Boot Camp, EasyCare, Inc. Dealer Blog

EasyCare Product Images

Updating your website?  Printing a new catalog?  If you need any EasyCare images for your website or for print ads you can find them on our website!  Just click here!   

Please feel free to contact us with any questions!

Easyboots, Epics, Bares, Grips, Old Mac's, G2's and Boa Horse Boots in use - photo albums available!

We have two photo albums that dealers are welcome to use.  You may use the entire albums as a slideshow, or use individual photos.  These albums were put together to show the great variety of things that can be done with EasyCare hoof boots. EasyCare boots have been used in so many ways - to help horses with hoof ailments, horses compete in endurance, policework, rodeo, barrel racing, hunter/jumper, parades, trail riding, driving and in many other equestrian activities. 

The first album is "EasyCare Hoof Boots In Use". Click on the link to view the album.  If you would like to download a zipped file of the album, click here .

The second album is "Easyboots In Action - Endurance Riding". Click on the link to view the album.  If you would like to download a zipped file of the album, click here .

We have a LOT of new and great photos from the last year that need to be added to these albums.  When we get them updated, we'll let you know.  In the meantime, if you have a photo that you would like included please email it to Karen.  Thanks!

Remember that the EasyCare website also has a media page for dealers.  If you need images or charts and layouts of any of our products, you can find them here. 

Dome Pads are Here!

We are in the process of producing dome shaped comfort pads that fit inside Easyboots, Epics, Bares and Grips.  They have been in testing for quite some time, with some amazing results.  Unlike our flat comfort pads, the dome pad lends more support to the inner frog and sole areas for horses that have sufficient concavity in the foot. (These pads are not for flat footed horses.)  If a customer is in doubt about which pad to buy and you are unfamiliar with their various uses, you should continue to steer your customers to our flat comfort pads which are versatile for both riding and therapy. 

We currently have medium size dome pads in stock.  They fit into the size 1 and 2 boots.

We will be getting large and small dome pads in the next eight to ten weeks.  We are not currently making them for the Boa, Old Mac's or Soaker lines.  For more information please give us a call at 1-800-447-8836. 

Feedback on EasyCare Hoof Boots

Do you have feedback on any of our EasyCare hoof boots designs?  Ideas to make a product better?  Problems you are seeing or things that are working well for you?  We would love to have your feedback, both pro and con.  Feedback from our dealers and customers helps EasyCare to improve its products.

If you have feedback please click here.

Thank you for your continued support!

Do you have feedback on any of our EasyCare hoof boots designs?  Ideas to make a product better?  Problems you are seeing or things that are working well for you?  We would love to have your feedback, both pro and con.  Feedback from our dealers and customers helps EasyCare to improve its products.

If you have feedback please click here.

Thank you for your continued support!

2008 EasyCare Calendar

EasyCare is currently working on its 2008 Calendar.  Do you have, or know of someone who has, a cool picture for us to include?  Just email it to us for consideration.  We love seeing photos of our hoof boots in action!

EasyCare is currently working on its 2008 Calendar.  Do you have, or know of someone who has, a cool picture for us to include?  Just email it to us for consideration.  We love seeing photos of our hoof boots in action!

July EasyCare Dealer Special on EasyCare Hoof Boots!

Check out this fantastic sale (For EasyCare Dealers only) on our entire line of EasyCare hoof boots - now is the time to stock up on Boa Boots, EasySoakers, Easyboots, Epics, Bares, Grips and Old Mac's/Old Mac's G2!  Sale ends July 31, 2007.  Call us at 1-800-447-8836 with questions or for more information!   

EasyCare on the cover of Trail Blazer, Tack'n Togs AND Equestrian Retailer!

  EasyCare was featured on the cover of three different magazines - in the same month!  We have also printed a second addition of the EasyCare product catalog that has a photo from the same shoot as the cover of Trail Blazer.   Boa Horse Boots were featured on the cover of Equestrian Retailer magazine.  Inside the magazine is an article on hoof boots and many photos of EasyCare boots. Tack'nTogs has a great article about hoof boots and how the equine world has discovered the advantages of barefoot.

  EasyCare was featured on the cover of three different magazines - in the same month!  We have also printed a second addition of the EasyCare product catalog that has a photo from the same shoot as the cover of Trail Blazer.   Boa Horse Boots were featured on the cover of Equestrian Retailer magazine.  Inside the magazine is an article on hoof boots and many photos of EasyCare boots. Tack'nTogs has a great article about hoof boots and how the equine world has discovered the advantages of barefoot.

Dome Pads Will Be Added to EasyCare's Product Line!

For the past few months EasyCare customers and dealers have been testing the Dome Pads, and providing us with great feedback on them.  The pads have been very well received! 

Good news! The New Dome Pads will soon be part of EasyCare's Comfort Pad product line! The pads will be available to our dealers very soon!  Watch for further details!

Boa Horse Boot Dial Cap Application

We get quite a few calls here at EasyCare regarding lost Boa Caps!  If the cap is applied correctly, it will not come off!  Click here for detailed information on how to do it right and feel free to pass this information on to your sales people and customers!  As always, contact us if you have any questions.

EasyCare's Boa Boot In The National Spotlight

EasyCare's Boa boots played a small role in assuring this soldier would safely arrive to his resting place.  EasyCare expresses our deepest gratitude to all those serving and who have served our country.  For more on this story, http://news.yahoo.com/photo/070602/480/4b02c42f308640ffb549108fa223bb82

EasyCare, Inc. Return/Warranty Policies

Below you will find our End User Return Policy.  This policy lets your customers know that we stand behind our products, and if they have any warranty issues they need to contact us directly.  Please provide our toll free number (800-447-8836) and advise the customer to give us a call.  Have your staff familiarize themselves with our policies.

Download return_policy_end_user.pdf

Customer wants their money back?  Each retail store is encouraged to make their own Return Policy known to their customers.  EasyCare's policy states that if you should decide to return the products they must be in new, unused condition, free of dirt and wear marks.  Click on the link below for more information.

Download taking_care_of_customer_r_dealer_2.pdf

If you or any of your staff have questions about our products or policies, we are more than happy to provide answers! 

June Special

During the month of June if you order 4 pairs of Old Macs (Originals or G2's) you will get 1 pair free or order 4 pairs of Boa Horse boots and get 1 pair free. Tis' the season to get out and ride. Make sure you take advantage of another great sale. Stock up now, sales like these don't happen often. Limit 5 free pairs total, Old Mac offer may not be combined with the Boa special to get free boots. Offer expires June 30, 2007 and is only valid for domestic retail dealers.

Which Boot is Right for You

As EasyCare's product line grows to accommodate different horse owner’s needs.  It is important that dealers have the tools they need to help their customer select the proper boots.  We have a "which boot is right for you?" area our or website, and if you click here you can view and print this chart to keep handy.  Check the EasyCare website regularly, as it is updated frequently.

Carrying Accessories to Become Consumer-Friendly

Not too long ago I broke a toe clip on my mountain bike while riding over some rocky terrain.  I took my bike back to the shop where I bought it and, not only did they have all the parts, but they put the new toe clip on for me right then and there.  Meanwhile, I had nothing else to do so I looked around and bought another $100 worth of stuff and put several things on my wish list.  I could have ridden that afternoon without my toe clip, and I could have surfed around on the internet and ordered one, taken the time to put in my credit card, paid for shipping, installed it myself, etc... but I didn't want to.  I wanted to ride my bike with both toe clips that afternoon.  My problem was solved by a shop with great service that carries the accessories I need.  There are five bike shops within a 10 mile radius of me, four of which are closer.  But I want great service, and I always get it at this particular shop.  My point is that, because of a small repair and a little customer service, this shop will have my business for a long while and will make much more than the small amount they made off of the toe clip they sold me.  It's just something you might want to think about while selling hoof boots to a customer. 

Trail and Endurance Riders do the same thing I do.  They ride over rough terrain, hit rocks and break stuff.  The only difference is they have their lovely thousand-pound assistant to help them, which means that it is far more likely that they will break (or their horse will eat) a part.  Carrying accessories and repair parts will help you add an important aspect of customer service to your business.  For instance, if you carry Boas, you should sell the appropriate laces.  It is an added plus if you can install them for your customer.  Most parts of our boots are either repairable, or replaceable.  Eighty percent of our market is in a small range of boot sizes, so you don't have to carry parts for every size boot. 

Here is a list of accessories/repair parts you might consider having in your store:

1) Easyboots - cable/buckle kits (sizes 0, 1 and 2) and Up buckles in the same sizes

2) Epics - The above plus appropriate size gaiters

3) Boas - laces, gaiters and caps

4) Bares - bungees and gaiters

5) Old Mac's - pastern wraps for those who prefer them over gaiters

If the customer must do their own repairs, please don't forget to send them to the videos on our website at http://www.easycareinc.com/education/videos.aspx

Wikipedia

I was browsing the Internet this afternoon looking at categories under hoof boots. I noticed Wikipedia, which is just a huge on line encyclopedia, has a listing under hoof boots.  Of course the pictures included with the definition are EasyCare products, Easyboots and Boa's.  Click here to see how wikipedia defines hoof boots.

EasyCare Hoof Boots in Use

We are always amazed when people ask us, "Can you really ride in those things (meaning our boots)" and then look at us like we have a third eye when we tell them yes.  We are then reminded to be grateful to our customers who have sent us so many great images of their horses in Boas, Old Mac's, Epics or whatever.  All we have to do is show our customers photos and our point is instantly made.  Check out our photo gallery of horses in boots and send us one of yours!

http://www.easycareinc.com/_System/Lib/Content/home/EasyCare%20boots/EasyCare%20boots.html

"How To" Videos Available on the Web

Some really great videos are available on our website.  They include:

Replacing an Easyboot Gaiter, Changing a Boa lace, Replacing an Easyboot Cable, Fitting Old Mac's, Trimming a Comfort Pad, and more.  They may be viewed at http://www.easycareinc.com/education/videos.aspx. The clips are categorized and are only 30 to 45 seconds long.  These videos are especially handy when you have a customer with a repair question. Check them out!

Boot Sizing

When you have a customer who is ready to buy EasyCare boots it is so important that they get the proper measurements.  We have so many tools to help you and your customer get the right sized boots, remember happy horse=happy customer=happy dealer!  Check out he following links...

Boot Calculator

Easyboot, Epic and Bare measurements

Easyboot, Epic and Bare sizing template(make sure template size is 100%)

Boa measurements

Boa sizing template(make sure template size is 100%)

Old Mac measurements

Old Mac G2 measurements

Old Mac G2 template(make sure template is 100%)

EasySoaker measurements

New Online Catalog

EasyCare has launched a new interactive online catalog check it out, its pretty cool.

Pete Ramey on RFD TV

Clinton Anderson and Pete Ramey will do an hour Natural Hoof Care episode on Tuesday March 6th, 2007. 

RFD TV, Channel 9409 on Dish Network, Channel 379 on Direct TV March 6th, 2007 - Show 127 - Natural Hoof Care with Pete Ramey - Clinton gets a visit with Pete Ramey, World Renown Natural Hoof Care Specialist. (Clinton's DVD information about this episode - you can buy here)

Natural Hoof Care with Pete Ramey 2 - Show 127 $19.99.  The first Pete Ramey episode is one of our best sellers - this episode is sure to surpass it in popularity! Once again, Pete explains how the practice of Natural Hoof Care has taught horseowners and farriers alike. With more technical information, including corrective trimming, this is the natural hoof care DVD you won't want to be without! 1 hr DVD.

Clinton and Pete talked a great deal about the need for hoof boots during the transition stage during the first episode.  Clinton's hoof boot of choice is the Boa Horse Boot and the Easyboot Epic.   We hope they talk about hoof boots again!

New Brochure

EasyCare has a new four-panel brochure that is available for you to hand out at special events and consumer shows.  It covers our entire line of boots and has room on the back to affix a sticker with your store or business information. 

The brochures are free and can be obtained by calling us on our toll free line at 1-800-447-8836 or by e-mailing us.   

Tell us what event you will attending, or if you are planning to give a clinic, and let us know how else we can help!

FILL YOUR TRUCK PROGRAM

 

THE FILL YOUR TRUCK PROGRAM HAS LAUNCHED!!! IF YOU ARE A HOOF CARE PRACTITIONER WATCH YOUR EMAIL OR PHONE THE OFFICE AND SPEAK TO DEBBIE at dschwiebert@easycareinc.com or 800-447-8836 x 2224 FOR ALL THE DETAILS.   

How NOT to install Horse Boot Studs!!

These are the instructions that come with our Stud Kits:

EasyCare Hoof Boot Stud Installation:
Mark desired position of studs on sole of boot. Drill holes into sole of boot with 5/16" drill bit. Insert stud into boot from the inside. Screw the nut on the stud from the
outside. Use pliers to fasten firmly. Two studs at the heel and two at the toe will give good traction. Need more help? Check out our website at ww.easycareinc.com for hoof boot stud installation videos.

As you can see by the picture, our instructions may need to be re-written!  We received this boot from a customer who complained that their studs were falling out of the boot and the studs were way to short.....If you have had customers call with the same problem, you may want to ask them about how they installed them!

AERC

Karen, Cathie, Debbie, Chief and I had a very busy day at the AERC show yesterday.  If you are here in Reno come see us, we are in booth 327, 329 and 331.  Karen will be doing boot fitting clinics throughout the day. 

                              

SIZE MATTERS!

Bigger is better...especially when you own Draft horses.  These gentle giants seem to be showing up everywhere! Driving and Drafts just seem to go hand in hand. With the sport of driving becoming ever increasingly popular take note because your clients will be looking for those larger sizes of hoof boots.  Two great boots for Drafts are the EasyBoot Epic and the Boa Hoof Boot.  Check out these boots and the measurements they will fit.  Whether your clients are carriage operators, drive competitively or just Sunday drivers, be prepared to meet your customers needs, because SIZE MATTERS!

  

Online Warranty Registration

EasyCare customers can now enter their warranty information online! 

Please let your customers know that this option is available to them, or they can still send it to us via mail.

Make Your Customers Believe!

Clinton Anderson believes in EasyCare boots, click here to see why.

Blog Specials!

Be sure to be on the lookout for upcoming posts on Boot Camp for blog only specials!  We will be adding them at random and the only way to find out about them is keep checking back.

Boa Caps

We always get a lot of requests for Boa caps.  People always seem to be losing them, or find them hard to put on.  There's a trick to putting them on that all of your customers should know about that will make their lives a bit easier.  First of all, let them know that riding without their caps is not an option.  Grit will get into the dial, making it unusable, or the dial will pop open, causing the boots to come off.  Although the cap is a bit tricky, it is designed to keep the dial protected against knocks and debris. 

The dial should be applied as follows (by the way, you should try this several times without a horse's foot in it!)

1) Push the cap on straight over the dial so that the "Boa" logo is in a vertical position. If you have trouble, rotate it SLIGHTLY toward one o'clock and re-try. 

2.  Once the cap is over the dial rotate it clockwise until you hear 6 clicks and the Boa logo is horizontal.

We are working on a design that might allow us to do away with the cap in the future.  Wouldn't that be nice?

A Tip for Boa Lace Installation

If you or your customers have trouble getting their replacement Boa laces to thread through the half-moons of the boots, they are probably clogged with sand and grit.  Try to following methods to clean them out before you try to re-thread the laces:

1.  Pour a bit of hydrogen peroxide into the half moon.  The bubbling effect will release the grit.

2.  Straighten the paper clip out,  then bend it just slightly so that is the shape of the half moon. Then push the paper clip through the holes of the half moon with a pair of pliers to push any dirt and debris out.

Pastern Wraps and Boa Gaiters

EasyCare started including pastern wraps with every pair of Old Mac's boots, and gaiters with every pair of Boas at the beginning of '06.  We included these without raising dealer pricing because we feel strongly that these are an important element of the boots' break-in period.  In addition, the success rate of the boots is much higher when they are used with horses that are thinned skinned or have a tendency to chafe.  Granted, there are many horses that do fine without them. Our advice, however, is to encourage their use and to tell people that the boots, just like new shoes for you, have a break-in period.  Once the boots soften, they may not be necessary at all, but customers need to check their horses regularly for any signs of rubbing and chafe marks, especially if they are going through sand, mud or other abrasive debris. 

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