a cavity 511 which will in later steps be filled with a hoof sole and hoof frog (not shown).

[0022] FIGs. 6A-6B show preferred steps in the preparation of a trimmable hoof portion such as of trimmable hoof portion 200 shown in FIGs. 2A-2B. As discussed above, the 3D scan files of the frozen equine cadaver leg are also used for 3D printing of a hoof sole mold plug 601, as shown in FIG. 6 A. Hoof sole mold plug 601 is preferably made of silicone rubber or any other suitable material that can be easily placed and removed from hoof sole cavity 612 shown in FIG. 6 A. Hoof sole cavity 611 and hoof frog cavity 613 are located within partial trimmable hoof portion 600. When hoof sole mold plug 601 is placed in hoof sole cavity 611, it fills hoof sole cavity 611 and covers and blocks sole pour tube 608 but does not fill hoof frog cavity 613 and does not cover or block frog pour tube 610. Hoof frog cavity 613 remains open and adjacent to hoof sole mold plug 601. As shown in FIG. 6B, once hoof sole mold plug 601 is placed in hoof sole cavity 611, partial trimmable hoof portion 600 is placed into mold 602. Mold 602 has an interior shape 605 that corresponds to the exterior of the hoof of the frozen cadaver leg used, as previously discussed, to prepare mold 602 as well as the 3D scan files used to create partial trimmable hoof portion 600. Mold 602 and interior shape 605 are also described and shown in preferred embodiments as mold 402 and interior shape 405 in FIG. 4D. As shown in FIG. 6C, once partial trimmable hoof portion 600 is placed into mold 602, liquid rubber 615 is poured through frog pour tube 610. Fiquid rubber 615 is preferably polyurethane rubber but can be any suitable rubber material. Liquid rubber 615 fills hoof frog cavity 613 but does not enter hoof sole cavity 611 because hoof sole mold plug 601 blocks it. After the rubber cures, partial trimmable hoof portion 600 is removed from mold 602 and hoof sole mold plug 601 is removed from hoof sole cavity 611. As shown in FIG. 6D, hoof frog 614 made of cured rubber remains in place adjacent to hoof sole cavity 611. As shown in FIG. 6E, partial trimmable hoof portion 600 including hoof frog 614 is then placed into mold 602. As shown in FIG. 6C, liquid rubber 615 is then poured through sole pour tube 608 which is no longer blocked by hoof sole mold plug 601. Liquid rubber 615 fills hoof sole cavity 611 and is allowed to cure. As shown in FIG. 6F, when partial trimmable hoof portion 600 is removed from mold 602, both hoof frog 614 and hoof sole 612 are included. Partial trimmable hoof portion 600 with hoof frog 614 and hoof sole 612 combine to form a trimmable hoof portion such as trimmable hoof portion 200 in FIGs. 2A-2D.

[0023] With reference to FIG. 3A, trimmable hoof portion 302 is attached to reusable leg portion 301 by aligning receiving holes (not shown in FIGs. 3A-3D but analogous to receiving holes 203 in FIG. 2A) of trimmable hoof portion 302 with integrated pegs 306 of reusable leg portion 301. Bolt 303 is passed through bolt receiving cavity 308 of reusable leg portion 301 and into the threaded connection hole (not shown in FIGs. 3A-3D but analogous to threaded connection hole 204 of FIG. 2A) of trimmable hoof portion 302 in order to tightly secure reusable leg portion 301 to trimmable hoof portion 302. This process produces what is essentially an exact replica of a frozen equine cadaver leg, with hoof. Once secured, the craftsman uses trimming tools to start treating and trimming the equine hoof replica 300 just like a real equine hoof. The use of varying materials in the equine hoof replica creates an authentic experience of trimming a real equine hoof. Once treating and trimming is complete the trimmable hoof portion 302 can be removed from reusable leg portion 301 and replaced with a new trimmable hoof portion to continue the teaching process.

[0024] The equine hoof replica described herein is a superior aid for teaching aspiring barefoot trimming craftsmen how to identify, assess, treat and trim the addressable parts of an equine hoof.

[0025] Preferred embodiments described herein relate to an equine hoof replica kit intended to form an equine hoof replica shaped to replicate a leg section and hoof of an equine cadaver leg for use in teaching equine hoof trimming and care. The equine hoof replica kit comprises a reusable leg portion. The reusable leg portion comprises a leg portion body and a connecting surface, wherein the connecting surface comprises integrated pegs extending from the connecting surface, and wherein the reusable leg portion comprises a bolt receiving cavity passing through the connecting surface and the leg portion body. The equine hoof replica kit also comprises a trimmable hoof portion configured to be connected to the reusable leg portion. The trimmable hoof portion comprises a receiving surface, hoof walls, and hoof bars made of a trimmable material. The trimmable hoof portion comprises a hoof sole and a hoof frog placed within the hoof walls and hoof bars in a distal portion of the trimmable hoof portion. The receiving surface is configured to contact the connecting surface of the reusable leg portion and comprises receiving holes configured to receive the integrated pegs of the reusable leg portion as well as a threaded connection hole configured to align with the bolt receiving cavity of the reusable leg portion when the trimmable hoof portion is connected to the reusable leg portion. In certain preferred embodiments, the receiving surface of the trimmable hoof portion further comprises a sole pour tube and a frog pour tube. The equine hoof replica kit also comprises a bolt configured to pass through the bolt receiving cavity into the threaded connection hole to connect the trimmable hoof portion to the reusable leg portion.

[0026] Preferred embodiments described herein also relate to an equine hoof replica shaped to replicate a leg section and hoof of an equine cadaver leg for use in teaching equine hoof trimming and care. The equine hoof replica comprises a reusable leg portion. The reusable leg portion comprises a leg portion body and a connecting surface, and the connecting surface comprises integrated pegs extending from the connecting surface. The reusable leg portion comprises a bolt receiving cavity passing through the connecting surface and the leg portion body. The equine hoof replica also comprises a trimmable hoof portion connected to the reusable leg portion. The trimmable hoof portion comprises a receiving surface, hoof walls, and hoof bars made of a trimmable material. The trimmable hoof portion also comprises a hoof sole and a hoof frog placed within the hoof walls and hoof bars in a distal portion of the trimmable hoof portion. The receiving surface contacts the connecting surface of the reusable leg portion and comprises receiving holes that receive the integrated pegs of the reusable leg portion and a threaded connection hole that aligns with the bolt receiving cavity of the reusable leg portion. The equine hoof replica kit also comprises a bolt passing through the bolt receiving cavity into the threaded connection hole to connect the trimmable hoof portion to the reusable leg portion.

[0027] In preferred embodiments of the equine hoof replica kit and the equine hoof replica, the reusable leg portion may be comprised of a thermoplastic polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate glycol. In preferred embodiments of the equine hoof replica kit and the equine hoof replica, the trimmable material is comprised of a matte polylactic acid. In preferred embodiments of the equine hoof replica kit and the equine hoof replica, the hoof sole and the hoof frog are comprised of polyurethane rubber. In preferred embodiments, the reusable leg portion may be reused with additional trimmable hoof portions which may be included in embodiments of the equine hoof replica kit.

[0028] Preferred embodiments described herein also relate to methods of using an equine hoof replica or equine hoof replica kit in teaching equine hoof trimming and care. In a disassembled equine hoof replica kit, the trimmable hoof portion is attached to the reusable leg portion by passing the bolt through the bolt receiving cavity of the reusable leg portion into the threaded connection hole of the trimmable hoof portion to secure the trimmable hoof portion to the reusable leg portion. Then the trimmable hoof portion can be trimmed or otherwise manipulated, such as by using hoof trimming tools and caring treatments such as glue-on shoes, casting material, glues and epoxies, nippers, knives and files, to simulate and teach trimming or manipulating an equine hoof. In additional preferred embodiments, the trimmable hoof portion, after having been trimmed or manipulated, can be removed from the reusable leg portion by removing the bolt. In further preferred embodiments, an additional trimmable hoof portion is then attached to the reusable leg portion by passing the bolt through the bolt receiving cavity of the reusable leg portion into the threaded connection hole of the additional trimmable hoof portion to secure the additional trimmable hoof portion to the reusable leg portion. Then the additional trimmable hoof portion can be trimmed or manipulated for further teaching. This can be repeated with additional trimmable hoof portions.

[0029] Preferred embodiments described herein also relate to a method of preparing an equine hoof replica shaped to replicate a leg section and hoof of an equine cadaver leg for use in teaching equine hoof trimming and care. Preferred steps in the method include adding a molding material to a container, placing the equine cadaver leg into the molding material in the container, allowing the molding material to cure and harden, and removing the equine cadaver leg to produce a mold in the container having an interior shape that corresponds to the exterior of the hoof of the equine cadaver leg. In further preferred steps, 3D scan files of the leg section and the hoof of the equine cadaver leg are prepared and 3D printing is used to print a reusable leg portion and partial trimmable hoof portion. The reusable leg portion comprises a leg portion body and a connecting surface. The connecting surface comprises integrated pegs extending from the connecting surface, and the reusable leg portion comprises a bolt receiving cavity passing through the connecting surface and the leg portion body. The partial trimmable hoof portion comprises a receiving surface, hoof walls, and hoof bars made of a trimmable material. The partial trimmable hoof portion comprises a hoof sole cavity and a hoof frog cavity in a distal portion of the partial trimmable hoof portion. The receiving surface of the trimmable hoof portion comprises a sole pour tube connected to the hoof sole cavity and a frog pour tube connected to the hoof frog cavity, and the receiving surface is configured to contact the connecting surface of the reusable leg portion. The receiving surface comprises receiving holes configured to receive the integrated pegs of the reusable leg portion and a threaded connection hole configured to align with the bolt receiving cavity of the reusable leg portion. A hoof sole mold plug is also 3D printed and configured to fit within the hoof sole cavity of the partial trimmable hoof portion.

[0030] In further preferred steps in the method, the hoof sole mold plug is inserted into the hoof sole cavity of the partial trimmable hoof portion and the partial trimmable hoof portion, with hoof sole mold plug inserted, are placed back into the mold previously prepared. Liquid rubber is poured into the frog pour tube to fill the hoof frog cavity with liquid rubber and the liquid rubber is allowed to cure and harden in the hoof frog cavity to form a hoof frog. The partial trimmable hoof portion is then removed from the mold. The hoof frog cavity of the partial trimmable hoof portion retains the hoof frog. Then the hoof sole mold plug is removed from the partial trimmable hoof portion to open the hoof sole cavity. The partial trimmable hoof portion, with hoof frog retained, is placed back into the mold. Liquid rubber is poured into the sole pour tube to fill the hoof sole cavity with liquid rubber. The liquid rubber is allowed to cure and harden in the hoof sole cavity to form a hoof sole. The partial trimmable hoof portion with hoof frog and hoof sole make up a trimmable hoof portion as described in preferred embodiments herein. The trimmable hoof portion is removed from the mold. The trimmable hoof portion is configured to be connected to the reusable leg portion by passing a bolt through the bolt receiving cavity of the reusable leg portion into the threaded connection hole of the trimmable hoof portion. A further step in the method is attaching the trimmable hoof portion to the reusable leg portion by passing a bolt through the bolt receiving cavity of the reusable leg portion into the threaded connection hole of the trimmable hoof portion to secure the trimmable hoof portion to the reusable leg portion to form the equine hoof replica according to preferred embodiments described herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An equine hoof replica kit intended to form an equine hoof replica shaped to replicate a leg section and hoof of an equine cadaver leg for use in teaching equine hoof trimming and care, comprising: a reusable leg portion, wherein the reusable leg portion comprises a leg portion body and a connecting surface, wherein the connecting surface comprises integrated pegs extending from the connecting surface, and wherein the reusable leg portion comprises a bolt receiving cavity passing through the connecting surface and the leg portion body; a trimmable hoof portion configured to be connected to the reusable leg portion, wherein the trimmable hoof portion comprises a receiving surface, hoof walls, and hoof bars made of a trimmable material, wherein the trimmable hoof portion comprises a hoof sole and a hoof frog placed within the hoof walls and hoof bars in a distal portion of the trimmable hoof portion, wherein the receiving surface is configured to contact the connecting surface of the reusable leg portion, wherein the receiving surface comprises receiving holes configured to receive the integrated pegs of the reusable leg portion and a threaded connection hole configured to align with the bolt receiving cavity of the reusable leg portion when the trimmable hoof portion is connected to the reusable leg portion; and a bolt configured to pass through the bolt receiving cavity into the threaded connection hole to connect the trimmable hoof portion to the reusable leg portion.

2. The equine hoof replica kit of claim 1, wherein the reusable leg portion is comprised of polyethylene terephthalate glycol.

3. The equine hoof replica kit of claim 1, wherein the receiving surface of the trimmable hoof portion further comprises a sole pour tube and a frog pour tube.

4. The equine hoof replica kit of claim 1, wherein the trimmable material is comprised of matte polylactic acid.

5. The equine hoof replica kit of claim 1, wherein the hoof sole and the hoof frog are comprised of polyurethane rubber.

6. The equine hoof replica kit of claim 1 , further comprising at least one additional trimmable hoof portion.

7. A method of using the equine hoof replica kit of claim 1 in teaching equine hoof trimming and care, comprising: attaching the trimmable hoof portion to the reusable leg portion by passing the bolt through the bolt receiving cavity of the reusable leg portion into the threaded connection hole of the trimmable hoof portion to secure the trimmable hoof portion to the reusable leg portion; and trimming or manipulating the trimmable hoof portion to simulate and teach trimming or manipulating an equine hoof.

8. A method of using the equine hoof replica kit of claim 6 in teaching equine hoof trimming and care, comprising: attaching the trimmable hoof portion to the reusable leg portion by passing the bolt through the bolt receiving cavity of the reusable leg portion into the threaded connection hole of the trimmable hoof portion to secure the trimmable hoof portion to the reusable leg portion; trimming or manipulating the trimmable hoof portion to simulate and teach trimming or manipulating an equine hoof; removing the trimmable hoof portion from the reusable leg portion by removing the bolt; attaching an additional trimmable hoof portion to the reusable leg portion by passing the bolt through the bolt receiving cavity of the reusable leg portion into the threaded connection hole of the additional trimmable hoof portion to secure the additional trimmable hoof portion to the reusable leg portion; and trimming or manipulating the additional trimmable hoof portion to simulate and teach trimming or manipulating an equine hoof.

9. An equine hoof replica shaped to replicate a leg section and hoof of an equine cadaver leg for use in teaching equine hoof trimming and care, comprising: a reusable leg portion, wherein the reusable leg portion comprises a leg portion body and a connecting surface, wherein the connecting surface comprises integrated pegs extending from the connecting surface, and wherein the reusable leg portion comprises a bolt receiving cavity passing through the connecting surface and the leg portion body; a trimmable hoof portion connected to the reusable leg portion, wherein the trimmable hoof portion comprises a receiving surface, hoof walls, and hoof bars made of a trimmable material, wherein the trimmable hoof portion comprises a hoof sole and a hoof frog placed within the hoof walls and hoof bars in a distal portion of the trimmable hoof portion, wherein the receiving surface contacts the connecting surface of the reusable leg portion, wherein the receiving surface comprises receiving holes that receive the integrated pegs of the reusable leg portion and a threaded connection hole that aligns with the bolt receiving cavity of the reusable leg portion; and a bolt passing through the bolt receiving cavity into the threaded connection hole to connect the trimmable hoof portion to the reusable leg portion.

10. The equine hoof replica of claim 9, wherein the reusable leg portion is comprised of polyethylene terephthalate glycol.

11. The equine hoof replica of claim 9, wherein the receiving surface of the trimmable hoof portion further comprises a sole pour tube and a frog pour tube.

12. The equine hoof replica of claim 9, wherein the trimmable material is comprised of matte polylactic acid.

13. The equine hoof replica of claim 9, wherein the hoof sole and the hoof frog are comprised of polyurethane rubber.

14. A method of using the equine hoof replica of claim 9 in teaching equine hoof trimming and care, comprising: trimming or manipulating the trimmable hoof portion to simulate and teach trimming or manipulating an equine hoof.

15. A method of preparing an equine hoof replica shaped to replicate a leg section and hoof of an equine cadaver leg for use in teaching equine hoof trimming and care, comprising: adding a molding material to a container; placing the equine cadaver leg into the molding material in the container; allowing the molding material to cure and harden; removing the equine cadaver leg to produce a mold in the container having an interior shape that corresponds to the exterior of the hoof of the equine cadaver leg; preparing 3D scan files of the leg section and the hoof of the equine cadaver leg;

3D printing a reusable leg portion, wherein the reusable leg portion comprises a leg portion body and a connecting surface, wherein the connecting surface comprises integrated pegs extending from the connecting surface, and wherein the reusable leg portion comprises a bolt receiving cavity passing through the connecting surface and the leg portion body;

3D printing a partial trimmable hoof portion, wherein the partial trimmable hoof portion comprises a receiving surface, hoof walls, and hoof bars made of a trimmable material, wherein the partial trimmable hoof portion comprises a hoof sole cavity and a hoof frog cavity in a distal portion of the partial trimmable hoof portion, wherein the receiving surface of the trimmable hoof portion comprises a sole pour tube connected to the hoof sole cavity and a frog pour tube connected to the hoof frog cavity, wherein the receiving surface is configured to contact the connecting surface of the reusable leg portion, wherein the receiving surface comprises receiving holes configured to receive the integrated pegs of the reusable leg portion and a threaded connection hole configured to align with the bolt receiving cavity of the reusable leg portion; 3D printing a hoof sole mold plug configured to fit within the hoof sole cavity of the partial trimmable hoof portion; placing the hoof sole mold plug into the hoof sole cavity of the partial trimmable hoof portion and placing the partial trimmable hoof portion, with hoof sole mold plug inserted, into the mold; pouring liquid rubber into the frog pour tube to fill the hoof frog cavity with liquid rubber; allowing the liquid rubber to cure and harden in the hoof frog cavity to form a hoof frog; removing the partial trimmable hoof portion from the mold, wherein the hoof frog cavity of the partial trimmable hoof portion retains the hoof frog; removing the hoof sole mold plug from the partial trimmable hoof portion to open the hoof sole cavity; placing the partial trimmable hoof portion, with hoof frog retained, into the mold; pouring liquid rubber into the sole pour tube to fill the hoof sole cavity with liquid rubber; allowing the liquid rubber to cure and harden in the hoof sole cavity to form a hoof sole, wherein the partial trimmable hoof portion with hoof frog and hoof sole make up a trimmable hoof portion; removing the trimmable hoof portion from the mold, wherein the trimmable hoof portion is configured to be connected to the reusable leg portion by passing a bolt through the bolt receiving cavity of the reusable leg portion into the threaded connection hole of the trimmable hoof portion to form the equine hoof replica.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising attaching the trimmable hoof portion to the reusable leg portion by passing a bolt through the bolt receiving cavity of the reusable leg portion into the threaded connection hole of the trimmable hoof portion to secure the trimmable hoof portion to the reusable leg portion.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the reusable leg portion is comprised of polyethylene terephthalate glycol.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the trimmable material is comprised of matte polylactic acid.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the hoof sole and the hoof frog are comprised of polyurethane rubber.