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!

The Black Heritage Riders Cross The USA In EasyCare Hoof Boots

The Black Heritage Riders are going strong as Miles Dean and Sankofa along with Reggie Gough make their way on a journey riding horseback from New York to LA!  Miles Dean, executive director of the New Jersey-based non-profit organization set out on a 6,000-mile trek from New York to California in September.  The 58-year old elementary school teacher is on a mission to educate people about African-American contributions and achievements.  Dean tries to average about 30 miles each day he is on the road and he hopes to reach California by February, which is Black History Month.  Hoof Care Practitioner Carrie Christiansen of Browns Mills, NJ provided Miles horses with a good trim, boots and education on booting.  Dean's horse sports Old Mac G2's in the front and Easyboot Epics behind, all with Comfort Pads.  Check them out in action and click here to track their progress!

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. 

October EasyCare Blog Special!!

The October EasyCare Dealer Blog Special is:

10% off Original Old Mac's Horse Boots! 

NO MINIMUMS!

Original Old Mac's Horse Boots are great for horses with wide hooves!

Sale ends October 31, 2007.  Sale is for EasyCare Domestic Dealers only.  Sale does not apply to Generation 2 Old Mac's.  Dealers MUST mention sale at time of order. 

Old Mac's Horse Boots Testimonial

We bought Pilgrim, a little paint horse, for our trail ride and riding school. He was younger than we thought and his foot not developed enough to shoe. We found riding him barefoot was impossible so we bought another product that really did not stay on or allow him to travel in comfort.

I then bought the Old Mac's and now we can use him full time. The bonus is that we can use these boots on horses that lose a shoe or get stone bruises allowing our horses to have less or no down time. I would recomend this product to anyone, for us they pay their cost quickly and we will buy more. Hope the new product comes out with a longer outside strap to make tightening them easier.

James Wootton, Canada

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! 

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.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Hello everybody, I received this quick note from one of our dealers today.  People are watching...

Hi Debbie, Just a quick note. Sunday I was on a big ride (I actually don't like big rides because my horse gets too concerned about what everyone else is doing...), about 40 people. Myself and 2 others were using easyboots (Bares, Epics, some Old Macs) and during the course of the ride I think at least a dozen people came by to ask me about the boots, and with genuine interest. It was quite refreshing to talk to people and tell them why I think the boots are better than shoes. Being a farrier, maybe they value my opion more. Who knows, but maybe a few will give the boots a try. That's all!

Jim Keip

Keep up the great work Jim and thanks for the feedback!

Debbie

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Old Mac's G2 Testimonial

I tried the Old Mac's G2's today and I must say I'm impressed! With the old version (three years ago), the extra weight caused my horse to have problems with the gallop, but now they are lighter, she thought nothing of it! Just have to brake them in now, that's all.

thank you! 

This photo and testimonial is from one of our dealers in Sweden!

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

Old Mac G2 in Doha 2006 Games

Here is a great video of the opening ceremonies for the 15th Asian Games in Doha, Qatar last December.  The video has spectacular footage of the Qatar endurance team captain and his horse, donning Old Mac G2's, lighting the torch to signify the beginning of the games.

Old Mac's Work--Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt!

These photos were sent to us from Steve Jeffreys, a trainer in Australia who rode a horse at the opening ceremony of the Asian Games.  Check out the size of the camels' feet!  The horse is wearing a size #4 G-2.   Click on the photos to enlarge. For more details and to see a video, go to:

http://www.easycareinc.com/Our_Boots/old_macs_G2/testimonials/oldmacs33.aspx

 

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.

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!

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. 

                              

Our Boots in action!

I received these photos from our German distributor, Gray's Hufschuhe.  Their customer (and "Little" the pony) let them know just how happy they were with their Easyboots and Old Mac's Horse Boots!

Do you have any pictures or stories you would like to share with us?  Please do!  Click here!

Old Mac's Horse Boots

We still get several requests a month for boots that will fit wide feet.  Although more horses have feet that are longer than wide, some horses have feet that are wider than long.  As a general rule the Old Mac's Original G1 is the best boot for wide feet. 

In the photo below the G2 is on the left and G1 on the right.  It's easy to see the wide shape of the G1.

Please make a note that EasyCare, Inc. will continue to manufacture both styles, and that they are both available for you to order and stock for your customers.

 

We still get several requests a month for boots that will fit wide feet.  Although more horses have feet that are longer than wide, some horses have feet that are wider than long.  As a general rule the Old Mac's Original G1 is the best boot for wide feet. 

In the photo below the G2 is on the left and G1 on the right.  It's easy to see the wide shape of the G1.

Please make a note that EasyCare, Inc. will continue to manufacture both styles, and that they are both available for you to order and stock for your customers.

 

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.

2007 PRODUCT HAS ARRIVED!

We just received a large shipment of all new EasyCare products for 2007.  One of EasyCare's main goals for the year is to carry larger levels of inventory and stay out of "Back Order Situations".  Chris Freeman processes all back orders and has a new bat that will be used on EasyCare owner, Garrett Ford if we go into "Back Order Situations". We have strong inventory of all product except for the new Comfort Pad System and the EasyUp Buckle.  Both of these new products will be here in a couple weeks.  We have inventory of all EasyCare Hoof Boots.  New style Easyboots, New style Epics, New Style Bares, New Grips, Old Mac's G1, Old Mac's G2 and EasySoakers.

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.

Grab Your Hanky!

We've all heard the heart-breaking stories of horses that had to be put down because of major foot problems such as laminitis and navicular.  However, this story has a very happy ending, thanks to a skilled hoof care practitioner using comfort pads and hoof boots! This story is from Linda Cowles in California:

Hi  Folks,

 

I put up a series of web pages for one of my clinic horses up in the Cool California area. Laura, the host, asked if I wanted to try helping a long shot horse who had been lame for years... it was bad enough that his poor owner had given up and had a grave dug for him, but she was willing to wait and let me try to help him.  I didn't hesitate a second, although realistically, these horses are scary to take on in a clinic environment...

 

It turned out great, a real tear jerker, so grab your hanky's.  He's going to be living in padded boots for a while (Comfort Pads and Old Mac G2's), but he was sound by the second trim.