An improved hoof boot

Abstract

A hoof boot for use with a laminitic hoofed animal, the hoof boot comprising a sole, a boot upper connected to the sole, the boot upper extending around at least a portion of the perimeter of the inner sole, a strap connected or connectable to the sole and / or boot upper and adapted to surround the hoofed animal's leg to secure the hoof boot in position on the hoof, wherein the inner sole surface includes a depression extending from the toe end edge of the inner sole surface towards but spaced apart from a heel end of the inner sole surface in a first direction and between, but spaced apart from, opposing side edges of the inner sole surface in a second crosswise direction.

Description

[0001] An Improved Hoof Boot

[0002] STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application is based on the Provisional specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Application Number 802698, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The invention disclosed relates to an equine hoof boot. More specifically the invention relates to a supportive equine hoof boot suitable for use in the treatment of laminitis in horses.

[0006] BACKGROUND ART

[0007] Laminitis is a common and serious condition in horses characterized by inflammation of the laminae, the tissues that connect the hoof wall to the underlying structures of the foot. This inflammation disrupts the blood flow to the hoof and can cause severe pain, lameness, and, in advanced cases, can lead to the rotation or sinking of the coffin bone within the hoof. The condition can arise from various causes, including metabolic disorders, mechanical stress, or dietary imbalances.

[0008] Traditionally, treatment options for laminitis have included medication to control pain and inflammation, therapeutic shoeing to provide additional support, and environmental changes such as restricting the horse's movement or altering its diet. However, these treatments often provide limited relief and may not address the underlying causes of the condition.

[0009] In recent years, various hoof boot designs have been developed to offer additional support and protection to horses suffering from laminitis. These boots typically aim to cushion the hoof and reduce the impact of weight-bearing forces. However, existing hoof boots have limitations in their ability to provide adequate therapeutic support and comfort, particularly for horses with advanced or severe laminitis. Existing therapeutic hoof boots often fail to provide optimal therapeutic benefits for several reasons:

[0010] 1. Limited Durability and Support: Current hoof boots may not provide sufficient structural support for horses with severe laminitis. The boots may come off easily when the horse is in a small turnout area, which could then contribute to further bruising. The boots may degrade quickly under the stresses of regular use, reducing their effectiveness and necessitating frequent replacements.

[0011] 2. Difficulty in Application: Some hoof boots are challenging to put on and take off, which can be a significant inconvenience for horse owners and caregivers. Ease of application is crucial for ensuring compliance with therapeutic protocols.

[0012] 3. Insufficient Breathability: Many existing designs do not adequately account for ventilation, which is important for maintaining hoof health and preventing the buildup of moisture that can lead to additional hoof problems.

[0013] 4. Unwanted Pressure: Many known hoof boots impart pressure to the front half of the sole, an area that is often painful in a laminitic hoof. Additional pressure from a poorly shaped hoof boot can cause rubbing and further discomfort, discouraging the horse from walking and compromising blood flow.

[0014] 5. Rigid Soles: Hoof Boots with rigid soles may may create more pressure to the already inflamed sole and hoof wall. This makes walking even more difficult and painful and discourages the horse from moving. If the horse is completely immobilised circulation is further compromised and the condition may worsen.

[0015] Given these limitations, there is a clear need for an improved therapeutic hoof boot that addresses the shortcomings of current solutions. An effective therapeutic hoof boot should offer good support and shock absorption in appropriate locations for varying degrees of laminitis severity, reduced pressure to the pedal bone and the hoof wall, ease of application, flexibility and adequate breathability.

[0016] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0017] It is the object of the invention to provide a hoof boot suitable for to provide support and comfort to a laminitic horse.

[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] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] According to a one form of the invention there is provided a hoof boot for use with a laminitic hoofed animal, the hoof boot comprising; a sole comprising an inner sole surface and an opposing outer sole surface; a boot upper connected to the sole and comprising a toe cap portion, side wall portions and a heel portion, the boot upper extending around at least a portion of the perimeter of the inner sole; a strap connected or connectable to the sole and / or boot upper, the strap adapted to surround the hoofed animal's leg to secure the hoof boot in position on the hoof; wherein the inner sole surface includes a depression extending from a toe end edge of the inner sole surface towards, but spaced apart from, a heel end of the inner sole surface in a first direction and between, but spaced apart from, opposing side edges of the inner sole surface in a second crosswise direction.

[0021] In certain forms of the invention, the depression extends 10 - 80% of the length of the inner sole surface from the toe end edge of the inner sole surface towards heel end of the inner sole surface.

[0022] In certain forms the depression extends 40% - 60% of the length of the inner sole surface from the toe end edge of the inner sole surface towards heel end of the inner sole surface.

[0023] In certain forms the depression has a fixed or variable depth of 4mm - 10mm.

[0024] In certain forms the depression is spaced apart from each of the side edges of the inner sole surface by at least substantially 10mm.

[0025] In certain forms the depression is substantially 50-100mm wide at the toe end edge of the inner sole. In certain forms the inner sole surface or portion thereof comprises or is covered by an area of mesh.

[0026] In certain forms the inner sole surface comprises a raised region between the depression and the heel end of the inner sole surface.

[0027] In certain forms the outer sole surface is shaped to substantially conform to the shape of the bottom on an animal hoof and comprises a toe end and an opposing heel end, and two opposing side edges, the outer sole surface comprising lateral tread extending between the two opposing side edges.

[0028] In certain forms the lateral tread is formed by multiple alternating ridges and troughs, each of the ridges and / or troughs having a width of 5mm - 30mm.

[0029] In certain forms the outer sole surface includes a central channel extending from the toe end to the heel end of the outer sole surface.

[0030] In certain forms the central channel is 8mm - 12mm in width and 5mm - 12mm in depth.

[0031] In certain forms the boot upper comprises a variable height wall extending around the perimeter of the sole, the toe cap portion of the wall having a first height from the sole to the top edge of the wall and the heel portion of the wall having a second height from the sole to the top edge of the wall, the second height being less than the first height.

[0032] In certain forms the top edge of the wall slopes from the toe cap portion of the wall to the heel portion of the wall, creating side wall portions having sloped top edges.

[0033] In certain forms the toe cap portion of the wall comprises a substantially vertical portion directly connected to the sole and an angled portion extending from the substantially vertical portion to the top edge of the toe cap portion of the wall, the angled portion angled towards the heel portion of the sole.

[0034] In certain forms at least a portion of the side walls of the boot upper are angled towards each other.

[0035] In certain forms the sole and / or boot upper comprise ventilation apertures. In certain forms the sole is of variable thickness between 10mm - 40mm and comprises a sole side wall defined by said thickness.

[0036] In certain forms the outer sole thickness is between 20mm - 30mm.

[0037] In certain forms the sole comprises an angled surface between the toe end of the outer sole surface and a toe end of the sole side wall and / or the toe cap portion of the boot upper.

[0038] In certain forms the toe cap end of the boot upper includes two slots adapted to receive a portion of the strap.

[0039] In certain forms the heel portion of the wall of the boot upper includes a tab adapted for connection to a portion of the strap.

[0040] In certain forms the strap is substantially Y-shaped and is adapted for removable connection to the toe cap portion of the boot upper and the heel portion of the boot upper.

[0041] According to a further form of the invention there is provided a method for supporting the treatment of laminitis in horses, the method including fitting the hoof boot as described above to the hoof(s) of an unshod horse.

[0042] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

[0043] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

[0044] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a hoof boot in one form of the invention;

[0046] Figure 2 shows a bottom front perspective view of the hoof boot in one form of the invention;

[0047] Figure 2A shows a front perspective of a hoot boot in a further form of the invention;

[0048] Figure 3 shows a top view of the hoof boot in one form of the invention; Figure 3A shows a cross-sectional top view of the hoof boot in one form of the invention;

[0049] Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the hoof boot in one form of the invention;

[0050] Figure 4A shows a bottom view of the hoof boot in an alternative form of the invention;

[0051] Figure 5 shows a front-end view of the hoof boot in one form of the invention;

[0052] Figure 6 shows a side view of the hoof boot in one form of the invention;

[0053] Figure 7 shows a side cross-section view of the hoof boot in one form of the invention;

[0054] Figure 8 shows a front cross-section view of the base of the hoof boot, without the boot upper, in one form of the invention;

[0055] Figure 9A shows a plan view of the strap in one form of the invention; and

[0056] Figure 9B shows a top perspective view of the strap in one form of the invention.

[0057] BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0058] The hoof boot of the present invention is designed to relieve ground pressure when horses (or other hoofed animals) are walking and standing when suffering from sore feet, in particular laminitis. Laminitis can cause weakening of the soft tissue that attaches to the hoof wall, causing the pedal bone to rotate in a downwards position in the front half of the foot. This creates very little distance between the ground and the tip of the bone causing tremendous pain.

[0059] The hoof boot in one form of the present invention is a soft and lightweight rubber boot or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) boot. It slides over an unshod hoof and attaches using a connection strap to the horse's hoof. The design of the inner sole includes a depressed region in the front portion of the sole that extends all the way to the front of the sole, creating a rim along the edges of the sole and platform at the rear of the inner sole for the hoof to stand on. The depressed space at the front of the toe region allows the toe of the hoof to be suspended or floated with no pressure to the area. This reduces pain when walking or standing and promotes healing to the hoof area by encouraging the horse to move around slowly, supporting blood flow, improving sole depth and growth of the hoof wall.

[0060] The back portion of the boot may be flat or raised slightly to support the back half of the foot and distribute weight across the hoof, preventing the entire weight of the horse being placed on the hoof wall. This can happen often with steel or aluminum horse shoes that are nailed to a horses foot.

[0061] One form of a hoof boot of the present invention is described in further detail with reference to Figures 1 - 9. Reference will be made to use of the boot for horses, although the invention may be applied to any hooved animal with the required size and basic shape modifications.

[0062] Figure 1 is a perspective view of hoof boot 1000 and illustrates sole 100 that forms the base of the hoof boot 100, and boot upper 200 in the form of a variable height wall that is shaped to retain the hoof boot 1000 in position on a horse's hoof. Strap 300 (See Figures 9A - 9C, is connectable to upper boot 200 and buckled or otherwise connected around the horse's ankle to keep the hoof boot in position.

[0063] 1. Sole

[0064] Sole 100 comprises an outer sole surface 120 that forms the base of the boot 1000 and provides both protection to the horses hoof from foreign objects that may be stood on, as well as cushioning support and grip with the ground. The opposing side of sole 100 is inner sole surface 110 that forms the inside surface of the boot 100 and is the surface that will be in direct contact with the horse hoof.

[0065] With reference to Figures 3 (top view of boot) and 3A (with boot upper not shown), inner sole surface 110 may be formed from a flat rubber or TPU surface 111, or may be formed with an integrated mesh component that provides additional ventilation to the hoof. The cross section of the sole 100 in Figure 8 shows a form of the invention with a mesh integrated into the sole, as indicated by the channels 116 visible in the body of the sole 110 and extending from the inner sole surface 110.

[0066] Depression 113 is formed in inner sole surface and extends downward towards outer sole surface 120, but does not extend through the outer sole surface. This ensures the boot 1000 has a solid sole to prevent damage to the hood from any sharp objects that may be on the ground.

[0067] Depression 113 extends from a toe end edge 112 of the inner sole surface 110 towards, but spaced apart from, a heel end 114 of the inner sole surface 110 in a first direction and between, but spaced apart from, opposing side edges 141, 142 of the inner sole surface in a second crosswise direction, such that rims 115 and 117 are created on either side of the depression by inner sole surface 110. The rims 115 and 117 do not extend across the toe end on the inner sole as depression 113 extends all the way to toe end edge 112, creating a gap "A" (Fig. 3A) between rims 115 and 117 at 115A and 117A.

[0068] The space between rims at the toe end edge and subsequently the width of depression 113 at this region is preferably substantially 50-100mm wide and in preferred sizing substantially 70mm wide. Widths in this range allow for the toe of the hoof to float above depression 113, while the weight of the horse is born through rims 115 and 117 and the flat region of inner sole surface 110 proximate the heel end of inner sole 110.

[0069] In certain forms of the invention, the depression 113 extends along 10 - 80% of the length of the inner sole surface from the toe end edge 112 of the inner sole surface 110 towards heel end 114 of the inner sole surface. Preferably, the depression 113 extends 40% - 60% of the length of the inner sole surface from the toe end edge of the inner sole surface towards heel end of the inner sole surface, which corresponds to the body of the sole of the hoof, and the frog is supported by the comparatively raised inner sole surface 110.

[0070] Depression 113 may include a "V" or "U" shaped end 150 distal from and substantially parallel to the toe end edge 112, the "V" or "U" shape 150 corresponding to the apex of the frog and providing support for this region, discouraging any downward movement of the pedal bone into the depression 113.

[0071] In certain forms the depression 113 has a fixed or variable depth of 2mm - 10mm from the level of the inner sole surface 110 to the base of the depression at any point. In some forms, the depression may include a greater depth towards the centre of the depression, along either the toe-heel axis, or lateral axis. In one form shown in the cross-section of Figure 8, depression 113 may be formed with deeper regions 118 extending parallel to rims 115 and 117, and a central raised region 119 that may provide some support to the hoof sole, while still allowing the toe region to float.

[0072] In certain forms the depression is spaced apart from each of the side edges 141, 142 of the inner sole surface by at least substantially 10mm, creating rims 115 and 117. This is approximately the width required to ensure a horse can stand effectively in the boot with adequate support on the rim sections to bear the horse's weight. This may alter depending on the size of the boot overall, and may be 10mm - 20mm in width in standard forms.

[0073] The underside or outer sole surface 120 of the hoof boot comprises treads running laterally from side edge 141 to side edge 142 of the outer sole. This tread design supports and encourages a horse's heel-toe walking style and allows pressure to move very quickly from the heel end of the boot to the toe end of the boot, reducing pressure points throughout a step movement.

[0074] Tread 121 can be seen at least in Figs 2, 4, and 4A. In certain forms tread 121 is formed from a plurality of stepped channels 123 and ridges 122, spaced across the entire outer sole surface 120. In some forms, the channels 123 and ridges 122 are each 5mm - 20mm in width on the toe-heel axis, and 5mm - 20mm deep on the vertical axis from inner to outer sole surface. Edges 124 between the ridges 122 and channels 123 are preferably vertical and straight, but may also be angled, curved, stepped or otherwise shaped to change the tread characteristics.

[0075] In other forms (Fig. 4A), outer sole surface 120 includes a central channel 126 extending centrally through the lateral tread 121 from toe end 112 to heel end 114 of outer sole surface 120. The central channel is sized to the lateral tread, for example 5mm - 20mm in width on the toe-heel axis, and 5mm - 20mm deep on the vertical axis from inner to outer sole surface. In certain forms the central channel is 8mm - 12mm in width and 5mm - 12mm in depth.

[0076] This central channel encourages additional lateral movement to the hoof boot which may be preferable for one or more of a horse's hoofs, depending on the health of the hoof. More than one channel running along the heel-toe axis may be incorporated into the outer sole surface. In certain forms the sole 100 is of a thickness between inner sole surface 110 and outer sole surface 120m, the preferred thickness being between 10mm - 40mm. The thickness may be constant or variable across the sole 100 and creates sole side wall 130 that extends around the perimeter of boot 1000.

[0077] At the toe end 112 of boot 1000, a breakaway 131 is formed as an surface angled upwards towards the upper boot from the toe end of the outer sole surface 120, beginning approx. 5mm - 20mm from the toe end of the outer sole surface 120, to the toe end of the sole side wall 130 and / or the toe cap portion 210 of the boot upper. The angle X of breakaway 131 (Fig. 6) may be 20 - 70° upward from the horizontal axis of the outer sole surface 120, preferably around 45°. This angled breakaway 131 encourages a smooth heel-toe movement of the hoof when walking and provide additional toe support for the hoof when maximum pressure is applied to the toe region during a walking movement.

[0078] Boot Upper

[0079] Boot upper 200 extends from sole 100 and is designed to cover a portion of the hoof when the hoof is positioned on the inner sole surface 111, protecting the hoof and enabling the boot to stay firmly over the hoof. Boot upper further provides a connection point for strap 300 that connects directly to the horse's ankle, securing the boot 1000 in position.

[0080] In certain forms shown, boot upper 200 comprises a variable height wall extending around the perimeter of the sole, the toe cap portion 210 of the wall (being the portion of the wall spanning and extending from the toe end region of the sole to meet side edge regions of both sole 141, 142 and boot upper) having a first height from the sole 100 to the toe top edge 211 of the wall and the heel portion of the wall 220 having a second height from the sole 100 to the heel top edge 221 of the wall, the second height being less than the first height. This height differential enables the hoof boot 1000 to slide easily into the boot over the lower heel portion of the wall 220 until it abuts toe portion of the wall 210, where the higher toe cap portion of the wall 210 both protects the front of the hoof and maintains the boot in position on the hoof, particularly as the horse moves in a forward direction. The toe cap portion top edge 211 of the wall slopes on either side of the boot to the heel portion top edge 221 portion of the wall, creating side wall portions 230, 231 having sloped top edges 233.

[0081] In certain forms the toe cap wall portion 210 of the boot upper comprises a substantially vertical wall portion 217 (Fig. 7) directly connected to sole 100 and an angled portion 218 extending from the substantially vertical portion 217 to the top edge 211 of the toe cap wall portion 210, the angled portion 218 angled towards the heel portion of the sole.

[0082] In certain forms at least a portion of the side walls 230, 231 of the boot upper are angled towards each other at their respective top edges 232, resulting in a snug fit around a hoof where the side walls are maintained in direct contact with the hoof.

[0083] The height of the toe cap portion 210 of the boot upper in some forms is between 500mm - 1000mm from sole to toe cap top edge 211, preferably 550-650mm. At the heel end of the boot, boot upper wall may be between 20mm - 50mm from the sole to heel portion top edge 221. In other embodiments, the wall may taper to sole height at or near the heel end to the sole 100. This makes access to the boot easier, but is not as effective in maintaining the boot in position on the hoof.

[0084] Tab 250 is incorporated into boot upper 200 on heel top edge 221. Tab 250 assists in fitting and removing boot 1000, and further provides a connection point for strap 300. Strap 300 may connect to tab 250 using a variety of known connection means, including rivets, buckles, snap connections for example, or may be integrally formed as a single piece with the boot.

[0085] Apertures

[0086] Boot 1000 may include ventilation / drainage apertures 400, 401 extending through the boot upper and / or sole region of boot 1000. Ventilation and / or drainage within the hoof boot ensures any excess water is easily drained from the boot, and circulating air keeps the hoof dry, helping prevent infection and promoting healing of the hoof.

[0087] In some forms, the boot includes two ventilation holes on each side of the boot, for example smaller triangular shaped aperture 400 near the toe portion of the boot, and larger triangular ventilation ole 401 positioned relatively centrally on the sides of the boot upper and / or sole. In some forms, toe cap wall portion 210 includes two apertures 420, preferably elongate apertures, sized to each receive a portion of strap 300. Apertures 420 are angled towards each other at a first end proximate top edge 211, retaining a portion of strap 300 at the correct angle for effective boot retention.

[0088] In other forms, boot 1000 does not include strap apertures 230, but a portion of strap 300 is received within aperture 400, as seen in Figure 2A. In this configuration, aperture 400 is larger and may also take a more elongate shape to ensure a smooth fit of strap 300. Apertures 400 may be angled towards to away from each other.

[0089] Strap

[0090] Sole 100 and boot upper 200 form the hoof encasing portion of hoof boot 1000 and are held in position by strap 300, one form of which can be seen in Figures 9A and 9B. Strap 300 may be integrally formed with sole 100 and boot upper 200 in some forms of the inventio and incorporate buckles and eyelets to secure boot 1000 in position.

[0091] In the form shown in Figures 9A and 9B, strap 300 consists of two parts, back portion 310 (Fig. 9A) and front portion 330 (Fig, 9B).

[0092] Back portion 310 is removably connectable to tab 250 of boot upper 200 via rivets 360 located proximate a lower edge 311 of central member 312. In use, central member 312 abuts the back of the lower ankle, and elongate upper strips 313 and 314 extend laterally on opposing sides of central member 312, preferably at 30 - 60° angle from a vertical axis running through central member 312, from lower edge 311 to upper edge 311A, when viewed as a plane. Upper strips 313, 314 surround the ankle and are secured using buckle 317 and eyelets 318. Other connection means such as press fit connections, snap connections or hook and loop connections on opposing upper strips may also be used in other forms.

[0093] Elongate lower strips 320 and 321 provide a second connection point and extend laterally from the vertical axis of central member 312. In some forms, strips 320, 321 extend substantially perpendicular to the central vertical axis running through central member 312, from lower edge 311 to upper edge 311 A when viewed as a plane, but may also be angled between 5 - 45° from the vertical axis. Lower strips 320, 321 each include a respective buckle 322, 323 for removable connection to eyelets 331 on front portion 330.

[0094] Front portion 330 is an elongate strip having eyelets 331 in varying spaced apart positions along the length of front portion 330. Front portion 330 is adapted to be threaded through apertures 420 or 400 on either side of the boot upper, connecting to buckles 322 and 323 of back portion 310.Buckle and eyelet connections may be in reverse on any of the strap portions, and connection means between back portion 310 and front portion 330 may alternatively be press fit connections, snap connections or hook and loop connections.

[0095] Manufacture

[0096] The hoof boot 1000 of the present invention may be formed from a rubber or similar material such as silicon, TPU, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) or vinyl for example, providing both comfort, flexibility and strength in the boot form. Rubber is resilient and waterproof, making it an excellent material for absorbing shocks and cushioning the hoof from uneven surfaces and hard objects on the ground.

[0097] A rubber material with shore hardness of 50 - 80 is effective.

[0098] Boot 1000 may be made as a single piece mold, with a removable strap. In other forms, the strap 300 may be integrally formed with the boot itself.

[0099] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

[0100] Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

[0101] The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

[0102] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.

[0103] The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

[0104] 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 thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hoof boot for use with a laminitic hoofed animal, the hoof boot comprising; a sole comprising an inner sole surface and an opposing outer sole surface; a boot upper connected to the sole and comprising a toe cap portion, side wall portions and a heel portion, the boot upper extending around at least a portion of the perimeter of the inner sole; a strap connected or connectable to the sole and / or boot upper, the strap adapted to surround the hoofed animal's leg to secure the hoof boot in position on the hoof; wherein the inner sole surface includes a depression extending from a toe end edge of the inner sole surface towards, but spaced apart from, a heel end of the inner sole surface in a first direction and, between, but spaced apart from, opposing side edges of the inner sole surface in a second crosswise direction.

2. The hoof boot of claim 1, where in the depression extends 10 - 80% of the length of the inner sole surface from the toe end edge of the inner sole surface towards heel end of the inner sole surface.

3. The hoof boot of claim 2, wherein the depression extends 40% - 60% of the length of the inner sole surface from the toe end edge of the inner sole surface towards heel end of the inner sole surface.

4. The hoof boot of any of claims 1 - 3, where the depression has a fixed or variable depth of 4mm - 10mm.

5. The hoof boot of any of claims 1 - 4, where the depression is spaced apart from each of the side edges of the inner sole surface by at least substantially 10mm.

6. The hoof boot of any of claims 1 - 5, where the depression is substantially 50-100mm wide at the toe end edge of the inner sole.

7. The hoof boot of any one of claims 1 - 6, where in the inner sole surface or portion thereof comprises or is covered by an area of mesh.

8. The hoof boot of any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein in inner sole surface comprises a raised region between the depression and the heel end of the inner sole surface.

9. The hoof boot of any one of claims 1 - 8, wherein the outer sole surface is shaped to substantially conform to the shape of the bottom on an animal hoof and comprises a toe end and an opposing heel end, and two opposing side edges, the outer sole surface comprising lateral tread extending between the two opposing side edges.

10. The hoof boot of claim 9, wherein the lateral tread is formed by multiple alternating ridges and troughs, each of the ridges and / or troughs having a width of 5mm - 30mm.

11. The hoof boot of claims 9 or 10, wherein the outer sole surface includes a central channel extending from the toe end to the heel end of the outer sole surface.

12. The hoof boot of claim 11, wherein the central channel is 8mm - 12mm in width and 5mm - 12mm in depth.

13. The hoof boot of any one of claims 1 - 12, wherein the boot upper comprises a variable height wall extending around the perimeter of the sole, the toe cap portion of the wall having a first height from the sole to the top edge of the wall and the heel portion of the wall having a second height from the sole to the top edge of the wall, the second height being less than the first height.

14. The hoof boot of claim 13, wherein the top edge of the wall slopes from the toe cap portion of the wall to the heel portion of the wall, creating side wall portions having sloped top edges.

15. The hoof boot of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the toe cap portion of the wall comprises a substantially vertical portion directly connected to the sole and an angled portion extending from the substantially vertical portion to the top edge of the toe cap portion of the wall, the angled portion angled towards the heel portion of the sole.

16. The hoof boot or any one of claims 13 - 14, wherein at least a portion of the side walls of the boot upper are angled towards each other.

17. The hoof boot of any one of claims 1 - 16, wherein the sole and / or boot upper comprise ventilation apertures.

18. The hoof boot of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the sole is of variable thickness between 10mm - 40mm and comprises a sole side wall defined by said thickness.

19. The hoof boot of claim 18, wherein the outer sole thickness is between 20mm - 30mm.

20. The hoof boot of claim 18 or 19, wherein the sole comprises an angled surface between the toe end of the outer sole surface and a toe end of the sole side wall and / or the toe cap portion of the boot upper.

21. The hoof boot of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the toe cap end of the boot upper includes two slots adapted to receive a portion of the strap.

22. The hoof boot of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the heel portion of the wall of the boot upper includes a tab adapted for connection to a portion of the strap.

23. The hoof boot of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the strap is substantially Y-shaped and is adapted for removable connection to the toe cap portion of the boot upper and the heel portion of the boot upper.

24. A method for supporting the treatment of laminitis in horses, the method including fitting the hoof boot as claimed in any one of claims 1 -23 to the hoof(s) of an unshod horse.

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