An animal shoe

Abstract

The invention is an animal shoe for hooved animals and is composed of three distinct layers, a central layer of a block of wood of a medium to hard density which is sandwiched on two opposing surfaces by a layer of closed cell foam. The respective layers of closed cell foam are of a lower density that that of the block of wood. One layer of closed cell foam is bonded to the hoof of the animal while the other layer serves as the contact surface with the substrate. The animal shoe is relatively quick to apply and offers more or less immediate gripping functionality while retaining a reasonable wear rate.

Description

[0001] JAWS ref: 325143PCT

[0002] AN ANIMAL SHOE

[0003] Statement of Corresponding Applications

[0004] This application is based on New Zealand Provisional Patent Application No. 814518, filed on 13 September 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] Technical Field

[0006] The invention relates to a shoe for an animal, a kitset, and a method of use and manufacture of same. The invention has particular application as a shoe for animals with cloven hooves, such as cows.

[0007] Background Art

[0008] It is common in the animal husbandry industry to provide cloven-hooved animals, such as cows, with shoes or blocks to elevate a healthy claw, to relieve pain and pressure on an injured claw, and to promote healing. This is particularly the case for dairy cows.

[0009] As a portion of a dairy cow's day involves traversing the concrete floors of milking sheds and roads leading to milking sheds on a daily basis, these animals may experience greater lameness than hoofed animals in the wild or confined to paddocks. The hooves of the animals may also become worn down or damaged due to the concrete substrate or metalled roads leading to milking sheds.

[0010] To alleviate / remedy lameness or other physical ailments affecting the hoof and to reduce wear, it is common practice for farmers to fix shoes, in the form of blocks, by gluing or otherwise securing them to the hooves of cows. The shoes provide a sacrificial surface that is exposed to wear and tear as the cow ambulates about the dairy farm.

[0011] Typically, shoes for cows are made of very durable and strong material, such as wood, leather, rubber or heavy-duty plastics material. The strength of the material is particularly important as a mature dairy cow will weigh several hundred kilograms and for this reason, the shoe may JAWS ref: 325143PCT experience considerable impact forces as the cow ambulates.

[0012] Ideally, wear rates are consistent across the bottom surface, which contacts the substrate, of the shoe. This would not be the case if nails and the like were used as a means to fasten the shoe or block to the hoof of the animal as in the case of horses. Therefore, usually when applying shoes or blocks to cows, adhesive is used.

[0013] The materials used for conventional animal shoes, which for cows are typically made from wood, have disadvantages. Because of their strength and durability, shoes manufactured from wood do not flex or flex only minimally. If the hoof to which the shoe is fitted is not perfectly flat, the shoe may not maintain contact across the entire surface of the hoof, leaving gaps between the shoe and the hoof. To compensate, farmers, when fixing the shoes to the animal, may use extra adhesive as a filler for any gaps. However, this may create additional pressure points in use, which could damage the underlying region of the hoof.

[0014] However, this is wasteful of the adhesive as well as requiring further time to allow the thicker amounts of adhesive to cure. As it is necessary for the cow to remain still while the adhesive cures, it is undesirable to have lengthy curing times.

[0015] A further problem caused by the use of wooden shoes is that these may not conform to the animal's natural stance. This can result in lameness or discomfort for the animal which has had its natural posture affected by the use of shoes of wood. If the animal persists in its natural stance or gait when walking, this will result in uneven wear of the ground contact surface of the shoe.

[0016] Yet another problem with the use of shoes formed from wood is that they are usually relatively smooth when first applied to the animal. Over time, the surface contacting the substrate may become textured and so provide a degree of grip but initially, there may be issues for the animal when traversing areas of concrete that are typically found in milking sheds and their associated pens. As this area is usually where the shoes are first applied, the animals may slip or otherwise splay their feet as they ambulate immediately afterwards. Some shoes may be provided with a dedicated substrate surface that is configured with a textured finish, for example, serrations or JAWS ref: 325143PCT grooves, to compensate for this and provide some grip, but this then may require that the shoes be provided as a left and right combination. This is because cows have left and right hoof claws and the textured side of the shoe should not be used as the side to be bonded to the hoof since it may affect the performance of the adhesive.

[0017] Some animal shoes are provided as blocks of foamed plastic material, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). While the relative compressibility of the EVA mean that such shoes are easier to apply to the cow's hoof than shoes made of blocks of wood, these may lack long-term durability. As cows traverse the substrate, the EVA may become abraded relatively quickly compared to wood and require more frequent replacement. Furthermore, the compression experienced as the cow places its weight of the shoe in use may affect the degree of elevation of the hoof or claw to which it is applied. This means that the hoof may be insufficiently elevated.

[0018] It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

[0019] All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

[0020] It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other nonspecified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process. JAWS ref: 325143PCT

[0021] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

[0022] Disclosure of Invention

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a shoe for a hooved animal, wherein the shoe includes: a block of wood, wherein the block has a hoof-facing side and a substrate-facing side; a first layer of closed cell foam applied to the hoof-facing side of the block of wood; and a second layer of closed cell foam applied to the substrate-facing side of the block of wood.

[0024] The invention is a shoe, referred to as an animal shoe, for hooved animals and is composed of three distinct layers, a central layer of a block of wood of a medium to hard density which is sandwiched on two opposing surfaces by a layer of closed cell foam. The respective layers of closed cell foam are of a lower density than that of the block of wood. One layer of closed cell foam is bonded to the hoof of the animal with an adhesive while the other layer serves as the contact surface with the substrate. The animal shoe is relatively quick to apply and offers more or less immediate gripping functionality while retaining a reasonable wear rate.

[0025] The animal may be any hoofed animal which requires protection of its hooves from lameness or for treatment of conditions associated with one or more of its hooves. For example, the animal may be a camel or horse.

[0026] Preferably, the animal has cloven hooves. A cloven hoof should be understood to mean a hoof with at least a left and right claw forming the hoof. The animal may be a sheep or goat but is preferably a cow, such as a dairy cow.

[0027] Preferably the shape and configuration of the animal shoe is the same regardless of whether the shoe is to be fitted to the left or right claws of the hoof. The present invention may be of a shape that can simply be reversed or flipped to suit the claw to which it is to be fitted. It will be JAWS ref: 325143PCT appreciated, that in preferred embodiments, the animal shoe has no side specifically dedicated to being applied only to the hoof or being used as the side for contacting the substrate in use.

[0028] It will be understood that the first layer and second layer are composed of a closed cell foam. This material provides relatively high friction surfaces, and therefore greater gripping performance, compared to wood. It is also hydrophobic.

[0029] Preferably, the closed cell foam selected for the first and second layers has a density of around 300 to 400 Kg / m3. Even more preferably, the closed cell foam selected for the first and second layers has a density of around 300 to 350 Kg / m3. This is preferred since closed cell foam falling within this density range can conform to a slightly uneven surface with relatively low application of force and has some shock absorbing properties without "bottoming out" in typical scenarios.

[0030] An animal shoe with a first layer of closed cell foam in the specified density range may better conform to the hoof of the animal to which it is fitted. By allowing the shoe to conform to the animal rather than the animal conforming to the shoe this allows the animal to maintain its natural stance and gait when walking. It may also improve the surface area contact between the first layer of closed cell foam and the claw / hoof, thereby increasing the glued area.

[0031] Preferably, the closed cell foam is composed of EVA foam. However, in other non-limiting examples, the closed cell foam may be composed of polyurethane foam, thermoplastic polyurethane foam, neoprene foam or a rubber foam having the appropriate density.

[0032] Preferably, the closed cell foam forming the first layer and the second layer is of the same density. This means that, as previously noted, there is no dedicated hoof-contacting surface and substrate contacting surface such that the animal shoe can be applied to either the left or right claw of the hoof. This simplifies the application of the animal shoe to the animal.

[0033] However, in some examples, one of the first layer and second layer may be composed of a closed cell foam that has greater density than the other of the first layer and second layer. This may provide for tailored performance characteristics for the animal shoe. JAWS ref: 325143PCT

[0034] For example, the second layer may be composed of a closed cell foam of relatively high density compared to the first layer. As will be appreciated, the second layer contacts the substrate so is exposed to greater wear and tear. A closed cell foam of relatively high density, for example around 400 Kg / m3, may provide a greater durability over time compared to a closed cell foam with a density of 300 Kg / m3. Conversely, the second layer of closed cell foam may be of a density conducive to a high rate of wear, such that it wears down relatively quickly to the block of wood forming the central portion of the animal shoe.

[0035] In another example, the first layer of the animal shoe, which in use is bonded to the claw / hoof of the animal, may be composed of a closed cell foam of relatively low density. This may provide greater conformity to an uneven surface (such as a claw / hoof), making it easier to apply the animal shoe.

[0036] It should be appreciated that these differing performance characteristics may also be achieved by having one of the first and second layers composed of a closed cell foam that is of a different material, rather than different density, than the other of the first and second layers.

[0037] Preferably, each of the first and second layer is formed from a single piece of closed cell foam, i.e. each layer is a single piece of foam.

[0038] The first layer and the second layer of closed cell foam is bonded or otherwise fixed to the hooffacing side and the substrate -fa ci ng side of the block of wood respectively. Preferably this is achieved through the use of an appropriate adhesive, such as a cyanoacrylate which is relatively fast curing and once set, has a relatively high tensile strength. However, this is not meant to be limiting and other adhesives recognised by those skilled in the art as being suitable for the purpose, may be used.

[0039] The block of wood is composed of a wood classified as a medium to hard wood, as would be understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0040] A wood classified as a medium to hard wood is preferred for its relative durability; while it will still JAWS ref: 325143PCT wear down over time once the second layer of closed cell foam has worn away, it will last around three to four weeks under typical conditions. This is usually a sufficient period of time for the completion or near completion of the treatment of the claw / hoof or hooves to which the animal shoe is fitted.

[0041] Preferably, the block of wood is formed from a single piece of wood, so as to avoid any lines of weakness between multiple pieces of wood being used to form the block of wood.

[0042] Preferably the block of wood is composed from a wood having a density in a range from 600 to 800 Kg / m3. Even more preferably, the block of wood is composed from a wood having a density in a range from 650 to 750 Kg / m3.

[0043] Preferably, the block of wood is composed of wood derived from European beech (species name: Fagus sylvatica), also known as Common beech, which has a density of about 690 Kg / m3, + / - 50 Kg / m3. However, in other non-limiting examples, the block of wood may be selected from species of Ash tree (genus: Fraxinus), Birch tree (genus: Betula), Maple tree (genus: Acer), Oak tree (genus: Quercus) or Hickory tree (genus: Caryatis).

[0044] Preferably, the block of wood forms substantially at least 50% to 80% of the overall height of the animal shoe, with the respective first and second layers forming substantially 10% to 25% of the overall height of the animal shoe.

[0045] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a shoe for a hooved animal substantially as described above, the method including the steps of: a) providing a block of wood having a hoof-facing side and a substrate-facing side; b) bonding a first layer of closed cell foam to the hoof-facing side of the block of wood; and c) bonding a second layer of closed cell foam to the substrate-facing side of the block of wood. JAWS ref: 325143PCT

[0046] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a shoe for a hooved animal substantially as described above, the method including the steps of: a) providing a sheet of wood, the sheet of wood having a surface intended to be a hooffacing side of the shoe and a surface intended to be a substrate-facing side of the shoe; b) bonding a first layer of closed cell foam to the surface of the sheet of wood intended to be the hoof-facing side of the shoe; c) bonding a second layer of closed cell foam to the surface of the sheet of wood intended to be the substrate-facing side of the shoe, thereby forming a sheet of material; and d) cutting out the shoe from the sheet of material.

[0047] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kitset for fitting a shoe to a hooved animal, wherein the kitset includes: a shoe for a hooved animal substantially as described above; and an adhesive to bond the animal shoe to the hoof of an animal.

[0048] Preferably, the adhesive is a cyanoacrylate. This type of adhesive is relatively fast curing, setting within ten to thirty seconds in typical scenarios, and has some filling ability, to minimise or eliminate any gaps between the first layer of closed cell foam and the surface of the hoof to which the animal shoe is fitted. Once set, a cyanoacrylate has a relatively high tensile strength of around 10 to 20N / mm2, an important consideration given the size and weight of a typical dairy cow. The use of this type of adhesive makes the application of the animal shoe of the present invention relatively quick to perform.

[0049] Preferably, the kitset includes at least two animal shoes substantially as described above, i.e. one animal shoe for each claw of a hoof of a cloven hooved animal such as a dairy cow. In other examples, the kitset may include at least four animal shoes substantially as described above, i.e. JAWS ref: 325143PCT sufficient shoes for two legs of a cloven hooved animal such as a dairy cow. In further examples, the kitset may include at least eight animal shoes substantially as described above, i.e. sufficient shoes for all the legs of a quadruped cloven hooved animal such as a dairy cow.

[0050] In some examples, the kitset also includes an implement for working a hoof of the cloven hooved animal. In one example, the implement may be a rasp or file.

[0051] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of fixing the shoe substantially as described above to a claw of a hoof of a hooved animal, the method including the steps of: a) working a surface of the claw of the hoof of the animal such that the surface is substantially flat prior to fixing the shoe to the hoof; b) applying adhesive to the first layer of closed cell foam; c) fixing the shoe by the first layer of closed cell foam to the hoof of an animal; and d) allowing the adhesive to bond the shoe to the hoof.

[0052] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments of the present invention, the claw / hoof of the animal may need to be worked prior to fitting the animal shoe.

[0053] Working in this instance should be understood to mean the filing, rasping, abrading or otherwise trimming of the hoof surface that contacts that substrate using working implements such that the hoof surface is substantially flat. This helps to ensure that the bonding surface between the hoof and the animal shoe is such that the animal shoe stays on the hoof (once glued) for as long as possible.

[0054] Examples of suitable working implements may be files, rasps and knives. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that other implements may also be used for this purpose without departing from the scope of the invention. JAWS ref: 325143PCT

[0055] In use, the farmer will apply adhesive to the first layer of the animal shoe and fix it to the selected claw or hoof of the animal. Depending on whether the shoe was placed on the left or right claw, the farmer could take another shoe, reverse it as appropriate to apply adhesive to the appropriate surface of the animal shoe, and fit it to the animal. Usually, however, one shoe will be used on a hoof as the other claw will be injured.

[0056] If necessary, the farmer may use a rasp or file to level out the ground contact surface of the hoof prior to fixing the shoe. This will allow greater conformity of the animal shoe to the hoof if necessary.

[0057] The application of the animal shoe to the animal typically takes place within the milking shed environment or races / pens surrounding same. As these are usually concreted areas, and thus slippery particularly when wet, the use of closed cell foam such as EVA foam, provides superior gripping performance immediately after application of the animal shoe when compared to a conventional wooden shoe. The use of closed cell foam, such as EVA foam, for the first layer also provides the better adhesive and bonding performance that is achieved by this material, when compared to conventional wooden shoes. Having the central wooden block contributes towards the longevity of the animal shoe, once the second layer has abraded or otherwise worn away. Over time, the substrate contacting surface of the wooden block becomes textured through wear which can help gripping performance in the concreted areas of the milking shed environment.

[0058] It will be appreciated that the present invention has a number of advantages over the prior art, including:

[0059] ■ provides an animal shoe with long-term durability comparable to conventional animal shoes of wood;

[0060] ■ provides an animal shoe with gripping performance greater than conventional animal shoes of wood;

[0061] ■ provides an animal shoe with gripping performance similar to conventional animal shoes JAWS ref: 325143PCT made of foam or plastics material;

[0062] ■ provides an animal shoe which has similar ease of application to conventional animal shoes made of foam or plastics material;

[0063] ■ provides an animal shoe which is reversible to allow for left and right claws of cloven hoofed animals.

[0064] At the very least, the invention provides the public with a useful choice.

[0065] Brief Description of Drawings

[0066] Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0067] Figure 1 shows a top view of one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0068] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention of Figure 1 .

[0069] Best Modes for Carrying out the Invention

[0070] The present invention in the form of an animal shoe (generally indicated by arrow 100) is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. It is comprised of a first layer of closed cell foam 102, a block of wood 104 which forms the core of the animal shoe, and a second layer of closed cell foam 106. The first and second layers effectively laminate the block of wood.

[0071] The process of manufacturing the animal shoe 100 may include applying pre-cut pieces of closed cell foam 102, 106 to the respective sides of the block of wood with an appropriate adhesive. Alternatively, sheets of closed cell foam (not shown) may be applied and bonded to either side of a sheet of medium or hard wood (not shown) of the desired durability and wear properties to form a laminated sheet of material (not shown). The animal shoe may then be cut out from the laminated sheet.

[0072] In the illustrated example, the closed cell foam used to form the first layer and second layer JAWS ref: 325143PCT respectively is EVA foam, which is hydrophobic and thus does not absorb moisture. In the specified density ranges, this type of foam has some ability to conform to the claw / hoof of the animal (not shown) and has some shock absorbing abilities. However, other closed cells with these properties may be used instead, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art.

[0073] As can be seen in Figure 1, the shape of the shoe 100 is intended to mirror the claw of a cloven- hoofed animal (not shown). In cows, the hoof comprises left and right claws. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the animal shoe is configured such the first layer 102 and second layer 106 is formed from EVA foam of the same density, 300 to 350 Kg / m3 in this example.

[0074] This means that it does not matter which of the first layer 102 and second layer 106 is applied to the hoof claw (not shown) and which side is contacts the substrate in use. However, in examples not shown here, one of the first layer and second layer may be formed by EVA foam of a differing density or alternatively from closed cell foam of a differing material. This may mean that there is a dedicated hoof-contacting side and substrate-contacting side. In such examples, colouring or other markings may be used to identify the hood-contacting or substrate-contacting surfaces.

[0075] The block of wood 104 that forms the core of the animal shoe 100 is composed of wood from the European beech tree. This is a medium to hard wood as understood by a person skilled in the art, with a density of around 690 Kg / m3 + / - 50 Kg / m3, that has been identified by the inventor as having the desired durability and wear properties. However, wood from other tree species or genus may be used so long as they have the desired properties and have a density within the range of 600 to 800 Kg / m3.

[0076] Proportionally, the block of wood 104 forms the major proportion of the overall height of the animal shoe 100. In the illustrated example, it is approximately 20 mm thick, with each of the first and second layers being approximately 5 mm thick. Thus, the block of wood forms about two thirds or around 66% of the overall height of the animal shoe although in some cases it may be more, or less, as the case may be depending on the desired performance characteristics.

[0077] These dimensions make the height of the animal shoe about 30 mm. When treating an injured JAWS ref: 325143PCT claw, this provides sufficient elevation for a period of three to four weeks given a typical wear rate under New Zealand conditions. In many cases this is sufficient time for healing of the claw or at least provide a period of relief for the animal.

[0078] In use, the first layer 102 contacts and is bonded to the claw or hoof (not shown), while the second layer 106 contacts the substrate. Since the second layer is formed from closed cell foam, it has relatively good gripping properties; this means that immediately after application, the animal is able better able to safely walk across the substrate, which is normally in or part of the milking shed environment and thus concreted. Such surfaces can be slippery due to the presence of fluids such as rain water and animal excretions. Over time, for example a period of a few days or so, the second layer may become abraded and worn away. This gradually exposes the substrate facing side of the wooden block of the animal show 100 and in due course this may become textured such that it provides a degree of grip while traversing slippery surfaces.

[0079] To place the animal shoe 100 on the left claw of the animal (not shown), adhesive such as cyanoacrylate (not shown) is applied to the first layer 102. This surface then held in contact with the ground contact surface of the claw for a short period of time, usually no more than thirty seconds and often as short as ten seconds, to set. The animal is then able to be released (or further animal shoes applied).

[0080] To place the animal shoe 100 on the right claw of the animal (not shown) cyanoacrylate (not shown) is applied to the second layer 106 of the shoe, which is then held in contact with the right claw (not shown).

[0081] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

JAWS ref: 325143PCTClaims1 . A shoe for a hooved animal, wherein the shoe includes: a block of wood, wherein the block has a hoof-facing side and a substrate-facing side; a first layer of closed cell foam applied to the hoof-facing side of the block of wood; and a second layer of closed cell foam applied to the substrate-facing side of the block of wood.

2. The shoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closed cell foam selected for the first and second layers has a density of 300 to 400 Kg / m3.

3. The shoe as claimed in claim 2, wherein the closed cell foam selected for the first and second layers has a density of 300 to 350 Kg / m3.

4. The shoe as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the closed cell foam is composed of EVA foam.

5. The shoe as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the closed cell foam is composed of one of: a polyurethane foam, a thermoplastic polyurethane foam, a neoprene foam or a rubber foam.

6. The shoe as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the closed cell foam forming the first layer and the second layer is of the same density.

7. The shoe as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein one of the first layer and second layer is composed of a closed cell foam that has greater density than the other of the first layer and second layer.

8. The shoe as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second layer is composed of a closed cell foam of relatively high density compared to the first layer.JAWS ref: 325143PCT9. The shoe as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the first and second layer is formed from a single piece of closed cell foam.

10. The shoe as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first layer and the second layer of closed cell foam is bonded or otherwise fixed to the hoof-facing side and the substrate-facing side of the block of wood respectively.11 . The shoe as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the block of wood is composed of a wood classified as a medium to hard wood.

12. The shoe as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the block of wood is formed from a single piece of wood.

13. The shoe as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the block of wood is composed from a wood having a density in a range from 600 to 800 Kg / m3.

14. The shoe as claimed in claim 13, wherein the block of wood is composed from a wood having a density in a range from 650 to 750 Kg / m3.

15. The shoe as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the block of wood is composed of wood derived from European beech (species name: Fagus sylvatica).

16. The shoe as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the block of wood is composed of wood derived from one of: Ash tree (genus: Fraxinus), Birch tree (genus: Betula), Maple tree (genus: Acer), Oak tree (genus: Quercus) or Hickory tree (genus: Caryatis).

17. The shoe as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the block of wood forms substantially at least 50% to 80% of the overall height of the shoe, with the respective first and second layers forming substantially 10% to 25% of the overall height of the shoe.

18. A kitset for fitting a shoe to an animal, wherein the kitset includes: a shoe for a hooved animal as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17; andJAWS ref: 325143PCT an adhesive to bond the animal shoe to the hoof of an animal.

19. The kit set as claimed in claim 18, wherein the adhesive is a cyanoacrylate.

20. The kit set as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the kit set includes an implement for working a hoof of the cloven hooved animal.21 . A method of fixing a shoe for a hooved animal as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 to a claw of a hoof of a hooved animal, the method including the steps of: working a surface of the claw of the hoof of the animal such that the surface is substantially flat prior to fixing the shoe to the hoof; applying adhesive to the first layer of closed cell foam; fixing the shoe by the first layer of closed cell foam to the hoof of an animal; and allowing the adhesive to bond the shoe to the hoof.

22. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the adhesive is a cyanoacrylate.

23. The method as claimed in either claim 21 or claim 22, wherein an implement is used to work the surface of the claw of the hoof of the animal.

24. A method of manufacturing a shoe for a hooved animal, the shoe as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, the method including the steps of: providing a block of wood having a hoof-facing side and a substrate-facing side; bonding a first layer of closed cell foam to the hoof-facing side of the block of wood; and bonding a second layer of closed cell foam to the substrate-facing side of the block of wood.

25. A method of manufacturing a shoe for a hooved animal, the shoe as claimed in any one ofJAWS ref: 325143PCT claims 1 to 17, the method including the steps of: providing a sheet of wood, the sheet of wood having a surface intended to be a hooffacing side of the animal shoe and a surface intended to be a substrate-facing side of the animal shoe; bonding a first layer of closed cell foam to the surface of the sheet of wood intended to be the hoof-facing side of the animal shoe; bonding a second layer of closed cell foam to the surface of the sheet of wood intended to the substrate-facing side of the animal shoe, thereby forming a sheet of material; and cutting out the animal shoe from the sheet of material.

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