Historically:
* Glue: Before the advent of modern glues, horse hoof glue was a common adhesive. It was used in woodworking, furniture making, and even shoemaking.
* Fertilizer: Hooves were used as a source of nitrogen and phosphorus for fertilizing crops.
* Medicine: Some cultures believed horse hooves had medicinal properties, and they were used in traditional remedies.
Today:
* Jewelry: Horse hooves can be cleaned, polished, and turned into unique pieces of jewelry, such as rings, pendants, and earrings.
* Art: Artists use hooves for sculpture and other creative purposes.
* Animal feed: Hooves can be ground up and added to animal feed as a source of protein and other nutrients.
* Biofuel: Research is ongoing to explore the potential of using hooves for biofuel production.
* Compost: Hooves can be composted to create nutrient-rich soil amendment.
Note: It's important to note that some of these uses are more common than others.
Ethical Considerations:
It's crucial to source hooves ethically. Never take hooves from wild horses. Ensure you are purchasing from reputable sources that obtain hooves from animals that were humanely treated.