Boot Camp, EasyCare, Inc. Dealer Blog

EasyCare Heads to San Diego for AAEP Convention

 The 54th Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners continues its long history of providing unsurpassed professional development for equine veterinarians Dec 6-10. More than 4,000 practitioners, veterinary students and technicians attend the convention each year, making it the largest equine veterinary meeting in the world. The San Diego Convention Center will be the primary location for convention events. Preregistration is necessary. Click here to Visit AAEP's website.  If you are attending please stop by booth #118.  Cathie Hook and Debbie Schwiebert will be there along with hoof care professional Gil Goodin.  The new 2009 products will be on hand for you to check out.  EasyCare will be adding 4 new boots to our line up in 2009 as well as some great accessories.   The Easyboot Edge, Glove, Rx and Glue-On are sure to take hoof booting to the next level! 

EasyCare Attends Equine Affaire Massachusetts

The 11th annual Equine Affaire will begin November 13-16 in West Springfield, Massachusetts.  EasyCare's Cathie Hook and Chris Freeman will be on hand to answer questions and give you a first hand look at the new boots for 2009!  They will be set up in the Better Living Center, booth number 434. This event draws tens of thousands of horse people to enjoy world class educational programs, an extensive trade show and much, much more!  We hope to see you there!

 

Easyboot Glue-On with Gaiter

The Easyboot Glue-On with Gaiter may be used as an everyday boot by applying a gaiter and skipping the glue process.  The Gaiter will be sold as an accessory and also on the boot already installed.  The Easyboot Glue-On with Gaiter will be sold individually and is scheduled to arrive in the EasyCare office by February 2009.  Stay tuned to this blog for more details!
 

Easyboot Glue-On shell

Hardware- free Glue-On's.  For long rides or everyday use 

The Easyboot Glue-On shell has been developed as a high performance boot and an option for horses in speed and long distance events.  The light weight shell has thin walls that allow the boot to stretch and form to the hoof.  The end result is a seamless one-to-one fit that resembles a second skin over the hoof.   The Glue-On's will be sold in a set of 4 and is expected in the EasyCare office by February 2009.

More about the Glue-On shell...

Easyboot RX Therapy Boot

Just the prescription for your horse!

 

The Easyboot Rx is just the prescription for horses requiring a therapy boot that offers stability and support without being heavy or clunky.  Veterinarians, hoof care professionals and horse owners alike will rely on the Easyboot Rx to help horses heal and recover quickly.  It provides support and relief for horses suffering from chronic lameness, laminitis, founder, navicular and other lower limb/hoof problems.  The boot can be used to speed recovery and offer protection after surgery or injury, lessen fatigue and add protection during trailering as well as offer a safeguard in the breeding shed.  It comes with an EasyCare Comfort Pad, but additional types and densities of pads can be purchased to customize the boot. 

More about the RX...

 

Easyboot Edge

The Easyboot Bare was introduced in 2006 and has been a huge success.   The new Edge builds on the success of that model while bringing several improvements:
1. A new fastening system makes boot application easier.
2. A padded tongue adds comfort and allows the boot to stretch and flex.
3. A more aggressive tread pattern conquers challenging footing.
4. The gaiter is redesigned for a seamless fit.
5. A smoother interior hugs the hoof.

More on the Edge...

Retail Display Contest

$500 in product to the winner!

Finding creative ways to display and educate customers about product is a big part of retail sales.

If you are proud of how EasyCare products are displayed by your company, please send us a photo at marketing@easycareinc.com and a brief description of how you educate customers about hoof boots.  The dealer with the best display will win a $500 store credit!

Contest ends November 31, 2008.  Open to domestic and international dealers.

November Dealer Special

Save on our Easyboot line!

 

Purchase any combination of eight (8) Easyboots, Bares, Epics or Grips and get 10% off those boots and a FREE point of purchase display.  Sale runs through Nov 15, 2008. One order limit in November.  Domestic retail dealers only.

Inventory Update!

EasyCare just received in a large shipment of boots!  We have a strong inventory in Epic, Bare, Easyboot, Grip, and Old Mac's.   The Boa boots are currently back ordered in sizes #1, #2 and #5 and will be available in January.  Small, 1/2" Comfort Pads and Easygaiters are on the way and due in by the end of the month.  Please do not hesitate to call your dealer representative for more details. 

Christmas shoppers will be out and about before you know it. Stock up now on EasyCare's great selection of hoof boots, saddle packs, stirrups, sheepskins and much more!       

Boot Line up!

Here is a great photo of a group of Montana gals just back from a day on the trail.  Notice they are all sporting their EasyCare hoof boots.  From Epics to Bares, these riders can attest to their booting success!                                                                                                                                                             

            

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Thank you High Performance Hooves of Stevensville, MT for sending us the photo.

September '08 Dealer Special

Buy four Easyboot Bares, get one free. Limit four free boots.  Offer ends September 30, 2008.

O.S.H.A. Cowboy!

Sometimes it feels like we are not too far from this!

 

EasyCare's Old Mac G2s Allow Mare To Walk

EasyCare Dealer and hoof care practitioner Dawn Willoughby from Wilmington, Delaware sent us this wonderful footage of a Mare just about ready to foal.  She couldn't walk until Dawn got her squared away with some EasyCare comfort pads and Old Mac's G2.  These boots and pads made this Mare's day!  As you can see she is doing quite well.  Thanks Dawn for the footage.  This is just one of thousands of stories of how boots and pads have helped a horses in crisis.   

Oregon School of Natural Hoof Care to Host Dr. Bowker

EasyCare is excited to spread the news!  Open to the public!  Equine Hoof Specialist, Dr. Robert Bowker, VMD, PHD will be at the Oregon School of Natural Hoof Care August 2 & 3rd, 2008.  Dr. Bowker is a professor of anatomy and director of the Equine Foot Laboratory at Michigan State University's college of Veterinary Medicine.  This is a great opportunity to be with others interested in learning from the worlds leading researcher on the cellular structure of the foot.  Dr. Bowker helps one understand how the foot functions, repairs and works.   Cutting edge information will be discussed.  This is a fantastic opportunity to speak to Dr. Bowker as well as other hoof care professionals. 
For more details please contact Cheryl Henderson at 541-899-1535 and or visit the school's informative website.  Don't miss this amazing opportunity!

Easyboots Help Transition Barefoot Walker

My daughter, Suzanne Haevischer, who lives near Fayetteville, TX, has an 18 year old, black Tennessee Walking Horse gelding she has owned since his birth.  He has always been somewhat tenderfooted and a little "pacey" in his gait.

About five years ago, to improve his gait, she started having him shod in heavier shoes.  Although his gait improved with the heavier shoes, he had intermittent problems with lameness, especially in his front feet.

About two years ago, she stopped using the heavier shoes and had another farrier do a "pasture trim."  Each time the horse was trimmed, he was lame a few days.  After three or four sessions with the farrier, we learned that a nearby natural horse care trimmer, Eddie Drabek, had openings for new clients.  Eddie came out and trimmed all our horses for the first time in November of 2007.

He also advised her to use Easyboots when she rode him until he was able to travel comfortably barefoot.  For about three months, she used Easyboots on all four feet when riding.  With the Easyboots, his gait improved immediately and significantly. 

Now, his feet have improved so much that she can ride him barefoot on all the sandy and clay based trails nearby and only uses his boots when we ride in rocky, mountainous areas.  He is comfortable riding in a nearby park that has a few miles of gravel trails, as well as on the shells at Matagorda Beach on the Texas Gulf Coast.

His gait?  It's better than it has ever been.  He travels fast and smooth!

He is living testimony to the benefits of Easyboots and barefoot trimming.

Photo taken by Jim Edmondson at the Supreme Trail Challenge Competitive Trail Ride held at LBJ Grasslands near Decatur, TX, on May 3, 2008.  Other photos by Jim can be seen at his website

Relda Sterkx

Round Top, TX

Inventory is in!

We got a nice shipment of Easyboots, Epics and Bares in today.  One of the warehouse staff, Russ Freeman, is on vacation so we were a person down… so I had the pleasure of helping the crew (Mike Tilden, Christina Carbone and Roger Hoefs) unload the container.  What a hard working bunch, I had a great time working side by side with them!  If you have not guessed I am the guy who is sweating the most (Third from the left), office work has left me soft!  Time to get your orders in, these boots are moving fast

EasyCare Attends Equine Extravaganza

On the the road again...EasyCare hit the road earlier this month to attend the Equine Extravaganza in Raleigh, NC.   Dealer Rep. Debbie Schwiebert, met up with Hoof Rehabilitation Specialists representatives Alex and Florence Sporando (That's right, Pete Ramey's Mother-In-Law and Brother-In-Law).  Together, we joined forces to promote the barefoot lifestyle and to provide information on trimming and booting.

Alex is a professional trimmer having mentored under Pete as well as worked with veterinarians much of his life.  As for Florence, well if you have ever been lucky enough to attend one of Pete's clinics; Florence is a major factor in those amazing events coming together. 

We had a packed three days visiting and talking with all who stopped by.  Pete's new DVD and book were available and the entire EasyCare boot lineup, the various pads and boot accessories were on had for folks to take a look and ask questions. 

It was great to see all of you who stopped by and to our dealers who attended we thank you!  Where will EasyCare be next?  Check out our schedule and we hope to see you soon!

 

Quote of the day

“It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows achievement and who at the worst if he fails at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” - Theodore Roosevelt

Movement in Easyboot Epics

We often asked at trade show and other events if horses move differently in our boots.  Click here to see a clip of how a horse moves while boot up on all four hooves.  We have quite a few interesting videos on our Website.  Make sure to check back often as we are always adding updated material.

Top 10 Ways To Annoy A Hoof Care Practitoner!

EasyCare Dealer, High Performance Hooves sent us this fun list, venting some suppressed frustrations no doubt!!  I'm sure many of you can relate.  For the rest of us; take note on what NOT to do if you want to keep your trimmer! 

Top 10 sure ways to annoy your trimmer:

1. Make sure your horses are loose in the pasture when the trimmer arrives. The larger the pasture the better.

2. Fill the trimming area with as many obstructions as possible. Dogs and children count extra.

3. Read horse magazines so that you can instruct your trimmer on the latest trimming techniques.

4. Be sure to feed the other horses while the trimmer is working.

5. Lead the horses through mud before bringing them to be trimmed.

6. Complain about the bill shortly after pointing out and discussing the huge price of your new truck, daughter's new saddle, new boat etc.

7. I try to clean his feet, but it kills my back when he jerks his feet away. Duh?

8. I bet you guys get used to being kicked like that, huh?

9. He's never done that before! Yeah right!

10. Do you charge less for ponies since they are smaller?

New Gaited Horse Page

  EasyCare has a new gaited horse page on our website.  We will keep it updated with stories, articles and dealers who can help customers with their gaited horses.

Here's the link: http://www.easycareinc.com/education/testimonials_gaited.aspx

This is a photo submitted by Cathy Tauer at Hill View Farms.  This is her daughter, Kelly, with her Peruvian Horse, Henry. 

Pacific Hoof Care Practitioners Hold Dissection Clinic

The Pacific Hoof Care Practitioners held a anatomy and cadaver dissection clinic this past April.  The course was held in Concow, CA and taught by professional trimmer, Sally Hugg.  EasyCare, HCP Dealer Rep. Debbie Schiwebert flew out to get educated in the ways of dissection and to see the hoof as only one can through an actual cadaver dissection. The course also covered terms and a view of the hoof through the use of the Glass Horse program.  If you haven't seen this, it is an amazing tool for anyone interested in the distal limb and provides an excellent way to become savvy of terms and terminology as they apply to the lower limb. Sally was a gracious host and a wonderful instructor.  There were many professionals in attendance who are also EasyCare dealers so it was icing on the cake for Debbie to finally put names and faces together and to get down to the details of dissection in the midst of some mighty fine company!  For more details on this course and others offered through the Pacfic Hoof Care Practitioners visit their website for more details.

 

Do you or your customers own gaited horses?

If so, we would like to hear from you!  Next month's newsletter will feature barefoot and booted gaited horses.  We'll talk about special considerations for gaited horses, success stories and challenges.  We'll add a link to you on our website if you are interested and can help gaited horse owners with booting.  We'd like to hear about your background and your customers' experiences with Boas, Old Mac's, Bare's, Easyboots, and Epics!   

This is Pleasure's Pot o' Gold,  a golden champagne Tennessee Walking Horse stallion going barefoot and bridleless. He is located in Belgium.

Sandra van den Hof, owner and trainer, up.

Horse Industry Statistics

Quick Facts:

The horse industry directly produces goods and services of $25.3 billion and has a total impact of $112.1 billion on U.S. gross domestic product. Racing, showing and recreation each contribute more than 25% to the total value of goods and services produced by the industry.

The industry's contribution to the U.S. GDP is greater than the motion picture services, railroad transportation, furniture and fixtures manufacturing and tobacco product manufacturing industries. It is only slightly smaller than the apparel and other textile products manufacturing industry.

In terms of employment, the industry directly employs more people than railroads, radio and television broadcasting, petroleum and coal products manufacturing and tobacco product manufacturing.

The horse industry has a direct economic effect in the urban areas of $2.8 billion and employs 45,800 FTE employees. In rural areas, the direct economic effect is $22.5 billion and employs 292,700 FTE employees.

Click here for more interesting Horse Industry statistics and its impact on the American Economy!

EasyCare Dealer Gets Around!

This picture was sent in by new EasyCare Dealer and hoof care practitioner Maria Siebrand, from Coronado, CA. Maria says since her clients are all so close she is able to save gas and drive her John Deer Gator from client to client. This handy vehicle has room for all her tools, hoof boots and Comfort Pads. Notice the great plates on the front! If you are a hoof care practitioner and have a unique rig you drive, send in a picture, we'd love to share it!

Soul of A Horse-Podcast with Joe Camp

Are you interested in the barefoot movement?  Were you saddened by the euthenasia of Eight Bells on Kentucky Derby Day?  Are you all for understanding horses and their natural instincts?  If so, you'll enjoy this WGN podcast with Joe Camp, Author of Soul of a Horse and the writer/director of the Benji movies.

To listen to a terrific interview by Steve Dale with Joe on WGN in Chicago, just click here:

   

Inspirational thought!

The three great essentials to achieve anything worth while are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.

Thomas Edison 

EasyCare Hoofpicks Available to Dealers

EasyCare heavy duty magnetic hoofpicks are now available to dealers.  These magnetic hoof picks are made from steel and are super strong.  They are great for cleaning hooves as well as using to work with Easyboot cables and buckles.  Each hoof pick has a small powerful magnet embedded in it that will stick to any metal surface - never lose your pick again!

June Dealer Blog Special

Purchase Old Mac's Original or Generation 2 (G-2) boots at the lowest retail dealer pricing for the entire month of June!  Dealers must purchase at least 4 pair of boots per order to get special pricing.  This offer is good for domestic EasyCare retail dealers only.  Old Mac's are perfect for your trail riding customers and for horses with a variety of hoof maladies.  Comfort pads are great as an add-on for more cushioning and therapy.

Mention that you saw the blog!

EasyCare Dealer of the Month - High Desert Hoof Care

EasyCare would like to spotlight June dealer of the month, High Desert Hoof Care, owned and operated by Leslie Carrig out of Gardnerville, NV.  Leslie started her journey about four years ago when she decided to keep one of her horses barefoot.  She recalls the horse having pretty good feet and a friend telling her how she rode her horse in boots.  She ordered some Old Mac's and loved riding in them.  Her mom then sent her an article by Pete Ramey and she was intrigued and so read Pete's book and then Jamie Jackson's.  "That was it for me.  It all made too much sense," says Leslie.  She knew that her other horse with the not so great feet was really the one needing to be barefoot, so Leslie learned to trim her own horses. But in time eight hooves weren't enough for her and she had to see and learn more resulting in her becoming a professional trimmer. 

Leslie officially has been in business a year and a half, working mostly in the Carson Valley area where she works with about 75 head regularly.  She also teaches owners to trim themselves and fits boots for non-clients.

Leslie is a member of the Pacific Hoof Care Practitioners which is a group of professional trimmers who want to share information in a supportive setting and continue their education indefinitely.  Leslie says the group saw the need for more training programs in the barefoot community and that demand is growing fast.  This program is flexible to accommodate the professional trimmer, who would like a support group with continuing education.  The organization also offers a comprehensive training program for anyone wanting to trim their own horses or start a new career.  They follow Pete Ramey's style of trimming and look at the whole horse and welcome anyone interested in learning more. 

When it comes to boots and pads, Leslie says they are critical to her success as a trimmer.  She adds that most of our domestic horses have underdeveloped hooves and must undergo a transition period, at the very least.  Many will always be ridden in boots.  I encourage all my clients to use hoof boots and pads.  She finds that when clients think the horse is OK without boots but then tries boots, they see how much better they really do move.  A correct heel first landing movement that boots and pads allow for, take the hoof to its healthiest form.  Leslie looks at riding time as healing time, so the horse needs to be moving optimally to truly utilize it.  If the horse is ouchy, the horse will compensate. 

As a professional, Leslie knows it is paramount to have what you need when you need it.  She has found the Fill Your Truck program perfect for doing just that.  Leslie says she spent her first year ordering something every week and worrying about running out.  With the Fill Your Truck program, she was able to round out her inventory and keep in stock those Epic #1s and #2s!

Leslie imparts these words of wisdom to other trimmers.  "Be honest and caring.  You won't always have all the answers, but if you are open and honest about it you will learn from every horse and every owner.  You both want the same thing, a sound and healthy horse.  Having outside support makes your job much easier.  Even if it's just another trimmer you can bounce questions off of.  The day you stop questioning, you've stopped learning."

American Farriers Journal Praise Pete Ramey's DVDs

This month's American Farriers Journal gives Pete Ramey's DVDs  a glowing review.  Here is what they had to say about the series.

"Pete Ramey’s set of DVD’s is without a doubt a must-have series for any equine professional farrier or horse owner. While he is an advocate of barefoot trimming, there are many ideas that you can learn from this package regardless of how you trim and shoe horses. In these 10 DVD’s, Pete Ramey spends 16 hours covering topics ranging from basic anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition, laminitis, navicular issues and problem feet. All are discussed in a clear, no-nonsense approach.
This series is filled with detailed information that all equine professionals can use. Everything is explained in such a way that everyone can benefit from Ramey’s knowledge and learn new ways to unlock tremendous healing powers from the horse’s hooves. It focuses on the ability to demonstrate the steps that are needed to drive a pathological hoof toward a healthier state. A combination of contemporary veterinary research and practical real-world field work will help viewers arrive at sound protocols that can be put to immediate use with any horse.
In 9 hours of classroom instruction, you’ll learn about the mechanics of trimming and how to effectively bring positive changes to the hoof over time. You’ll also develop a deep understanding of the internal hoof structure and see how it impacts a horse’s performance.
Following the lecture portion, you’ll view 7 hours of trimming on live horses suffering from a wide range of hoof concerns. This includes assorted breeds, a foundered mule and a draft horse. Finally, the DVD walks you step-by-step through an emergency call with a laminitic horse suffering from a 20-degree rotation. You’ll evaluate the trimming and progress during a number of visits with this laminitic horse.
Pete Ramey offers wisdom and insight that his years of practice and study have given him. If you own only one shoeing DVD series, this should be it."
American Farriers Journal May/June 2008 issue

In this DVD series Pete has a great segment on EasyCare's hoof boots and pads.   Check out our website for all these products and the DVD!

Measure, measure, measure!

Just like the old cliché about real estate (location, location, location) measuring is equally important when selling EasyCare boots.  I always stress the importance of measuring when I travel and attend trade shows.  It is without doubt the single most important action when considering our hoof boots.  Anyone considering any one of our boots needs to get out and accurately measure each hoof they plan on fitting.  We make the best hoof boots on the market and we want your customers to get exactly what they need.  Click here of a few pointers on how to properly measure.  As always, never hesitate to contact us with any questions 800-447-8836.

 

Rotating Stock

  EasyCare would like to remind all of our dealers that rotating stock is important.  Occasionally we receive boots still under our 90-day warranty that are older style boots, having been recently purchased by a customer.  Some of these boots are more than two years old (we know because of the date stamp or modifications) and newer stock has been sold to the dealer. A policy of "first product in, first product out" is important to keep inventory current. 

Check Out Those Hooves!

WOW!  This advertisement was taken from the Quarter Horse News.  Check out this horse's front hooves!  Barefoot is booming; as owners and trainers come to see and feel the difference, look to see it more and more in the show pen!  Get your customers off on the right "hoof" with the perfect setup of hoof boots and Comfort Pads from EasyCare!

EasyCare 2008 Price Increase!

As you are all aware EasyCare pricing will be increasing June 1, 2008.  Now is a great time to look through your inventory and stock up on EasyCare boots.  Remember only 8 business days remain before the new pricing becomes effective.  We just got in a nice shipment, so get your order in and take advantage of the current pricing.

Tips for EasyGaiter Rubbing

Are any of your customers experiencing rubbing issues with the EasyGaiters? If so here are a few helpful ideas to pass on:

1. Use BodyGlide all around the fetlocks.
2. Loosen gaiters if you feel they are too tight (Usually they are tightened as much as possible per the Epic instructions).
3. Use vet wrap and/or knee high nylon stockings by  starting at the hoof and going up to the fetlock joint.
4. Wrapping duct tape around the pastern has also  helped with rubbing issues.

These are a few suggestions from EasyCare that we have either heard from our users or experienced ourselves. Click here for more helpful tips from Karen.