Boot Camp, EasyCare, Inc. Dealer Blog

EasyCare at WESA

Check out this video filmed by Western Horseman at the 2008 WESA show.  Karen Chaton and Brian Mueller discuss some exciting product changes and the New Easyboot Edge.

American Horse Council Reports Horse Populations and Impact

American Horse Council Press Release
Contact: Sarah A. Chase
schase@horsecouncil.org

AHC Provides Global And U.S. Horse Population Resources

WASHINGTON, DC . The American Horse Council (AHC) now provides a link to a published report on the Global Horse Population, compiled by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAOSTAT).  A link to the report can be found on the Features section of the AHC’s web site: www.horsecouncil.org/features.html

According to the 2006 report, there are 58,372,106 horses in the world.  The United States, by far, reports the highest total number of horses with an approximate 9,500,000.  This new data provided by FAOSTAT is strikingly similar to the AHC’s own independent study, which reported a U.S. horse population of 9,223,000 in 2005.

Countries, with horse population totals over one million included: China (7,402,450); Mexico (6,260,000); Brazil (5,787,249); Argentina (3,655,000); Columbia (2,533,621); Mongolia (2,029,100); Ethiopia (1,655,383); Russian Federation (1,319,358); and Kazakhstan (1,163,500). Guam (20) and Grenada (30) had the lowest population totals.  Two countries, Rwanda and Saint Helena, reported a zero horse population.

In a published document from the AHC, entitled “The Economic Impact of the Horse Industry on the United States,” the AHC provides detailed analysis on the total population of U.S. horses by state.  Texas reports the largest horse population, with an estimated 978,822.  Other leading states include: California (698,345); Florida (500,124); Oklahoma (326,134); Kentucky (320,173); Ohio (306,898); and Missouri (281,255).  The state with the fewest horses is Rhode Island (3,509), followed by the District of Columbia, which reports a fluctuating total of around 33.

The AHC’s report further demonstrates that the horse industry has a direct impact of $39 billion on the U.S. economy and an overall impact of $102 billion, which factors in indirect and induced spending.  Each of the primary use segments of the industry, recreational horse use being the largest segment with 3.9 million horses in this classification, creates an immense impact on the overall economy. Additionally, the horse industry supports 1.4 million equivalent full-time jobs.   

For more resources, or to find out how to order a copy of the AHC’s report, “The Economic Impact of the Horse Industry on the United States,” including comprehensive state-by-state breakout information for fifteen states, please visit the American Horse Council online (www.horsecouncil.org) or call 202-296-4031.

Please direct all related press, related-media and educational inquiries to Sarah Chase, Director of Communications: schase@horsecouncil.org or 202-296-4031 ext. 211

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As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.

The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.

Pour another cup of Joe!!

If you just can't get going in the morning without that cuppa joe don't worry!  That coffee you crave is packed with more than just caffeine.  It's actually good for you!!  In fact, recent studies gathered by the National Coffee Association from the research arms of universities, such as the Harvard School of Public Health and the Department of Medicine at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden, suggest that coffee can combat or stave off a number of ailments, including type II diabetes and Parkinson's.

Coffee Fast Facts:

Coffee contains more powerful antioxidants than green tea and red wine.

Coffee increases stamina and can reduce muscle pain during exercise.

Coffee can improve your handwriting and help you write more quickly.

Coffee has been shown to improve memory!!

EasyCare invades England at Beta International

EasyCare was in Birmingham, England at Beta International earlier this week.  We had a very successful show supporting existing UK distributors, New Equine Wear and Battle, Hayward and Bower.  We also had the opportunity to meet several potential new dealers and distributors in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.  Natural hoof care and the use of hoof boots is taking off all over the world, EasyCare plans on giving horses and horse owners the best Edge in alternative hoof care. 

EasyCare to Sponsor Equine Podiatry Workshop

EasyCare is pleased to announce it's sponsorship of  a workshop with Dr. Robert Bowker, DVM,  of Michigan State University.  (To find out more about Dr. Bowker please click here for a description of his work from The Horse's Hoof web site) This workshop is being held in conjunction with Mike and Chris Ware of Equethy in Australia.  It is for professional hoof care providers and veterinarians who deal in barefoot rehabilitation and is scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2008.

    “Attending are professional trimmers some who are traveling from as far away as Western Australia, Qld and the Northern Territory" says Chris Ware. "It is fully booked already and we are looking forward to having a wonderful weekend with Bob who is keen to present his latest research and explain how it relates to hoof care."

     As part of the weekend's lectures, Andrew Bowe ("The Barefoot Blacksmith") will also talk on his work with seriously foundered horses and Mike Ware will talk on the many aspects of using the EasyCare range of hoof boots for the rehabilitation of hooves with serious issues and present the new range of boots.

     We feel it will also be an amazing opportunity for professional trimmers from all over Australia to discuss this ever expanding new career.  All the proceeds from this workshop are going to Dr. Bowker for his new research.

On the following Friday Professor Bowker is scheduled to teach the first module of the brand new diploma in Equine Podio-therapy course commencing in Melbourne at the National College of Traditional Medicine.

     The Equine Podio-therapy course is the reason Dr. Bowker is in Australia.  This is the first time this vast field of equine care has been delivered as a diploma-level course and it will create a whole new career path for those who wish to work in the field of full time professional hoof care dealing with serious hoof problems.  This is a ground breaking course and at present no other course has been offered which deals with natural hoof care as a specialty therapy. To have Dr. Bowker teaching the first module is wonderful for the first intake of students.      

     Other lecturers are Andrew Bowe, a Master Farrier of 20 years experience who runs Australia's leading rehabilitation center for foundered horses, Dr. Alison McIntosh a veterinarian and equine chiropractor and barefoot trimmer who has long championed the cause of barefoot rehabilitation for serious hoof issues, Wayne Anderson, also a Master Farrier, barefoot trimmer, but more recently he has followed his passion as a natural horse educator and trained with Buck Brannerman in the States and Mike Ware of Easycare Down under a professional trimmer who will also bring to the course his business skills from his "last" life!

     "Dr. Bowker's role in this course is largely due to the generosity of EasyCare's Garrett Ford who has kindly offered a grant towards Dr. Bowker’s non profit research," says Chris Ware. "This has greatly assisted us in bringing him here and we would like to take this opportunity to thank Easycare for their ongoing support, generosity and vision.”

First Glimps Of The Soul Of A Horse

EasyCare Dealer Reps, Cathie Hook and Debbie Schwiebert had the privilege of recently meeting Joe Camp at a Pete Ramey clinic he hosted last November in Valley Center, CA. While there they learned that he was writing a wonderful new book.  Now Joe Camp is one step closer to the release of this new book titled, "The Soul of a Horse".  The book is slated for release in April but you can secure your copy now and receive an autographed personally inscribed bookplate as well as one-third off the listed price!  Joe is a strong proponent of Natural Hoof Care and has lots of terrific information on his website.  Check it out and reserve your copy today!

Selling, are you an "A" player or a "B" Player?

I found this interesting video on BNET where Dr. Kerry Sulkowicz, founder of The Boswell Group, explains the differences between "A" and "B" players of a sales team.  Check it out, and find out what type of sales player you are.

Off to Albany, Oregon

EasyCare will be attending the VSI (Veterinary Services, Inc.) dealer show this weekend. 

The show will run Friday and Saturday (Feb 15-16) at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center in Albany, OR.  We will be available to answer questions, educate dealers, and take orders from those of you who purchase through VSI.  Please stop by our booth (#11) if you are at the show.  We would love to meet you!

This should be a fun event.  The theme this year is "Safari" so don't forget your leopard-skin tights or your camo and come hang out with the animals. (No rifles, please.)  For more info contact VSI Northwest or EasyCare.

February Newsletter

Boot Camp Dealer Newsletter February 2008 in this issue :: February Special :: EasyCare Helpful Tips :: EasyCare Event Schedule :: EasyCare Expands Donations Program in 2008! :: EasyCare Trivia Contest :: Meet Team Easyboot Member :: Let's hear from some Team Easyboot Members :: New to Barefoot and Boots Horse Owner Testimonial Dear Dealer, We hope you're well on the way to creating a great, safe, and successful 2008! Our trivia contest is still underway! Don't wait, click here to learn how you could possibly win one of ten pair of the new Easyboot Edge boots! EasyCare now offers a 30 day money-back guarantee! If you are not completely satisfied with our products for any reason, EasyCare will gladly refund your purchase price (excluding shipping and handling) within 30 days of purchase. To qualify all products must be returned to place of purchase and have a dated receipt. Offer not valid for EasyCare bargain bin, factory seconds or custom boot purchases. Take a break from work and check out the newest EasyCare blog - the Team Easyboot Blog! Feel free to submit comments and ask questions if you'd like.

February Special Buy eight boots and get a free point of purchase display! During the month of February if you purchase a combination of eight Easyboots, Epics, Bares or Grips you will receive a free Point of Purchase display. Not only will this display help showcase your easycare boots it will look great on your countertop. Make sure to check the Boot Camp blog often for other great specials and helpful information.   EasyCare Event Schedule Come and see us at the following events....   EQUINE AFFAIRE, Jan. 31 - Feb. 3 WHEATBELT, Feb. 7-9 VSI (DEALERS ONLY) Feb. 15-16 EASTERN MOJAVE SCENIC ENDURANCE RIDE, Feb. 16-18 BETA, Feb. 17-19 ADVANCEMENT OF NATURAL HORSE CARE PRACTICES, Feb. 24-26 AMERICAN ENDURANCE RIDE CONFERENCE, Feb. 29- Mar. 1 learn more...  EasyCare Trivia Contest Enter for your chance to win a pair of Easyboot Edge hoof boots! learn more... Meet Team Easyboot Member Anne Carroll Team Easyboot member Anne Carroll has been using Easyboots for quite some time. It wasn't until her thoroughbred Frank arrived that she began to learn more about how good barefoot really is. Like many of you, my husband Greg and I have been involved with horses for a whole lot of years. Full story...

EasyCare Helpful Tips Click here to view a helpful tip from one of our Easyboot Epic customers.     EasyCare Expands Donations Program in 2008! EasyCare is committed to supporting the groups, organizations, and dealers who support them. EasyCare wants to give back in a variety of ways and has continued to develop and expand upon their existing donations and sponsorship program for 2008. Here are examples of some of the programs and groups supported by EasyCare: EasyCare recently sponsored the four day 2008 Equine Podiatry Weekend at Auburn University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Auburn, Alabama. EasyCare will be donating several pairs of boots to Natural Hoof Care Practitioner Barbara Taylor for use with projects involving worldvets.org EasyCare will continue donating boots to several equine rescue and rehabilitation organizations. Learn more... Let's hear from some Team Easyboot Members   Team Easyboot Members believe in EasyCare hoof boots and a barefoot lifestyle. Here's what some of them have to say.   I'm a big fan of the Easyboot product line, as they are an integral part of bringing a lot of these horses out of shoes comfortably. ~ Joel Means It is so gratifying to watch a horse that could barely walk go trotting off in the pastures. ~Sally Hugg Easy Boots have made going barefoot a way of life for me and my horses. ~Dawn Merrill I have always been on a quest to improve and find better ways to become a better horseman. Few have given me a better feel for the horse and its natural ways of movement and lightness gained from being barefoot and the use of Easyboots. ~ JB Rex But I started feeling uncomfortable about iron shoes and he was on his way developing navicular syndrome. Now he is sound and we enjoy long trail rides together. ~Ulrike Hermelin New to Barefoot and Boots Horse Owner Testimonial   From meat money to winning a trophy....   I bought my horse Quest in June 2004; he is a Standard bred originally from the racing tracks in Denmark. If you'd like to submit your own story to us along with a photo you too could be eligible to win a pair of Easyboot Epics! Click here to read the entire story....

Make sure to check our dealer search to make sure your information is listed and correct. Here are some other links you may find useful. EasyCare Catalog Hoofcare Practitioner Lookup EasyCare Dealer Lookup EasyCare RSS Feeds EasyCare Blogs If you have any questions about our products feel free to call our friendly staff at 1-800-447-8836, e-mail: questions@easycareinc.com or visit our website at www.easycareinc. com Be safe on the trail, Brian Mueller EasyCare Inc. email: bmueller@easycareinc.com phone: 800-447-8836 web: http://www.easycareinc.com

EasyCare's Grip and Easyboot Handle Vermont Snow And Ice With Ease

EasyCare Dealer, Jenny Bertrum owner of Cheyrock Tack in Benson, VT hasn't let a little snow slow her down.  Jenny recently sent this great picture of her mare Mirabella to us with a brief testimony.

Here is a photo of my eight-year old 1/2 Trakehner mare wearing her Easyboots with studs in the front and Grips with studs in the back.  We have done 12-mile drives, at about 8 mph, every weekend for the last three weeks with no problems with twisting or coming off without the gaiters.  I am thrilled, to say the least.  I know the picture isn't calendar worthy, but thought you might like it anyway.

Jenny

Hoof Trimming for Barefoot Performance Horses

Sharon O'Brien-Lykins of HorseDesigns.Com in Penn Valley, California created this fun video of her trimmer, Michelle Smith, of Nevada City, California.... Here is what Sharon had to say, "She (Michelle) trims about 200 horses around here and is an excellent trimmer. I used to trim my own horses but got too busy and I'm so happy to have heard of her!  She recommends the EasyCare products and Hoofjack, to her clients, too."

EasyCare's Dealer of the Month - Griffin's Tack

If you've ever been involved in Endurance riding in the Western United States you probably know Henry and Dona Griffin.  Henry's 'ol truck has over 600,000 miles on it and is packed to the gills with Easyboots, Stowaway Packs, EZ Ride Stirrups and other merchandise as he drives from ride to ride, vending and chatting with competitors.  Each event brings a varied experience, a new story, another few miles in the long history of Griffin's, in business for over 35 years.  After traveling to 41 rides last year, if there was an award for the most miles covered by a non-rider, Henry would win--hand's down.

Henry's friendly demeanor and his willingness to do custom work keep his customers coming back time and time again.  Not only does he carry a full line of EasyCare products, but he makes his own line of gear (some in as many as 125 colors) and will often make a specialty item for a rider that has a specific want or need.  He makes bun warmers, cruppers, hay bags, gear bags, reins, horse blankets, organizers and more. 

Henry started his business in 1965. At that time he was carrying a line of gear for showing livestock--sheep, pigs and cattle.  Then he met Donna, his wife, who was riding and showing horses, and who eventually ended up at Tevis.  "At that time," Henry says, "there wasn't even a decent halter out there for horses.  So, I started making them.  And, I started making other equipment, too.  When I'm not traveling I'm making stuff."  He laughs when he talks about the competitors who still have the equipment he made years ago.  "I tried to have a contest for people who had the oldest stuff," he says. "But there was a three-way tie.  People had original equipment I sold way back, so I guess I'll have to wait about 15 years and hope there's a winner."

Griffin's was the first vendor at Tevis.  They provided drinks and snacks to the riders (something they always enjoyed) as their "vendor fee."  Some of their first products were Easyboots (at that time the company was owned by Neel Glass) and EZ Ride Stirrups (made by Bob Walls at the time).  Thank you, Henry and Dona, for not only being loyal EasyCare dealers, but for supporting the ride teams at the many hundreds of events you have attended.  We appreciate you!