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!

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

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!

Three of the Top Ten AERC Riders Use EasyCare Hoof Boots

The year-end mileage results are in for the American Endurance Ride Conference.  Three of the top ten riders used EasyCare hoof boots over their horse's bare feet (Easyboots, Epics, and Bares ) for the entire ride season.  They are:

Karen Chaton and Granite Chief +/ (Arabian) 1370 miles

Dave Rave and Lightening Strike (Arabian) 1120 miles

Terri Tinkman and Oliver Twist (Tennessee Walker) with 1120 miles (pictured)

The results can be found here. 

Not only is this exciting because it is the first year that three barefoot and booted horses have made top ten, but there is a Tennessee Walker in the mix!  In addition, the riders in our hoof boot contest completed over 19,000 sanctioned miles in boots in 2007alone. 

After attending many consumer shows and talking to our dealers we know that there are still numerous people out there, in spite of our best efforts, that aren't convinced you can ride in hoof boots. Here is your ammunition!  And yes, they work on gaited horses. 

Congratulations Karen, Dave and Terri!

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. 

Easyboot Epic Testimonial

Soon after I purchased Miss Bear Cat (Kitty) 10 years ago as a Western Pleasure Show horse, she was diagnosed as having navicular syndrome, though x-rays showed no real damage. We went through all the typical pads, egg bars, bute but nothing seemed to change things much.

In time Kitty became my trail horse and we enjoyed our Sunday morning rides within the limits of her ability. She would weave left and right down hills, tread cautiously and slowly on hard ground. Eventually she would not stand to be shod in the back because of the difficulty bearing the weight on the front during the process. So Kitty became barefooted in the rear using Easyboots for trail riding.

I found great interest in reading the stories of barefoot horses and navicular syndrome on the EasyCare website and decided a few months ago to give Kitty one last chance to heal naturally. It has only been three months but Kitty has almost fully recovered. She stands squarely, does not point and will allow all of her legs to be held and trimmed.

In her Easyboot Epics front and rear we are off every week for a fast paced trail ride outpacing the horses she always trailed behind. I truly believe that she is passed any problem she has had and I know we will be back at the shows this fall.

Thank you Easyboots. Seeing her in no pain was worth all of the effort!

-Martin Todt

Bensalem, PA

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!

EasyCare inspiration for the day!

Words to live by.....

Author Unknown

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road your trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and its turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When they might have won, had they stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victors cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when your hardest hit,
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit!

In memory of Patricia Ann Allinder-February 20th, 1937 - August 5th, 1991

August EasyCare Blog Special!!

This months EasyCare Dealer blog special is:

Purchase sizes 0, 1 and 2 Easyboots for lowest retail dealer pricing!!  No minimum required!!

Stock up on these sizes today!

Sale ends August 31, 2007.  EasyCare domestic retail dealers only.  Dealers MUST mention sale at the time of order. 

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!

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! 

May Special

May Dealer Special                           

This month's dealer special is Buy 8 Epics and Get 2 Free or Buy 8 Easyboots and Get 2 Free. (Limit 10 free boots).

During the month of May if you order 8 Easyboot Epics you get 2 Easyboot Epics free, or order 8 Easyboots and get 2 Easyboots free.  It's your choice, but any way you cut it, it's a great deal.  Make sure you stock up on our best selling boots for the busiest time of the year.  Offer must be mentioned at time of order.  Limit 10 free boots total.  Epic special may not be combined with Easyboot special to get free boots.  Offer expires May 31,2007

                                                

 

During the month of May if you order 8 Easyboot Epics you get 2 Easyboot Epics free, or order 8 Easyboots and get 2 Easyboots free.  It's your choice, but any way you cut it, it's a great deal.  Make sure you stock up on our best selling boots for the busiest time of the year.  Offer must be mentioned at time of order.  Limit 10 free boots total.  Epic special may not be combined with Easyboot special to get free boots.  Offer expires May 31,2007

                                                

 

Shoeing Requirements For The Rose Bowl Parade.

One of EasyCare's Hoof Care Practitioners, Natalie Thoryk from San Jose, CA emailed me this bit of information the other day. 

Hi Debbie, I checked with the Tournament of Roses Coordinator today, Jeanette Moralles Collier.  What I heard regarding the requirements for studs is not true.  There are really no "requirements," but it appears that there are a standard set of three "recommendations" (...from the vet...) that the office issues when asked the question concerning shoeing requirements:

1)  If the horse has never been shod, barefoot is okay

2)  Shoes with or without studs are okay 

3)  Easyboot (yes, she said "Easyboot") is okay ;)

I thought you would like to hear that EasyCare's product is referred to by the Rose Parade office.

The Latest News In Easyboot R&D

We're testing a new fastening system on the Easyboot.  So far, it's working better than we anticipated.  No cables, no buckles.  And the boot can be adjusted even tighter than it can with a cable and buckle.  Stay tuned...

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

EasyUp Buckle Tips

With the new EasyUp Buckle out on the market, you may have customers questioning how to install them, do they work good in mud?, etc.  Here is a link that has useful tips, videos and much more!  Can't find the information you are looking for, give us a call! 

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.

"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.

Upgrading to the EasyUp Buckles

With the addition of the EasyUp Cable/Buckle system I am sure you will have customers wanting to upgrade their boots.  Here are some tips you will want to give them, and questions you may need to ask them:

If they purchased boots made in 2005 or newer, they can upgrade their boots.  When they look inside the boot, is there a dog bone washer between the two screws (that hold the buckle in place)?  When the 2005 Easyboots and Epics first came out there were some boots manufactured that only had a recessed area for the screws and did not include a dog bone washer.  This is not a problem, they can still upgrade.   When they install the EasyUp Cable/Buckle they would not install the dog bone washer. 

If their boots have buckles that are riveted on (there may be some Epics with riveted buckles too), they may have an older model boot and the new EasyUp system WILL NOT WORK.  The boots do not have the recessed area for the screws.

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