Hoof balancer and limb alignment tool

Abstract

The present invention is a visual aid for balancing and aligning the equine hoof. Unlike previous devices that consider only the ground surface when balancing the hoof capsule, this invention utilizes coronet band and hoof capsule deformation as the start point for rebalancing giving it a top down approach. This wrap-around device is superimposed upon a live hoof capsule for measurement and visualization. The invention is flexible, resilient, and adjustable allowing for proper placement and utilization on all equine hooves. A posterior attaching mechanism is incorporated into the device for added stability. On the surface of the device are various markings with which measurements are made.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not ApplicableSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0004]1. Field of Invention[0005]The present invention relates to a farrier's tool. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, this invention is for use by farriers and horse owners to assess the balance of the equine hoof and the alignment of the hoof with the adjoining limb. This invention is a guidance tool that teaches and demonstrates proper hoof balance and alignment. It provides a mechanism whereby horse owners and farriers can care for their horses better and more effectively by providing a unique top / down assessment technique for balancing and aligning the hoof capsule. Additionally, this invention will help both the farrier and horse owner to evaluate the work being done and the effects of change...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0033]In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method and system for interpreting and visualizing the response of the imbalanced, misaligned equine hoof capsule to the impact forces created during movement. Further, the present invention provides a method and system whereby the hoof capsule may be balanced and properly aligned with the adjoining limb. The balance and alignment attained in the use of this invention will have the benefit of relieving the undesirable impact forces that cause hoof capsule deformation and ultimately lameness. Once relieved of these undesirable forces, the hoof capsule will return to a most beneficial symmetry which assures the harmless dissipation of concussion through the hoof and limb.

[0035]The device requires little instruction and ordinary psychomotor skills to operate. Once properly superimposed and affixed to the hoof, a series of markings may be made directly on the hoof. These markings will help the user of the invention to visualize how a properly balanced and aligned hoof capsule should look. In addition, the device indicates how to bring a hoof capsule into balance and alignment regardless of its current state of imbalance.

[0038]In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a means, based on the quantification of the visual parameters indicated by the device, to compare horses. A method and system is provided for the measurement of the parameters specific to individual horses. By averaging these measurements with data collected from other horses a “normal” data set may be created. In this way, optimum balance can be assessed based on not only limb conformation but also the specific use of the horse, breed type, body type, and other variables.

[0039]In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a means, based upon visual, recordable, and quantitative measurement generated by the device, for comparing a particular horse to itself over time. In this way changes in the conformation and deformation of the hoof capsule and adjoining limb alignment and pathology can be tracked. Such history of the horse's response to the balance and alignment being achieved by the trimming technique applied allows for an assessment of such aspects of the horse as suitability of type, breed, or conformation for a particular task.

[0041]In yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for educating both the farrier and the horse owner. The present invention will serve as an educational tool. With it both farrier and horse owner will learn to recognize a properly balanced hoof capsule. By application, the types and causes of hoof capsule deformation will be clarified, allowing students to better analyze the equine limb and many of the maladies with which it is afflicted.

Problems solved by technology

Clearly, the unprotected equine hoof will wear and degrade with activities of daily life.

Conversely, if one side of the hoof capsule touches slightly ahead of the other, it is imbalanced.

While balancing the equine hoof capsule using the instant of contact as the primary variable is logical, it is clinically impractical.

Not only is instant of contact is too fast to analyze by simple observation, but also there are few locations at which a horizontal surface is available on which to observe the horse in motion.

Additionally, should such a surface be available, there is the additional problem of the influence of the person leading the horse on the movement of that horse.

Learning to correct imbalances by interpreting hoof capsule deformations takes years of practice.

Even with experience, one may misinterpret the deformation and fail to correct the problem.

Until and unless some method of checking the work being done by farriers is devised, this unfortunate circumstance will continue to affect a growing number of horses and their owners.

In recent history, the horseshoeing trade has suffered a breakdown in its once effective and demanding system of education, the apprenticeship system.

While such institutions are certainly effective in introducing the basic mechanics of shoeing, they are typically short courses and, therefore, cannot be expected to teach the fine techniques of the Art of Shoeing in the limited time available for classroom pedagogy and practical application.

Unfortunately, it is the horse who is most affected by this unfortunate turn of events.

For it is the horse whose comfort and soundness is at risk when his therapy is the responsibility of an insufficiently experienced or educated craftsman.

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