Final+concept+of+horseshoe+Prototype+Quick+Sandal+and+concepts+for+design


 * __4. Final concept of horseshoe Prototype "Quick Sandal" and concepts for design__**



The concept revolved around the idea that the horseshoe shouldn’t have to depend on nails to stay in place. While the process of filing the horse’s hoof and cleaning the bottom sole remains unchanged, certain aspects of the horseshoe have been changed to suit safer and healthier conditions for horses. The new horseshoe or “Quick Sandal” depends on steel clasps to keep the bottom portion of the shoe in place. The buckles and latches have design principles similar to that of metal buckles found on a ski boot. The top portion of the quick sandal is an aluminum band that stretches across the middle region of the hoof along with the buckles welded to it. There are eight buckles along the band, one in the middle, two on each side in the front and one on each side at the back. They are evenly distributed over the aluminum band in order to control the level of stress and pressure properly along the bottom and front hoof wall. These buckles can be adjusted to fit the proper sizing of the hoof. A silicon liner is placed along the top and bottom of the band to prevent any scraping of the hoof or leg. The lower portion is the horseshoe itself, constructed from aluminum to ensure weight reduction of the shoe and durability. This particular horseshoe is different from a regular horseshoe in that it has steel bails welded to its upper base. These buckles latch onto and hold the bottom portion, or regular shaped horseshoe portion in place. The buckle itself is comprised of a ladder and a bail. The ladder or elongated U-shaped object reaches out to the bails which are located projecting up from the bottom portion. Once the ladder has locked onto a bail section, the buckle then closes back and locks in place. The buckles on the quick sandal will be locked in place once they have been pushed down. This mechanism was implemented in order to prevent the buckle from opening accidentally. To release the lock, simply push back the lower portion of the ladder or blue locking mechanism. The back buckle will then “pop” back up and will be able to be released. The same process applies for the red back buckle.

To get the quick sandal on, the top portion of the horseshoe must be applied first before the bottom portion can be attached. Simply take the aluminum band and place on the hoof so that the back buckle meets with the bail at the back heel and below the coronary band. Make sure the band is at least one inch away from the upper coronary band and is along the hoof wall. Set the back buckle onto the bail and lock it in place. Then place the bottom portion or modified horseshoe on the hoof. Cleaning the hoof and filing the hoof down is a crucial part and cannot be excluded from the shoeing process, so the hoof must be properly maintained before placing the horseshoe. Hold the horse’s leg between your legs to give yourself some support when placing the horseshoe on. Align the buckles with the bails, lift the buckle and let the ladder reach out to the bail to clamp down. The hoof gauge can be used to properly align the quick sandal. Clamp down all eight buckles and ensure that all of the buckles are tight and will not release if you attempt to lift the back buckle.

This particular design combined the original design of the horseshoe with some elements from ski equipment. The buckle latch system is completely modeled after a ski boot. It was hard to change the concept of the horseshoe entirely because the original design is a perfect shape for a horse’s hoof. However, using lightweight metals such as aluminum will have the same durability of a steel horseshoe but will also reduce the weight placed on the hoof. This horseshoe is something that cannot be made by a farrier because the ladders or bottom latches have to be measured and welded perfectly to match the alignment of the upper band. This would be manufactured and carefully constructed in a custom design workshop. This is generally something that would have to be ordered, listing required measurements of the hoof to match the proper size specifications. It would be a good idea for a farrier to take the initial measurements and do the first fittings, in case adjustments are required. The buckles on a ski boot keep the foot tightly locked in place and create tension and pressure to keep the leg stable and inside the boot. The same concept is applied to the quick sandal to keep the bottom portion aligned in order to prevent potential injuries for the horse. The buckles would be made out of stainless steel because the material is non-rusting and durable enough to withstand rocky and watery terrain. The quick sandal was designed this way so that it could be easily removed or replaced by the owner, which is more efficient and convenient than pulling the nails out from the hoof, or having to walk a horse home any distance to prevent lameness. The process of placing the quick sandal may take some getting used to, but once it becomes routine for the owner, they’ll feel secure knowing that their horse is completely safe from any hoof damage.