Podded cleat horseshoe

Abstract

A novel shock-absorbing and protective horseshoe comprises a composite shoe that conforms to the shape of the perimeter of the horse's hoof, and from which protrude podded cleats strategically aligned and positioned below the horn of the hoof for providing the prerequisite support for the horse. Each podded cleat has an internal air chamber, which when combined with the complying shape of the external wall partially or fully collapses or deflates the transition of material during collapse, provides a most significant degree of cushioning, thus allowing a relatively high durometer elastomer for the composition of the cleats that would not otherwise provide sufficient compressibility, but has physical properties that surmount the factors of abrasion and wear. Such hard materials are identifiable as having a low frictional resistance in comparison to highly compressible, soft elastomers. The action of the podded cleats innward, upward mechanical collapse, which is enhanced with the memory retention of given elastomeric compounds thus allowing the podded cleat to recover its origianl shape and dimensional form upon release of the load. Reinforcing or heavy wear pads are provided at the heel and toe portions of the horseshoe which are the areas of highest abrasion and wear. The horseshoe consists of a metal plate covered by and embedded in an elastomeric material to form a laminated structure.