Crossword Genius

Protected, as a horse's hooves (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shod

(Other definitions for shod that I've seen before include "Exclamation used to frighten animals away" , "Not with bare feet" , "Not barefoot" , "Fitted with horseshoes" , "Wearing footgear" .)

I've seen this clue in The New York Times.
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