Boot Camp, EasyCare, Inc. Dealer Blog

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. 

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.

Links to useful information for EasyCare Dealers

The following information was sent with our 2008 authorized dealer packets: 

Continuous website updates help you and your customer’s size, fit, use and repair hoof boots. We hope that you will take advantage of this useful information: 

1. Video clips that give instructions on boot fitting and repair which will help you address customer questions with confidence.

2. Informative articles about keeping a barefoot horse.

3. Testimonials about what our hoof boots have done.

4. Blogs that provide helpful tips and the latest updates. The Boot Camp blog is set up just for dealers, make sure you visit often for useful tips and great specials.

5. EasyCare product images and descriptions for catalogs, ads and websites that can be downloaded from the Dealer’s Corner…and more!

6. Dealer Search is now located on our home page (If you are not listed, please contact us and we will get you added ASAP)

Trail Safety Tips From Scot Hansen

t EasyCare realizes that most everyone at some point finds themselves alone on the trail with their horse. Having some knowledge in self defense while horseback could save your life. Hoof Care Practitioner, Cindy Sullivan of Clayton, GA sent in this eye opening clip from retired mounted police officer and self defense trainer Scot Hansen.

Start Your Own E-mail Marketing Campaign Part 1

According to AOL, the average American checks e-mail at least five times per day.  Wouldn't you like to be part of a relationship-based e-mail strategy that leads to sales?  If an e-mail campaign is done correctly, it can lead to as much as a 5 to 10 percent sales rate.  If you are looking to achieve that level of success, one of the best sources is email-marketing-reports.com. The following in an excerpt from their website:

Why should you do an e-mail marketing campaign? 

According to research conducted by the Direct Marketing Association, email marketing generated an Return on Investment (ROI) of $51.58 for every dollar spent on it in 2006. The expected figure for 2007 is $48.56, and the prediction for 2008 is $45.65. As such, it outperforms all the other direct marketing channels examined, such as print catalogs. According to research conducted by the Direct Marketing Association, email marketing generated an ROI of $51.58 for every dollar spent on it in 2006. The expected figure for 2007 is $48.56, and the prediction for 2008 is $45.65. As such, it outperforms all the other direct marketing channels examined, such as print catalogs.

In a December 2007 survey of Internet marketers by MarketingSherpa, email to house lists beat paid ads in terms of ROI, with 42% describing email as having "great ROI - outperforms other tactics." Only SEO and behavioral targeting (which you can also do with email) scored higher.  In a December 2007 survey of Internet marketers by MarketingSherpa, email to house lists beat paid ads in terms of ROI, with 42% describing email as having "great ROI - outperforms other tactics." Only SEO and behavioral targeting (which you can also do with email) scored higher

A 2007 survey of over 1,000 advertisers by Outsell Inc. put email as the second-most effective online marketing tool after the company's own website.

Marketers responding to a July 2007 global survey by McKinsey put email second only to paid keywords in terms of online marketing efficiency.

Sound good?  Visit our blog next Monday for tips on how to put together your own campaign. 

Easyboot Epic Fitting

As I am sure you are aware, the EasyCare website has a ton of useful information.  Some of the most helpful information are our educational videos.  We have shot a number of videos covering everything from fitting to a  movement demonstration.  Check out the video below, it shows how to fit our most popular boot, the Easyboot Epic.

EasyCare's Boot Size Calculator

We have a great tool posted on our website.  It's a boot calculator!  If you have the measurements of your customer's horse you can plug them into the designated spots and it will tell you what size boot, in which styles, will fit.  Bookmark the link on your computer or keep it in a document on your desktop.  It will save you from having to look up the boot sizes that will fit.  As a double-check you may want to talk to the customer about sizing.  If the customer will also be putting comfort pads inside the boots and the horse is at the top of the size chart, you may want the customer to go one size larger. 

Here is the link:  www.easycareinc.com/calculator2.aspx

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 Education: Barefoot vs Shod - Seeing Is Believing!

Hoof Care Practitioner Patrice Sager of Lost City, WV sent these clips in from You Tube and they really do say it all.  Educating your clients is key to selling hoof boots.  EasyCare has an excellent website for educating yourself, clients and sales staff in order that they may truly understand the significance of the barefoot lifestyle; how and why EasyCare hoof boots and Comfort Pads are used and why they should play a part in every barefoot horse's life.

EasyCare Dealer Locator

EasyCare has a very broad advertising campaign to promote our products and dealers.  If you are not on our dealer search you may be missing out on potential business.  Here are just a few magazines where you will find our advertisements...

Trail Blazer

Perfect Horse   

Western Horseman

Take some time to check and see if you are listed on the dealer search, it may just help you sell more boots.  Remember, these are just a few magazines where you will find EasyCare ads, don't miss an easy opportunity to have a customer locate your store.                                                                                                                                        

EasyCare Hoof Boot Size Calculator

As most dealers know, the most important factor when buying boots is sizing!  We are always trying to make sizing as easy as possible, we have very helpful information on our website.  Our latest tool is our hoof boot size calculator, this cool new calculator makes it even easier for your customers to make sure their horses are properly fitted!  Make sure to visit easycareinc.com often for more helpful information.

Winterizing your horse!

Winter weather can be responsible for stresses that can compromise your horse's health.  The good news is that you can prevent some of that stress through proper feeding management.  Most horses have some "down time" in winter, where adverse weather will not permit much riding or showing activity.  It is during these times that it is easy to neglect your horse's nutrition program.

Click here for the rest of this article!

Hoof Boots for Miniature Horses

    When we are at consumer trade shows, one frequently asked question is,  "When are you going to start making hoof boots for miniature horses?"  The answer is that our pony-size Easyboots and Epics already fit many of the larger mini's, but making smaller boot isn't on the agenda.  Why not?  The fastening systems on our boots are too big to accomodate a smaller boot and in order to make a boot that is small and rugged, we would probably have to go back to the design table. 

We have three styles of boot that fit really small hooves--the Easyboot, the Epic, and the Bare.  The best boot for your miniature horse customers, provided the hoof isn't too small, is the Epic.  We recommend the Epic because it stays put on those little hooves and is the most adjustable.  Depending on the size of the foot, your customer will probably need a "pony" size or maybe even a "000" (I know miniature horse people HATE the word pony, but that's the size of the boot). 

Click here for a size chart. 

While measuring the length and width of the hoof is important, there is another measurement that is needed.  Especially with the mini's, the other CRITICAL measurement is from the ground to the coronary band.  You should measure your horses foot after a fresh trim at the front and the side.  You should never use an easyboot, epic or bare if it touches the coronary band.  Below are the measurements your customer must exceed in order to have a properly fitting boot:

Pony: The measurement must be at least 1 1/4" on the sides of the hoof and 1 3/4" on the front (toe to coronary band.

000: The measurement must be at least 1 1/2" on the sides and 2" on the front.

You can pass these tips along to your customers:

1.  Please make sure you have an accurate measurement.  If you need help, visit the EasyCare website.

2.  Do not use the boot if it touches anywhere along the coronary band, or if you can move it around on the hoof.

3.  Some of our customers have experimented with inserting a hard material into the bottom of the boot if the hoof is too short, or they were able to cut down the boot slightly.  Be careful, if you cut the boot down, that there are no rough edges!  It is best not to use the boot if it doesn't fit properly.  We also have comfort pads that can go inside the boot. 

4.  If the boot is just slighty too large, inserting a comfort pad will take up some of the extra space.  Again, be cautious and remember that the pads eventually wear out, so you want a fairly good fit to begin with.

For more information about miniature horses, visit the American Miniature Horse Association!

4 Hour Work Week?

Wouldn't you like to work a shorter work week?  Garrett-- EasyCare's President has been reading The Four Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss.  I found this video on Bnet and thought it was pretty interesting.  Click here to check it out.  I would settle for a 4 hour work day!

Sizing your EasySoaker!

EasyCare recommends sizing up when purchasing an EasySoaker.  Sizing up one to two sizes allows extra space for bandages and liquids to be used inside the boot.  In addition, a larger size makes application and removal quicker and easier.  The EasySoakers are available in six sizes, small to XXX large!

As with any hoof or leg related injury, consult your veterinarian or hoof care professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

As with any hoof or leg related injury, consult your veterinarian or hoof care professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Do mules and donkeys need boots?

Hoof Care Practitioner Karen Reeves from Keno, Oregon answers the question, "Do mules and donkeys need boots"?  On her website Karen writes, "Yes sometimes. Although mules and donkeys have thicker soles and walls...and basically have a healthier hoof, as you head into the high country or if you are transitioning a difficult case you may find that they need boots. I have found that the Epic is working for myself and a few of my clients that are using them in the high country. Also another friend has found that the Bare is working well for her mule.  I've posted a few pictures of ideas to accomodate the longer hoof of the mule. Remember that you need to measure them from the tip of the toe to the back of their frog for their length.  

For a boot that "just about fits" in the length but not quite, you can add a little bit of length to a boot by removing the strap and installing the Easyboot Taper which allows them to go strapless.  

The boots that Rosa is wearing in the picture here are strapless and worked great on our "Ladie's Wilderness Pack Trip" into the Trenity Wilderness where the trails were covered with rock.

 

  This picture shows the fit of strapless with the "taper." 

Strapless will work if the fit is a good one. Don't even try this without the gaiter it won't work. You may notice that the Gaiter is too tight sometimes on a mule. You will see rubbing on the gaiter. One way to accomodate that wonderfully FULL digital cushion area on the mule is to buy one size larger gaiter than the boot. You will have to use a hole punch on the gaiter to make it fit the smaller boot screw holes, but with a little bit of fiddling around you can make it work.

See the comparison of the small original gaiter (boot on the left side) vs. the larger gaiter with more room in that area on the right.  

Below is an example of a boot with the strap that is making the boot too short. This is when you need to go strapless using the taper."

 

Thank you Karen for this great information.  To learn more about mules visit Karen's website. 

Hey, Speaking of mules check out Polly and Bernie's latest adventure!

Forecasting your EasyCare sales for 2008!

I ran across this article on retail forecasting on the SAS website.  The article "Demand Forecasting in Retail" by Michael Gilliland.   Explains although there are challenges when it comes to forecasting, that ultimately the objective of any retail business is to have the right product, at the right time and in large enough quantities. 

Remember forecasting your sales helps EasyCare forecast our sales, in the long run it helps everyone keep items that are in demand, in stock.  Click here to read the entire article.

Use Selling Value to move Easyboots

I found this interesting Video on selling value to your customers in Selling Power.  The video features Julie Thomas of Valueselling Associates. 

The video stresses the importance of figuring out what each customer values so you can better cater to their needs.  Click here to check it out.

Improving your EasyCare retail sales

I found this interesting article in Business Know-How, the article 12 Sure-Fire Steps to Improve Your Retail Sales by Bob Nelson goes over some basic, but important rules/ideas that can improve any retail business.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you ever have questions or ideas, we are here for you, our dealers.

Measurements for EasyCare Sheepskin Seat Covers

We are selling more and more of our Sheer Comfort Sheepskin covers because of their high quality (proudly made in the USA, right at our Tucson office), and their great pricing. If you sell our sheeps, you may realize the need for exact measurements when your customers call to inquire about fit.  All of our covers come in black, brown or beige (natural), are excellent quality and add comfort for those long rides!  If you don't yet sell them, think about how you can package them along with the trail saddles, packs and hoof boots that already cater to your trail-riding customers.  Once your customers try these, they will love them!

  Here are the measurements for our shear comfort covers:

Western "Seat Only" P11-SSW32  Front to Back: 19"; Seat Width 14"

Deluxe Western/Endurance P11-SSES41  Flap to Flap 34 1/2"; Front to Back 19"; Seat Width 14"; Flap Width 10"

Full Western P11-SSLGD Bottom of Fender to Bottom of Fender 56"; Front to Back 19"; Seat Width 14"; Fender Width 9 1/2"

English "Seat Only" P11-SSE78    Front to Back: 19"; Seat Width 11"

Full English (All-purpose) P11-FSE34A Flap to Flap: 42"; Front to Back 19"; Seat Width 11 1/2"; Flap Width 15"

Full English (Dressage) P11-FSE34D Flap to Flap: 47"; Front to Back 19"; Seat Width 11"; Flap Width 14 1/2"

Full English (Wintec Endurance) P11-FSE34W Flap to Flap 46"; Front to Back 19"; Seat Width 12"; Flap Width 14 1/2"

Bob Marshall Sport Saddle P11-SSLGD-B Flap to Flap 43 1/2"; Front to Back 18"; Seat Width 14"; Flap Width 16"

Click HERE for more details and images

Doing what you can for the environment

Small changes lead to extraordinary results!!  Here is a list of things we can all do to help:

Change the bulb (buy energy-saving products)

Only light the room you are in

Let the sunshine in!

Adjust thermostat down a couple degrees in winter, up in summer

Shut off your computer and screen, unplug charges when not needed

Turn off televisions and radios when not using (another challenge for kids...)

Use ceiling fans

Walk, bike or take public transportation (ride your horse!!)

Wash clothes in cold water

Recycle!!

Pete Ramey's "Under The Horse" DVD Series Released!

Well today is the BIG DAY and many of us have been waiting impatiently to get our hooves on these DVDs! Pete and Ivy Ramey have worked hard to produce a 16 hour hoof rehabilitation series due to be released today September 21st. These DVDs are designed to teach equine professionals and horse owners new ways to recognize and treat hoof pathology. It focuses on the ability to identify and recognize a truly healthy equine foot and demonstrates steps taken to drive a pathological hoof towards a healthier state. The combination of contemporary veterinary research with practical, real-world field work presented will enable viewers to arrive at sound, valuable protocols that can be used immediately to benefit the horse. 

Click below to watch a sneak preview.  Check it out and order your copy today!

                              

Easycare committed to dealer network

Easycare is proud of the service we provide and resources we offer.  Make sure as an EasyCare dealer you are utilizing all we and our website has to offer.  If you ever have question we can be contacted by phone (800-765-2275), email or fax (520-297-9600).  Our normal business hours are Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm PST.

Take some time to check our our website and make sure you are listed on our dealer locater and check your knowledge under our education tab.  Where you will find articles, testimonials, videos, downloads, useful links and even a brief history on Easycare.

We are committed to making selling our products easier for you, please don't hesitate to contact us with questions, concerns or comments. We are here to listen and help anyway we can.

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's Media Resource

Attention EasyCare Dealers, do you need an image for printing on business cards or flyers?  A chart for your website?  Well this is the place you'll find it!  We've made it easy for you to get all the media information you need with just a quick click.  If you can't find what your looking for email us your request. 

SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR PET OWNERS

I received this article from a friend, thought I would share it.  For more on this story and other helpful tips visit the ASPCA website!

It’s summertime, and the living isn’t always easy for our animal companions. Dogs and cats can suffer from the same problems that humans do—overheating, dehydration and even sunburn—when the mercury rises. By taking these simple precautions, you can keep your animal companions happy and healthy in the hot weather:

* Exercise your dog in the cool of the early morning or evening—never when it's extremely hot or humid. Take care not to let your dog stand on hot asphalt, as his sensitive paw pads can easily burn.
* Provide plenty of shade and cool, clean water for animals kept outdoors. And during the hottest part of the day, please bring your cat or dog inside to rest in a cool part of the house.
* Never leave your animal alone in a vehicle. Overheating can be fatal. Even with the doors open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day.
* Some animals will need extra special care in hot weather, especially those who are elderly and overweight or have heart or lung disease. Certain breeds of dogs, including pugs, bulldogs, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus, also need extra attention on hot days. If your pet is showing signs of heat stroke or exhaustion, take him to your veterinarian immediately.

Low Sugar Forage

Here at EasyCare, every time I pick up the phone it seems as if somebody is crying about hay prices and how hard it's been to find good quality hay.  Drought conditions in much of California, Arizona, Colorado and Florida as well as Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia are making life tough for horse owners across the country.  If finding affordable, quality hay isn't hard enough try looking for good quality, low sugar hay.  Remember, not all forage is created equal.  Often times that brown, stemmy, overmature hay you thought was perfect for your easy keepers may be huge mistake!  To help you wade through the myths and new science emerging in carbohydrates in forage check out an article that appears on The Horse emagazine by Kathryn Watts, BS  http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=9587  Take a minute to register and get all the latest information this great resource has to offer.

Why Blog?

Have you ever thought about starting your own blog?  It's easier than you think.  There are a number of blog services available.  The one that we use is Typepad.  There are also services such as BlogSpot and others that walk you through a simple process so that you can set your blog up in a matter of minutes. 

A blog connects you with the people who matter

Blog to broadcast news to the world or to share your individual passion. Use a blog to engage with your customers or to find new ones.

It’s easy to start and maintain

You don’t need an IT staff or a degree in computer science to start a TypePad blog. Designing your blog is point-and-click, and updating your blog is simpler than sending an email.

Blogs can lead people back to your website and can help you keep your customers updated on a regular basis.  If you would like to see other sample blogs visit From the Horse's Mouth, Karen's EasyCare and Endurance Musings,  or for something completely different, the Lumosity Brain Health Blog (This is a great blog for any of you who want to increase your brain power, or who just want help remembering where you put your keys!)

EasyCare Easyboot comfort strap

Our new comfort strap comes standard on the Easyboot Epic, Easyboot Bare and the Easyboot Grip. The comfort strap does not have metal teeth, is completely smooth against the hoof and has no sharp edges. Unlike the Easyboot shell, whose durability improves as it cures with age, the softer, more flexible material used in the backstraps can become cracked and brittle over time. Replace an old, cracked or torn comfort strap with a new, soft, pliable comfort strap anytime. No special tools (other than a screwdriver) required. Screws, washers and t-nuts included. Please specify Easyboot Bare or Easyboot Epic size when ordering. Not recommended for use in the Easyboot.  If you are not currently carrying our boot accessories, you may want to check into it, your customers will thank you.  All of our boots have replaceable parts, we don't make disposable products!

                                                                                             

How to measure your Horse's hoof for EasyCare hoof boots?

One of the most common questions we get from retailers and end users alike is... How do I measure my horses hoof?  Since proper fit is the most important factor to fitting a horse with EasyCare boots, we have a lot of information on sizing.  Check out this video on measuring and cleaning the hoof.  EasyCare has great educational material on our website, check regularly as information is always being added.

Correctly Sizing your EasySoaker!

EasyCare recommends sizing up when purchasing an EasySoaker.  Sizing up one to two sizes allows extra space for bandages and liquids to be used inside the boot.  In addition, a larger size makes application and removal quicker and easier.

As with any hoof or leg related injury, consult your veterinarian or hoof care professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Have You Misplaced Your EasyCare Catalog?

Have you misplaced your EasyCare catalog?  Have you looked high and low and still can't seem to locate it?  Give us a call or email and we'll be happy to send you another or even better check out EasyCare's on line catalog in a great interactive form.  While you are cruising the EasyCare website remember to keep your eye on the dealer's blog for the latest offers to dealers. It's fast, efficient and of course it's easy!

 

 

 

EasyCare Boot Camp Blog Changes....

EasyCare will be removing the user name and password protection from the Boot Camp Blog some time this week!  This will allow the blog to reach a wider audience.  Check back soon... and check back often for all our specials, product information and updates, and much, much more!

Growing Hoof Boot Market here to stay!

Equestrian Retailer has a great article "Harness the Hoof-Boot Market" in their May/June 2007 issue.  The article covers how hot hoof boots are and how the trend is growing and here to stay.  Check it out, I think you will like what you find out.

Helpful hints and great ideas!

Newspaper Weeds Away
Start putting in your plants; work the nutrients in your soil.   Wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go. Cover with mulch and forget about weeds.  Weeds will get through some gardening plastic but they will not get through wet newspapers.

No More Mosquitoes
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket.  It will keep the mosquitoes away.

Squirrel Away
To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plants and the squirrels won't come near it.

Foggy Windshield
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!

Get Rid of Ants
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it "home," & can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, esp. if it rains, but it works & you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!

EasyCare Horse Health Update: Pergolide

Many of you have clients with horses that suffer from Cushing's Disease and have been closely following the developments of the drug Pergolide and it's availability.

The following links can keep you and your customers informed.

New article in Horse.com - http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=9526

Updates on Equine Pergolide Action Now! blog -  http://pergolideaction.blogspot.com/

3768 signatures on the petition (we still need more if you haven't signed yet) - http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savepergolide/index.html 

Debbie

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Sales has its own language!

Words are defined differently in sales!

Here are a few real-world sales definitions to help you understand:

Customers:  People who provide revenue!

Loyal Customer:  People who buy from you more than once and are willing to refer someone else AND give a testimonial!

Service:  Something to be of 24/7

Attitude:  The inner thought process that creates positive anticipation and positive outcomes.

Opportunity:  Every interaction with a customer or a prospect is an opportunity to build a relationship and earn a sale.

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.

Health Check Lists

Life is in constant motion these days!  Work, kids, pets, errands, etc...Who has time to worry about their own health?!!  When was the last time you went to the Doctor?  Dentist? 

I turn 45 this year, and the health check list is getting longer and longer!  I have to admit, I am not the best at getting things checked off my list! 

Women-here is a website that has tons of information on what we should be doing and when.  Do you know what your BMI is?  It also has lots of links to even more information.

Men-here is a website for you!  Do you know what your cholesterol level is?!

We all need to slow down and learn to take care of ourselves. 

Life is short, art long, opportunity fleeting, experience treacherous, judgment difficult.
Hypocrites

Quote for the Day!

I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure--which is:
Try to please everybody.
Herbert Bayard Swope

"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!

The Hoof Mobile

We received this cool photo from one of our new Hoof Care Practitioner, dealers, Carrie Christiansen.  Carrie is from Browns Mills, NJ.  Carrie calls her rig affectionately the "Hoof-mobile"! 

If you have clients trying to locate a Hoof Care Practitioner send them to EasyCare's website, where we have a dealer and Hoof Care Practitioner locator at the bottom of our web pages.  If you are a Hoof Care Practitioner make sure and submit your information so that potential clients can find you!

2007 Images Update!

With the addition of the Easy Up Buckle and the change to the Cast Buckle system you may need to update your images.  All our images , new and old, can be found in the Dealer Area of our Dealer's Corner on the EasyCare website.  Need sizing charts and layout information for your website?  Click here!  

PetsMart's State Line Tack Divison to Close

Recently we received a letter from PetsMart concerning their equine division.  PetsMart has decided that equine products are not something they do best, and they will be dissolving the State Line Tack portion of the business.  Floor space now that has been dedicated to equine will be become space for more pet products and they will no longer be producing a catalog.  They didn't give us any additional details except that the transition is scheduled to be complete by December 1, 2007 and there is a possibility that PetsMart will sell the business.  More details will be forthcoming.

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!

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. 

                              

Make Your Customers Believe!

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

Greetings from the Permafrost!

This was sent to us the other day by one of our hoof care practitioners, Dawn Willoughby who is braving the cold out in Delaware.

Dawn wrote, "I tried riding with just the Bares and then the Bares with studs over the weekend. I actually had to lead my horse home with just the Bares, since our one inch of snow turned into an ice field everywhere.  HOWEVER; with the studs we had only one little slip during our one hour ride!  My friend who was exercising fox hunters said the borium on their shoes was even slipping.  I am a huge fan of the studs now!  Thanks!  I couldn't ride in the winter without them.

Dawn also continued saying, "I am spreading the "Bowker Story" on why our horses need to be booted for all types of riding... which in my practice is mostly trail riding.  I will need to rent a storage space for my Boot Store soon!  I have put my own horse back in boots, all around this time.  Sure enough he is floating above the ground just as he does barefooted during turnout!"

Thanks again Dawn for the feedback.  If you have some helpful information you would like to share please feel free to email me at dschwiebert@easycareinc.com.

Thanks and I'll see ya on the trail!

Debbie

EasyUp Buckle Winners

In the Dealer news letter we sent out on February 2 we offered a pair of our new EasyUp Buckles to the first 10 dealers who responded.  The buckles will be sent out to the winners within the next few weeks.  Thanks for your participation and enjoy your new buckles.  Here are the winners...

Jeannean at Pride Treeless Saddles

Kristen at Horse Lovers Outlet & The Distance Depot

Henry & Donna at Griffin's Tack                                             

Ann at Natural Hoof                                                                                 

Rick Gentry                                                                                                 

Katie Parker

Leslie at High Desert Hoof Care                  

Katrina at Deer Creek Saddlery                           

Paula at Hoofbootshop

Lucy at The Saddlery Shop Ltd

Melanie Spurr

We are aware this is 11 winners, the final two emails came in at approximately the same time.