Cushioned horseshoe

A cushioned horseshoe for use with an animal having a hoof comprising:

• a U-shaped hoof contacting shoe comprising:
• a first branch and a second branch connected by a toe portion, the first branch and second branch each comprising a side portion adjacent the toe portion, and a quarter portion adjacent the side portion;
• a top surface in contact with the hoof;
• a bottom surface comprising an integrally formed raised portion;
• and
• a plurality of nail holes extending from the top surface to the bottom surface of the hoof contacting shoe to receive nails;
• a U-shaped ground contacting shoe comprising:
• a first branch and a second branch connected by a toe portion, the first branch and second branch each comprising a side portion adjacent the toe portion, and a quarter portion adjacent the side portion;
• a top surface comprising a recessed portion for receiving the raised portion of the hoof contacting shoe,
• a bottom surface for contact with a ground surface, and a first series of holes spaced apart a distance on the first branch and a second series of holes spaced apart a distance on the second branch, the first and second series of holes extending from the top surface to the bottom surface of the ground contacting shoe;
• and
• a pad between the bottom surface of the hoof contacting shoe and the top surface of the ground contact shoe, bonded to the bottom surface and the top surface with a rubber-tearing bond.