A horse enthusiast and inventor has seen 20 years of his experience and research in the equine industry culminate with the first clippable running shoes for horses.
According to a release from the company, ‘Megasus Horserunners’ have been developed by Austrian inventors Louisa and Charly Forstner. The runners offer non-permanent, flexible hoof protection, and the items can be taken on and off similar to running shoes.
A prototype of the runners was tested successfully, which led to the company to seek to raise some money for production. Megasus kicked off a crowdfunding campaign in October with the goal being €100,000. A total of €169,136 was raised, thus the first of the runners are expected to be shipped next summer.
Instead of using nails, the runners clip onto the hooves via Velcro tape. The tape remains on the hoof for approximately three weeks and is protected with special foil when the runners are taken off.
The company states that the runners are easy to put on, weigh less than half a pound, can be adjusted individually, and offer protection without permanence. The company has also stated that the runners will stay put in all kinds of terrain, including mud and water, plus it allows the hoof to be flexible.
The runners have also been designed to protect the sole from bruising, cracking and other injuries by offering shock absorption.
(With files from Megasus Horserunners)