EasyCare Customer Help Desk

EasyCare Wildlife

A variety of desert wildlife live around the EasyCare office.  Yesterday we had a visit from a beautiful bobcat.  We see him often but finally had the opportunity to snag a photo of the guy.  Check him out relaxing and enjoying a warm Tucson morning.

We also have frequent visits from a roadrunner who is always trying to feed us.  Here he is trying to bring us some breakfast...

Please note that the EasyCare offices will be closed on Friday July 3rd.  We will be back in the office at 8am Monday morning.  Have a great 4th of July!

Natural Hoof Care Clinic In Cave Creek, AZ.

Whether you're new to horses or had them all of your life, this one day clinic is for you! The special presentation will be done by Dr. Tomas G. Teskey, D.V.M.,  Leading Veterinary Authority on the Equine Hoof and Barefoot Horses. The presentation will feature:

• Hoof anatomy and physiology  

• How to evaluate the characteristics of your horse's feet

• How hoof structures are affected by the domesticated lifestyle

• Prevention and rehabilitation of hoof pathologies

• Trimming theory and practices

• Transition to barefoot

• Barefoot performance horses 

In the afternoon session Dr. Teskey will perform a hoof dissection on a cadaver limb giving you a better perspective and understanding of the anatomy of the horse's feet that you can't obtain from an X-Ray or text book pictures.  

When: Saturday August 15, 2009

Where: American Legion Post 34, 6272 E. Cave Creek Rd.

Time: 9am - 4pm

Cost $75.00

Contact: Kristen Walker (602) 818-4996

EMail Kristenwalker@aol.com to receive your registration form

Seating is limited, secure you attendance as soon as possible.  This will be a great presentation as many of us from EasyCare have been fortunate enough to attend similar presentations by Dr. Teskey.

TV Commercial with Old Mac Boots

EasyCare's Old Mac G2 boots were recently used during the filming of a TV commercial in Sydney, Australia!   The commercial was filmed at Central Station in Sydney and featured knights jousting in the Old Mac boots.

Thanks to  Michelle in Yetholme, Australia for sending the video below to EasyCare!  She said everyone is still talking about how great the boots were, they sounded fantastic on the tiled floor.

 

Cornerstone Assisted Riding & Equitherapy

A few months ago EasyCare had the opportunity to donate some slightly used Easyboots to our friends at Cornerstone Assisted Riding & Equitherapy (CARE).  These hoof boots went to help some very special therapy horses named Dancer, Ike, Monty, Mr. Quickers, and Gabi. "They are each very special because they have the temperament to do the very challenging job of providing equine assisted therapy to our clients with special physical and emotional needs", says Wendee Walker of Cornerstone Equestrian Center.  Once the boots arrived Hoof Care Practitioner Jessica Armstrong stopped by to trim the horses and set them up in their new boots.  Thanks Jessica for making sure our equine pals were comfortable!

Cornerstone is completely run by volunteers and has been providing Equitherapy since 1985. They are located in American Canyon, CA.  Click here to learn more about their program.

      

Fits Like A Glove

  Karen Reeves sent EasyCare  these great pics of  her Mule Rosa in her fit kit shells.  She should be our poster child for the fit! The Gloves, our latest new hoof  boot design will be a must for her!

Numerous requests have been sent to EasyCare for the Glove Boot which is a form fitting, seamless boot that hugs the hoof and responds like a natural foot. The material this boot is made of stretches over the hoof and clings to the wall so as for little or no debris to enter the boot when riding in such conditions as sand and mud. The boot has no external hardware which means no replacing of cables. Studs an be used and are available for winter riding. If you have a horse that overreaches these boots have a faster breakover and as mentioned no hardware to catch on the front heel if you are wearing them on the hind feet.  

The Glove must be carefully sized and fitted to the hoof. Measuring in milimeters will make for the best most precise fit. The width and length of the hoof must fall into the same size catagory. In addition, these boots are sold individually. Which ever choice of boots you make, hurry and place your orders and get ready for some great summer riding! Happy Trails!

    

Business Hours for July 4th Holiday

As we near the upcoming 4th of July holiday, we would like to let all of our customers know that we will be closed on Friday, July 3rd in observance of the holiday. We will however be open for business on Monday, July 6th.   We will process all orders on that Monday, but shipping will not be possible until Tuesday, 7th as most freight companies will observe the 6th as their holiday off.

The entire staff at EasyCare, wish you and your family a most safe and joyous holiday!!!!!

Customer Testimonial - Easyboot Edge

The following is a customer testimonial sent to High Performance Hooves, one of our Hoof Care Provider dealers located in Stevensville, MT.  They passed this along to us here at EasyCare! The customer is Barb Garten from Hamilton, MT.  She is pictured below with her horse Chester wearing Easyboot Edges.

"I just returned this evening from a five day camping trip into the Bob at Benchmark and Swift Reservoir west of Dupuyer - almost to East Glacier.  I LOVE the Easyboot Edge.  I was up and down steep canyons and rock ledges and the boots performed excellently-they are a breeze to put on - so much easier than any before.  Very clever design, so you may want to invest in a pair.  They are wonderful!  Beautiful trip."

~ Barb and Chester ~                

                                                                               

Swedish Hoof School Seminar-Tucson, Arizona

You have only 3 days left to purchase pre-event tickets at a savings compared to the door price on the day of the event. Go to this link to purchase your tickets, http://swedishhoofschool.com/ .

The seminar will be Saturday, June 27th and Sunday, June 28th. Ove Lind is traveling all over the United States putting on his seminars for the good of the horse.

You need to sign up and don't miss this opportunity for more knowledge about barefoot and horse health than you can imagine.  Hope to see you there!!!!!!

Horses and Heat Stroke

In the July/August 2009 issue of  John Lyon's Perfect Horse magazine, there is a very informative article on heat stroke in horses by Dr. Eleanor M. Kellon, V M D. You can also go to the Perfect Horse website at  www.myhorse.com/perfecthorse for further information.

This article explains the normal range of  temperature that a horse has which is between 98.5 and 101 degrees. It gives you insight on how your horse's body cools itself.

It helps you to understand the conduction, convection and evaporation in relation to cooling the horse's body. It's not the hot weather that makes your horse hot in summer, it's the fact that there is less difference between the horse's body temperature and the air. The horses's body generates the same amount of heat during a given level of exercise in winter as in summer, it's just more difficult to transfer that heat to the air when the air is already hot.

There are also three myths about cooling horses that are explained and revealed as true or untrue. Grab an issue of the magazine and then you will have all this valuable information for future reference.

Little Lightfoot

Little Lightfoot is already practicing his racing skills!  Click here to check out this cutie in action!    Wonder what his boot of choice will be?  Epics, Bares... There's so much to choose from the options are endless!  A special thank you to Ute Miethe of Balanced Step for sending us this video and sweet photos.

"He's only about 3 weeks old and already almost as big as last years colt Zorro (although Zorro is rather petite)," says Ute.  Lightfoot and Zorro are pictured below.  Lightfoot is pictured above with his proud mama.

Be sure to check out the EasyCare Photo Gallery for other great photos of horses in action sporting their favorite hoofboots! 

Cowboy Cisco Rides Again

Here's a great photo of Cisco and Karen Reeves sporting Epics on a cattle drive. Karen says Cisco wore his Epics and went through it with out a hitch. There were three other clients there and their horses also did well in their boots. Karen mentioned there was one shod horse who lost a shoe out on the range. Hope he had a spare Easyboot with him! It's nice to see the horses performing so well out in the work world with a few extra minutes that it takes to apply boots instead of being shod. Good Job you two, we at EasyCare wish we were out there with you!  

Excellent Edge Fit!

Since our Easyboot Edge is a new addition to the EasyCare line, we get a lot of calls and e-mails here at the EasyCare customer help desk from customers asking about the fit of the boot and if their fit is good.  These pictures sent in from Angela show her horse wearing the Edge boot and it is an excellent fit!  If you have any questions on sizing or fit with the Edge, Easyboot Glove, Easyboot Glue-On's or any of our other boots or boot accessories please feel free to e-mail us at www.admin@easycareinc.com or call us at 1-800-447-8836.   We will always be happy to look at any pictures you can send us to help make sure your horse has the best fit possible.                                                               

Going Green on Your Horse Property

There are many things horse owners can do to help make their barn and home more environmentally friendly. Here are some that will help you and for more go to  www.Cowgirl-Living.com and go to the March/April 2009 issue.

* Manage manure

* Fight pests naturally

* Save water

* Conserve energy

* Reduce waste

* Reuse and repurpose

* Use "Green" pasture practices

Check out this issue for more info about each way to be a "greenie".

   

MSM, The Good Sulfur

Most people consider MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) when they're thinking of joint products for their horses. An insufficient concentration of MSM in the body results in adverse physical and psychological stress, tissue and organ malfunction, fatigue and increased susceptibility to diseases. MSM occurs naturally in tomatoes, milk, asparagus, alfalfa, beets, cabbage, corn, cucumber, oats, swiss chard, apples, raspberry, beer, coffee and tea.

Want to read more? Find the rest of the story at www.holistichorse.com

Clipping at its Finest!

Check out this haircut!  Looks like someone got a little creative with their clipping.  This one sure makes me want to set sail to the islands!  A special thank you to Ute Miethe of Balanced Step for sharing this fun photo with us!

Ultimate Horse Trailer!

Talk about the ultimate ride!  A rolling luxury stable, the $775,000.00 Equine Motorcoach has a rear ramp leading to accomodations for up to six horses with hay mats, water buckets, a soft floor and power venilation.  Two remote cameras monitor the stock while the rig is under way.  Outside, there's an awning-covered tie rail with horse wash-down station, dedicated saddle and tack storage in side bays and an exterior sink, refrigerator, ice maker and stereo.  Riders roll in style, too.  A convertible queen berth and bunk options sleep up to six, and there's a full galley, with lacquer-coated cherry cabinets, electronic entertainment, wine storage and a complete set of linens and silver service.  The coach is built on a Volvo chassis with a 485-horsepower diesel engine.

To see more awesome pictures of this luxury trailer click here.

Dr. Bowker's New Facility Update

Just in case you haven't heard, Dr Robert J. Bowker's new facility near Lansing,  Michigan is up and running. The Center has been created with the lofty goals of becoming one of "The" globally recognized equine centers in learning, practicing, promoting and researching overall horse well-being through better nutrition, food and whole body health. Disseminating this information to the many horse-owners, farriers and barefoot trimmers and veterinarians around the world. These goals will be achieved, in part, through hosting "how-to" clinics of pertinent topics of routine horse health and well being geared towards the horse-owner of all ages and the veterinarian alike by invited local, national and international speakers.

They are also going to do boarding and have a Paddock Paradise track with lavish use of peastone!

For more information and to sign up for research updates go to www.coronavistaequinecenter.com

EasyCare wishes you all the very best in your new endeavors!

EasyCare's 2009 Hoof Boot Contest

EasyCare's 2009 Hoof Boot Contest is well under way.  Riders have already logged  an impressive 7,690 miles sporting their EasyCare Hoof Boots.  There's still plenty of time to get involved yourself.  So be sure to sign up if you're interested.  Click here to learn more about the contest, view the current standings and download the entry and verification forms.

21 Year Old Tulip Does 20,000

Read this great article about Tulip, what an awesome accomplishment! Congratulations Tulip, from EasyCare! Maybe we can interest you in some of our hoof boots. We have several which are great for endurance!

Tulip, a Morab gelding who will turn 21 on June 21, is endurance riding’s most enduring equine, with 20,805 miles to his credit. He is the first horse in American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) history to surpass the 20,000 mile mark.
Tulip’s name? The rumor, according to Dr. Les Carr, Tulip’s owner, is that a bed of lovely tulips was nearby during Tulip’s birth. The 15.2-hand Tulip, registered as a half-Arabian by the Arabian Horse Association, is by the Morgan stallion Calamity’s Pizzaz, whose sire is from the Kingston line. His dam, Belif, is a granddaughter of Bu-Zahar, a son of Ferzon-Hall of Fame sire of National Champions.
Carr, of Somerset, CA, has amassed 46,460 miles of his own during his 24 years of AERC competitions. Both Carr and Tulip exemplify AERC’s commitment to valuing equine longevity. Although he has completed four 100-mile rides, Tulip’s specialty is the 50-mile endurance ride, especially when combined into AERC Pioneer Rides, which include at least three consecutive days of 50- to 55-mile rides. And the grey gelding’s not burning up the trail; he and Carr tend to finish towards the back of the pack in most competitions. “The AERC motto is ‘to finish is to win’,” noted Carr. “However, winning can be accomplished in different ways. One way to win is for the rider to make the decision to ride the same horse over a long period of time and place at the middle or tail end of the ride. This approach has been my choice.”
Carr’s horse philosophy has evolved over the years, and Tulip is his third horse to go over 10,000 miles. Carr credits starting slowly and carrying a lightweight rider—in Tulip’s case, junior Lainey Porter rode Tulip for his first few thousand miles of competition. “I sponsored and accompanied Lainey, who rode Tulip slowly and followed my strategies and lead,” said Carr. A pace of 5.5 miles per hour is another of Carr’s tenets. By not galloping or cantering, Carr plans to take nine to 10 hours to complete a 50-mile ride. To make that trail time easier on Tulip, Carr spends most of his riding time standing up in the stirrups. He allows Tulip to eat and drink pretty much continually along the trail, and carefully watches both Tulip’s intake and outgo which, Carr says, “provide significant clinical signs as to the condition of Tulip along the endurance trail.” Carr isn’t willing to take risks with his high-mileage horse. “If Tulip is even slightly off in his gait—even if the judges say Tulip could continue in the ride—Tulip and I load up and go home. Any sign of colic results in my immediately pulling Tulip from the ride and requesting immediate vet treatment,” said Carr. “My operating philosophy is that there is always another endurance ride to do, but not another Tulip.”Most years, Carr and Tulip would complete around 1,000 miles of competition a year. Their highest mileage year was 2006, when they completed 1,970 miles. Along the way, the pair have picked up numerous awards from AERC, including regional mileage championships and Pioneer Awards, even a couple of national mileage championships when he was ridden by Porter back in the mid-1990s.At age 74, Carr keeps himself in shape with bodybuilding and weightlifting when he’s not riding. At 5’8”, he keeps his weight at a trim 148 pounds. A practicing clinical psychologist, Carr considers riding “a mystical and spiritual experience.”

A stairway fall back in 1999 looked like it was the end of Carr’s riding, according to his team of doctors. But after a full year of recovery, he’s been back standing in the saddle for miles and miles every month, although his left leg remains slightly weakened. “I’m appreciative of Brent and Cheryl Johnson, who pitched in and rode Tulip for nearly 1,400 miles during my year off,” said Carr.

Carr has no plans to retire Tulip. The pair have already completed 670 miles in the current ride season. But Carr said that he and Tulip will no longer be doing as many five-day Pioneer Rides (250 miles over five days), instead focusing on one-day 50s and the three-day 155-mile Pioneer Rides.

“Life along the endurance trail is unpredictable, in line with our universe that is inherently chaotic and unpredictable,” said Carr. But the septuagenarian, who rides along with his wife, Jill, and her trustworthy mule, Walker, at his side, Carr hopes to ride Tulip as long as possible along the endurance trails.

For more information about AERC or endurance riding, please contact the AERC office, located in Auburn, CA, at (866) 271-2372, aerc@foothill.net or visit www.aerc.org.

Download Free Issue of "The Horse's Hoof" Magazine!

     For those of you not familiar with "The Horse's Hoof " magazine, it is a wonderful quarterly publication created by James and Yvonne Welz that has been around for 9 years.  They support hoof care that creates functional, healthy bare hooves.  They advocate more natural, humane living conditions for our equine friends and encourage all forms of hoof care and horse care that promote these basic principles.  They are not anti-shoe, simply pro-barefoot.  They embrace all trimming methods, styles and systems that have the common goal of hoof health.

They try to include trimming information in every issue, plus hoof photos, trimming photos and in-depth articles by hoofcare professionals using all methods and top experts such as Pete Ramey, KC La Pierre, Jaime Jackson, Dr. Tomas Teskey and Dr. Hiltrud Strasser.  If you love hooves you will love The Horse's Hoof Magazine!

Right now at www.thehorseshoof.com you can download a free  copy of issue #30 so you can have a look at the wealth of information they offer!  They are also offering a June Subscription Sale with $5.00 off every subscription from now until June 30th.

Distance Depot Owners Visit EasyCare

The owners of Distance Depot, Kent and Kristen Lacy came to visit us here at EasyCare on Friday May 29th. This was their first time in Arizona, so they did a bit of site seeing also. We welcomed them and introduced them to our staff here and spent the day with them on Saturday.

We are very impressed at their great business sense and how successful they have been. Kristen is the " jack of all trades" at Distance Depot. She does everything there besides being the owner. She will take your order, make the items that are made by them, pack it, ship it........just does it all! Kent has a full time job, but then works along side Kristen in running the business also. What a team they make!

They carry our EasyCare product line and also make a lot of items that they sell. You need to check out their websites to see all of the horse related items they stock and make.

We look forward to continuing our great relationship with them and wish them many years of success in the horse industry.

   

EasyCare May Special Winner

In May, we had a special for all orders amounting to $150.00 or more. We put all of those orders together and did our drawing on Monday, June 1st. Our winner was.....

Lynette Hulbert of Santa Barbara, California

Congratulations Lynette!!!!

Please make sure to watch for more upcoming specials. We list those in our monthly newsletter and on the home page of our website.

Happy Riding......

Extended Early Registration! Dr. Kerry Ridgway DVM Clinic July 18 & 19

Early Registration has been changed to June 15^th!

Join us at a Two Day Dr Kerry Ridgway DVM clinic in Novato on July 18 & 19!

Do any of these phrases describe your horses?

"Hard keeper... too flighty... too nervous...bad disposition... aggressive... witchy mares... poor performers... hay belly… didn’t train well... girthy... colic prone... diarrhea prone...  just got worse with training"

“won’t canter evenly on both leads…. Bucks under saddle… bucks going uphill… won’t walk out… horrible skin problems… always moves toe-first… rips off front shoes… stumbles…. Slips going downhill…. Won’t flex neck correctly in both directions… saddle leans to one side… won’t go on the bit…”

We can only take in 40 attendees and a limited number of demo horses.

Sign up early!

COST - $250 for both days if you register online by June 15.  $275 registration after June 15.

DATES  July 18^th and 19^th, starting at 9 am.

REGISTER AT:  http://www.ultimatesaddlesolutions.com/site/1558746/page/864992

*****************************************************************

Break the Sound(ness) Barrier with Integrative Medicine!

International lecturer & clinician in Integrative & Sports Medicine

Dr. Kerry Ridgway

Two Day Clinic - July 18 & 19 – Lectures, Demonstrations, Take Home Notes

Novato Horseman’s Association… 600 Bugeia Lane Novato, CA

An educated consumer is a powerful voice for the health and welfare of the horse.

Empower Yourself Today.

–– Asymmetric Heel Heights ––

This condition creates many limb problems, contributes to shoulder tension and pain; causes asymmetrical wither conformation that critically affects saddle fit. The rider, because of the action on the saddle, often also has pain in knees, hips and/or shoulders.

–– We will address: The Causes and Effects (Chain Of Pathology)… The Resulting Postural And Movement Aberrations… How To Solve Or Manage The Problem Trimming And Shoeing Techniques and Associated Body Work (Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Myofascial Release And Neuromuscular Release.)… The Importance of a Team Effort… Associated Gait Analysis

–– Equine Ulcers: The Tip of the Iceberg ––

Ulcers are one of the most topics facing the equine industry today. There are really only two kinds of horses – those who have ulcers and those who are going to get ulcers at some point in their lives. Ulcers are man made and will always be with us. Every horseman must learn how to manage to problem! We will show you how. Ulcer horses present a unique “signature” with chiropractic, muscular and myofascial patterns, gait patterns and a very consistent pattern of acupuncture points by which you can recognize the presence of ulcers. Riders and other horse professionals, veterinarians, chiropractors, acupuncturists and body workers, readily learn these patterns. With this lecture/demonstration, you will have a leg up on the problem!

–– Hyoid Muscles: Tension Results in Performance Deficits ––

How can a couple of muscles that hook onto the tongue to aid in swallowing possibly affect performance? The resulting phenomenon of such tension creates muscle pain/tension and spasms in the neck, chiropractic issues in the cervical vertebrae and an inability to use the shoulder well. Horses have difficulty turning their heads and picking up correct leads. Often they have TMJ pain. Their gaits become short and choppy –– Gait issues will be addressed. The condition is not a behavioral or training issue! Lameness is the eventually consequence. You will learn how to easily eliminate or manage the problem!

Register online at

www.ultimatesaddlesolutions.com

Register by July 1st $275 --- Register by June 15^th  to save $25 

Sweet Dreams

 

It  just doesn't get better than this! These are pictures of a newborn offspring of  Taskin, Gypsy Stallion, owned by Villa Vanners who resides in Oregon. Baby was born this past April and looks like he's real comfortable where he's at. The pictures were taken immediately after birth, the mare laid down, Baby trotted around and crawled right up into her lap. Mom and Baby are doing well and it won't be long before he's up and running around wanting hoof boots to sport around in. He'll be calling EasyCare wanting to know more about the line of boots available to him...which one will it be, hmmm... Epics, Bares, Boas, Gloves, Edges, Old Mac G1's or G2's ? Decisions, decisions..... Sleep well little one, see you on the trail one day... 

 

Customer Testimonial - Old Mac's

My horse has always been really sensitive on gravel trails and rocks.  His hooves are very flat and sharp rocks jab into his soles.  Replacing iron shoes every six weeks is too expensive and he often throws them.  I found the EasyCare website and his wide feet measured perfectly into the Old Mac's.  The first time I put them on him he was a completely different horse, so much happier!  Also, they noticeably improved his traction on the trails.  I love these boots, I would recommend them for anyone with any of these issues.  They fit my horse great and he's walkin around on the gravel like a champ! =).  Thanks for your help.

Michelle Rutledge

Did You Know.......

Did you know?..........

The average 1,000 pound horse can generate 8 to 10 tons of manure a year.

A faucet leaking one drop of water once every second can waste more than 5,000 gallons of water per year.

Using round bale feeders can reduce hay waste by up to 31%.

RidersRasp--Handy Tool for Barefoot Horse Owners

Check out this new tool that is now in the horse world market......it is called "RidersRasp". This easy to carry tool will allow the owner to safely and effectively round their horse's bare hooves to retain and prolong balance between professional trims.This was developed by W.J. Tomlinson, an AFA Certified Journey Farrier. It will allow the owner to maintain the hoof form and encourage symmetrical growth. It will safely allow the horse owner to round away flares, chips and sharp edges without causing soreness or lameness. For more information, visit www.ridersrasp.com .

This tool could help maintain your hoof boot  fit in between trimmings. Ask your professional trimmer to assist you in learning how to properly use this and it may help his success with your horse's hooves staying on track with more natural hoofcare.

Jumping in Easyboot Grips

 Trudi Vellacott of Calgary Canada is loving her Easyboot Grips!

"Here is a picture of our show jumper in his Easyboot Grips.  He is a rehab that we are working on bringing sound again.  This is his first show with his Easyboots on.  It went very well, even encountered some rain and mud.  Not so much as a slip.  We will be getting a pair for our other jumper," says Trudi.

Thanks for sharing your photo and successful experience using the Easyboot Grip Trudi!

 

The Ultimate Quote

A man without a horse is like a horse with no legs.

-- Kirk Douglas

New Hoof Boot Accessories Page!

Check out our newly redesigned hoof boot accessories page.  You can go here to find replacement parts for all of our boots, including cables and buckles for your Easyboot Epic, replacement gaiters for your Glove or Edge boots or laces for your Boa boots.  You can also find great accessories such as the Power Strap as well as Adhere and mixing tips for your Easyboot Glue-On boots.  

The accessories are now organized by which boot style they are compatible with.  If you do not see an accessory listed in your boot style section, then it is not compatible with your boot style.  In need of Comfort Pads?  Just click on the boot style you have and we will show you which pads go with your boots!

You can click here to check out the new page.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the EasyCare Customer Help Desk at 1-800-447-8836 or email us at questions@easycareinc.com.

Sold on the Easyboot Gloves

" Just wanted to tell your company that the Easyboot Gloves I purchased 2 weeks ago are awesome. Lightweight, fit was excellent- I did use a Fit Kit- and they stayed on ! I did a hard 20 mile trail ride last Sunday through all types of terrain- even hit a hard gallop. Better yet, my horse had no more ouchy feet and was so comfortable in them. The boots showed minimal wear post ride. I am sold! And, will be ordering more! Thanks so much for developing these boots! "

Julie Figg

Easyboot Glove Works Great!

" Just wanted to let you know how well the Easyboot Glove worked on my horse today. It was my first time out with them. We traveled through mud, over rocks, over roots, up and down hills....never once did she take a mis-step or lose the boot. I am SO IMPRESSED  and HAPPY! I previously used the Bare's, but found those difficult to put on and take off. So, many, many thanks to your research team and development for these amazing items."

Again, THANK YOU!    

Cathy Edens

Easyboot Glove Fit Kit Testimonial

" I ordered the Fit Kit for the Gloves and I am very glad I did. Ended up using a smaller size than I expected. I placed an order for 2 pairs of Gloves and so far, so good. After some more on trail testing, will be placing another order.

The Fit Kit was mailed back to you yesterday, 5/6. Thanks so much for this wonderful boot and the chance to try on different sizes without hassle."

Thanks again,

Vicki Hodge

Tips For Our Boots

Just a friendly reminder for EasyCare boot owners, please be sure to check your hardware when you receive your new boots in order to be sure they have been sufficiently tightened from the factory. Also check them before each ride, it only takes a few seconds and will avoid any mishaps or loss of hardware while out on those great trails this summer! Happy Riding!

Trails of Hope Ride with Gloves and Old Macs!

Here's a great shot of Sharon Dugan and her husband Buck at the recent Trails of Hope Ride at Gold Mine Trails in Wood, NC.  Three years ago Sharon's best friend Robyn's 5 year old daughter Ava was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.  This ride helps raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and medical expenses for little Ava.

Check out Sharon and Buck's horses sporting Old Mac's and the new Easyboot Glove on the ride!

Sharon thanks for sharing your photo with us!

 

Montana Horse Slaughter Bill Becomes Law

A measure promoting privately-owned horse processing plant development in Montana became law on Friday, May 1st, when Gov. Brian Schweitzer allowed the bill to lapse into law.

HB 418 insulates prospective plant developers from permit and licensing challenges on environmental and other grounds, and awards attorney and court fees to plaintiffs in cases that District Courts deem harassing or without merit.

The measure automatically became law after Schweitzer declined to sign or veto it 10 days after it reached his desk.

Schweitzer previously vetoed the bill, and sent an amended version back to the legislature.  But legislators returned the bill to it's original form and sent it back to Schweitzer a second time.

"The Governor made his opinion on this bill known, the legislature did the same.  No action was taken and the bill has now become law," said Schweitzer's Communications Director Sarah Elliott.

HB 418 sponsor Rep. Ed Butcher said he was not suprised Schweitzer allowed it to become law by default.

"People in rural areas really got behind this legislation.  I think this was the best move he could make considering the spot he was in," Butcher said.

The Recreational Trails Program Needs Your Help

Don't Lose Your Trails..........

The American Horse Council is working to preserve the Federal Highway Administration's Recreational Trails program. If Congress does not take action this year, this program could no longer be available to riders. The AHC urges recreational riders to contact their members of Congress to voice support for this program TODAY!

The RTP provides funding directly to the States for recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. It was created in 1991 and is about to expire.

Since its' inception, the RTP has provided approximately $677 million for thousands of State and local trail projects across the country, including many that  benefit equestrians. RTP projects consist of construction, maintenance and restoration of trails and trail related facilities as well as the acquisition of easements or property for trails. Although each State manages its' own program, 30% of RTP funds must be spent on non-motorized projects like equestrian trails, 30% on motorized, and 40% on multi-use projects.

"The RTP is one of the few sources for Federal funding of trail projects that are not on Federal land. The program is a great resource for equestrians to fund projects in their State and local parks," said AHC Legislative Director Ben Pendergrass.

MAY CONSUMER SPECIAL WORTH $150.00

Every time you place an order for $150.00 or more (excluding freight) in the month of May,you will be entered in our drawing to win $150.00 in merchandise. This can be a credit applied to a May purchase, or a $150.00 gift certificate for a future order.

This special is valid May 1 - 31, 2009 and you can order via our website, the phone or fax. You can call us at 800-447-8836.....fax 520-297-9600 or go to our website.

Enter as often as you wish. Some restrictions apply and offer valid to retail consumers only.

Demo at River Ridge Farms

 

Come out and join the fun at River Ridge Farms in Ashboro, North Carolina on Saturday, May 30th from 9a.m. to 5 p.m. You will have the opportunity to attend live demonstrations featuring Patrick Totten (Personal Touch Horsemanship) and Don Vick, EasyCare Dealer and Hoof Care Provider.  Demonstrations will include Colt Starting, Trailer Loading, Round Penning, Desensitizing and Natural Hoof Care.  If you are interested in having your horse used in the demonstrations for Colt Starting, Trailer Loading or Hoof Care please contact Patrick Totten at 919-451-3467.  

Rosie at Gold Nugget Days Donkey Derby

Paradise, California held their annual Gold Nugget Days Donkey Derby last week.  This race happens each year to commemorate when miners raced up hill to Dogtown to show off the 54 pound gold nugget they found at Whiskey Flat in April 1859.  Today's race consists of donkey and drover teams who compete to get up the hill to Magalia community center and through an obstacle course while carrying 54 pound weights!

Here's a photo of our friend Rosie who competed wearing her trusty Easyboot Epics!  She represents Mountain View Christmas Tree Farm of Paradise, CA.  She is owned by Anne Benoit and Joe McNalley.  Rosie and Joe are pictured below working hard!  "She performed flawlessly until she got to the water obstacle.  For some reason she was not in the mood to get her feet wet, and instead chose to lie down.  Such is the life in the high stakes world of donkey competition, but she looked glorious in her boots:)", says Sally Hugg.

 A special thanks to Hoof Care Practitioner Sally Hugg of Bare Hoof Trim for sharing Rosie's picture with us!

 

Quote of the Day

A horse is the projection of peoples' dreams about themselves - strong, powerful, beautiful, graceful, spirited - he gives us escape from our mundane world.

--Pam Brown

Hoof Care Seminar in Tucson, Arizona in June 2009

There will be a two day seminar, June 27-28, 2009 in Tucson, Arizona given by subject expert Ove Lind. Ove is the founder of the Swedish Hoof School in Sweden.

This seminar will teach you to evaluate your horse's hooves and understand what needs to be done to help him grow a healthier hoof. You will learn how feeding, digestion, environment and hoof care affects the function of the hoof and the well-being of the whole horse. You will gain profound knowledge that will make you able to rehabilitate even serious hoof issues. Everything will be explained throughly so that you will really understand.

This seminar is a life changing learning experience for Horse Owners, Farriers, Barefoot Trimmers and Veterinarians.

For more information as to location and contacts, go here.

Easyboot Epic Boots Save the Race

Testimonial from Janis Rochon of Kirkland, Washington......

"This year I drove from Seattle to experience my first XP ride, the Cuyama Oaks in California. I was excited about riding all 3 days, but on day one, my horse lost a shoe at the half way point. I tried to continue at a slower pace, but my horse's foot got really sore so I pulled him. I was disappointed that I had driven over 1000 miles to only ride 30 miles.

Back at camp, Dave Rabe, who I had never met, heard of my plight and loaned me a pair of Easyboot Epics. He assured me they would stay on and I would be able to ride day 2 and 3. I was skeptical, but the boots did not let me down and we completed 50 miles on day 2 and 3.

Easyboot Epics really came through for me; I would highly recommend them!"

EasyCare is very happy that our product saved your ride, and allowed you and your horse to finish the ride! Thank you Janis for your testimonial.

Rodeo Time in Old Tucson

 Check out Stan and Cheryl of Pa Gotzin Kay Farm (In Apache means Mountain of Paradise), Dahlongea Ga. They rode their Missouri Fox Trotters, Gambler and Toby in our Tucson Rodeo Parade in February of this year. They came a long way for the event and they stopped by EasyCare to pick up EasyBoot Epics for the parade. Looks like everyone had a great time! Toby and Gambler stay barefoot and have been so for eight years. They use boots for riding and special events such as these. Thanks for the nice photo you two, or I should say you four!  See you next year!

The Equine Foot, Recession-Proof Business Strategies

The Equine Foot, Recession-Proof Business Strategies are Focus of AAEP Summer Education Meetings

The American Association of Equine Practitioners’ summer education event, Focus on the Foot and the 17^th Annual Practice Management Seminar, will provide a comprehensive continuing education package for equine practitioners July 19-21 in Columbus, Ohio.

Focus on the Foot will explore the intricacies of one of the most crucial components of equine anatomy—the foot. The 17^th Annual Practice Management Seminar program is designed to equip practice managers will the business skills to build a recession-proof practice.

Held concurrently at The Columbus, A Renaissance Hotel, these three-day programs feature leading experts in equine foot treatment and practice management strategies. With this two-for-one continuing education event, participants can attend sessions from both programs for one registration fee.

  

Featured topics at Focus on the Foot include:

·         Radiology and ultrasonography

·         Biomechanics of the foot

·         Medical and surgical treatment of the foot

·         Laminitis

·         Therapeutic shoeing

·         Diagnosing foot disorders

·         Etiology and treatment of club feet

·         Pain Management

Sessions during the 17^th Annual Practice Management Seminar include:

·         Employee coaching

·         Managing finances

·         Client communication

·         Preserving practice value

·         Associate compensation

Focus on the Foot is sponsored by AAEP Educational Partner Bayer Animal Health. The 17^th Annual Practice Management Seminar is sponsored by AAEP Educational Partner Boehringer Ingelheim.

Multiple registrants from a single practice can save $50 on registration.  To register for the meetings, visit www.aaep.org.  The deadline for early registration is July 6.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, the AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its nearly 10,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.

Welfare of the Horse is Forum Focus

 

 

AHC Issues Forum to Focus on Welfare of Horse

 

 

The American Horse Council’s National Issues Forum will focus on the “Welfare of the Horse.”  The Forum, which will feature speakers from segments of the horse community as varied as competition, sport, work and entertainment, will be held June 16, 2009 in Washington, DC as part of the AHC’s annual meeting.

The forum will focus on the many welfare and safety initiatives that various segments of the horse industry have in place or are instituting.  “This will be an opportunity for the industry to provide reports on all the safety initiatives in place and being undertaken to ‘Put the Horse First’,” said AHC president Jay Hickey.  “We must let our fans, the general public, the media, and elected officials know how important the safety and welfare of the horse is to the horse community and what the industry is doing.”

Dr. Scott Palmer, a nationally-know veterinarian and past-president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, will deliver the keynote address. Other featured speakers will be Gary Carpenter, executive director of the American Quarter Horse Foundation, Cindy Schonholtz, president of the Animal Welfare Council, and Dr. Tom Lenz, chairman of the Unwanted Horse Coalition.  Additional speakers will be announced as they are named.

The forum will also include panels on racing, showing, competition, sport, and horses used in work and entertainment.  Representatives from national organizations involved in all these activities will provide an update on their welfare activities.  “We believe that this will be the most inclusive presentation on safety and welfare ever assembled in terms of its breadth and the activities and organizations involved,” said Hickey.  The forum will not only involve racing and showing, but also veterinarians, endurance riding, sport horses, rodeo, carriage operators, horses in entertainment and work.  It will be an opportunity for attendees to learn about welfare initiatives in other segments of the horse world and how they might be adapted to their activities.    

The horse industry is a broad and diverse community; sometimes one segment is not aware of what other segments are doing.  “There is much we can learn from each other,” said Hickey. “The AHC hopes that this National Issues Forum will be an opportunity to discuss the common goal of being good stewards of the horse and facilitate our all working together to that end, regardless of our particular activity.”

More information on this Forum and the entire AHC annual meeting, including registration and hotel information, can be found on the AHC’s website, www.horsecouncil.org.

Easyboot Glove Power Straps- Place Your Order Now!

The Power Straps for the Easyboot Glove boots can now be pre-ordered. You can choose from the many great colors that we are offering. You can use the colors to designate certain boots for certain horses.....or.....designate a color for which boot goes on which hoof. Or, you can just choose your color to match your other tack!

The straps will be very helpful to let you see your boots from the saddle. Because of the snug fit for the Gloves and Glue-Ons, sometimes it may be difficult to see the boots on a horse with dark legs. Now, you can add that splash of bright color and they will be more visible to you.

They will also allow a closer fit for improved boot performance.

Give us a call at 800-447-8836 and one of our agents will be happy to place your order or you can order direct at our website.

Another Kind of Horse

Here's an amazing photo of another kind of horse.  Cheryl Henderson of ABC Hoof Care sent us this incredible photo of this unique Sea Dragon at Sea World.  What an elegant little guy!

Clinics Coming Your Way, Port Townsend and Sequim, WA.

There will be two Hoof Trimming and Boot Fitting Clinics held, one at 425 Cook Rd. Port Townsend, Wa., April 18 from 8:30 to 5:30. The second clinic will be held on April 25th at Cassidy Creek Ranch, 272 Cassidy Creek Rd. Sequim, Wa. For detailed information, directions and registration please call 360-582-0027 or 360-461-6199. This will be a great opportunity for you to learn how to recognize functions of the natural hoof and further understand the guidelines for natural hoof care and trimming.  The clinic will be headed by Chris Niclas, R.J.F. of Chris' Farrier Service. Chris (pictured here) is a Registered Journeyman Farrier and has been serving the Peninsula for fifteen years. He has studied with professionals such as Gene Ovnicek and Mark Plumlee, and practices equine podiatry with many highly regarded veterinarians. Chris is excited to inform and guide those who are interested in furthering their knowledge and skill of caring for the equine hoof, and learning alternative ways to provide support and hoof protection. You will be discovering the important role of the frog, recognizing natural foot functions, maintenance of the sound barefoot horse and evaluating lameness problems. There will be demonstrations and hands on participation for trimming, hoof mapping and printing. There will be hoof boots to see and help in choosing the right one for your horse. Call now and sign up everyone! Happy Trails from EasyCare!

May 3rd Clinic - Hoof Care for Horse Owners

Susan Walker, one of our hoof care professionals in Poland, ME is hosting a "Hoof Care for Horse Owners" clinic on Sunday, May 3rd.  There are two times;  10:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m.  The topics covered will be routine hoof care, what a healthly hoof should look like, how to pull a shoe, how to deal with chipped/torn hoof walls and abcesses - symptoms and possible treatments.  The fee for the clinic is $20.00 per person.  For more information or to sign up, please contact Marissa Stewart at mstewart@ridingtothetop.org or call 207-892-2813 ext 21.

You can find Susan Walker listed on our EasyCare Hoof Care Providers search by clicking here.