EasyCare Customer Help Desk

EasyCare Bargain Bin Update

It's time to shop for a great deal!  EasyCare has added several items to the Bargain Bin so be sure to check it out. There may be something in the bin for that special friend or family member for the upcoming holiday! We offer great prices on discontinued items here

EasyCare will list seconds and discontinued product  at reduced prices. All product will be listed at 1/2 price and will not be covered by the standard EasyCare warranty. Note: Bargain Bin items are NEVER included in any of our sales. All sales are final, no returns. All bargain bin items have a permanent marking. Please note, all items are in new, unused condition. Bargain bin items are available through the website only. All the EasyBoots and EasyBoot Epics listed were manufactured after 2005. Sizing has changed from the pre-2005 model boots and you must remeasure.

Few Pictures from Tevis

Here are just a few of the pictures taken at Tevis. It was several busy days with the EasyCare team glueing boots on some of the race horses. All of our first time team members who attended were certainly amazed at how this event functions. They have a new found respect for horse, rider and event managers for putting on this great race. Kudos go out to our team members for all of their great help with assuring that  EasyCare   had a very successful presence at this year's race event.

 

  

  

Boots & Pads Tips

Below is an article from our July newsletter by Maria Siebrand of the Thoughtful Horseman.  Maria has a website, a newsletter and a blog.  Here are some tips from her about booting.  The EasyCare newsletter has many helpful tips and informative articles like this every month. If you have not yet subscribed to the EasyCare newsletter you can click here to sign up now so you do not miss anything!

Boots & Pads

With a very rare exception, I will fit your horse with boots and pads the day I pull your shoes.  You may find that you never need to use them, or you may find that they are a necessary part of the shod-to-barefoot transition.

At any time, if the horse moves more comfortably with the boots and comfort pads than without them, you should use them.  It is critical that the pads are used with the boots; without the pads, the hard, flat surface of the inside of the boot acts as a peripheral loading device, and only the hoof wall carries the weight of the horse, much like a horse shoe.  Pressure and release to the sole of the foot and the frog are essential to proper hoof function, and therefore pads are essential.

Keeping boots clean, fresh and in good operating condition prevents rubbing and prolongs the life of the boots and pads.

Boots and pads can be hosed off in the washrack.  Be sure to take the pads out of the boots and thoroughly clean both the inside of the boot and the pad.  Let both dry thoroughly before using.

Once dry, sprinkle the inside of the boot with a little Gold Bond Foot Powder to freshen the boot, discourage bacteria and fungus, and also to help the boot slip easily over the heel bulbs.

To keep the wires in Epics sliding freely, spray the "loop" ends inside the boot with a little WD40.

It's a good idea to buy a spare set of pads; when one pair looks very flattened, pull them out and put in the new ones, but don't throw away the old ones just yet!  Put them aside for a few days, and they regain their sponginess.  If the pads become torn or have holes in them, they do need to be replaced.  Cleaning sand, dirt and grit out of the boots after every use preserves the life of the pads.

Most of the parts on the Easyboot, Epic, Bare, and Edge boots are replaceable and inexpensive.  The neoprene and velcro gaiters are usually the first thing to succumb to 1200 lbs of horse, but don't despair; they can be replaced.

Preventing rubbing to the hoof wall or heel bulbs 

If the tongue of the boot (plastic piece that comes up across the toe/dorsal wall on an Easyboot, Epic or Bare boot) comes up too close to the coronary band, it can be trimmed back with a pair of scissors.  Likewise, if the tongue rubs the wall excessively.

Heel bulb rubbing/irritation can be mitigated several ways.  Try a single layer of vet wrap around the affected area, zinc oxide ointment (diaper ointment), or slide a tube sock or a ladie's knee high stocking over the hoof before putting the boot on.

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.                                                               

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

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

Pete Ramey's New Tool Box

Carry your boots the Pete Ramey way! Here is a great idea from Pete Ramey for all you hoof care practitioners  and trimmers to store and carry your inventory of new EasyCare boots!

Pete says this box works great - he added 1/4" plywood dividers and he said it is perfect to hold all sizes of Easyboot Gloves  and Easyboot Glue-On's. 

Click here to visit Pete Ramey's website.

EasyCare HCP Spotlight - Nichole Rockett

Below is an article from the Lahaina News about Nichole Rockett, one of EasyCare's hoof care practitioners located in Hawaii!  You can find her or someone in your area listed in our HCP locator by clicking here.

Following a peer review, West Sider Nichole Rockett recently earned membership status in the Pacific Hoof Care Practitioners (PHCP) organization and, at the same time, was certified in the trade.

PHCP is a regional (Western United States) support network and educational foundation for hoof care professionals and horse owners based on a holistic approach to equine hoof care.

Membership qualifications for the PHCP are stiff, and acceptance is based on training in non-invasive trimming methods, education and experience.

Rockett attended Farrier School at Montana State University, graduating with a certificate in 2000.  She served as an apprentice under Master Farrier Jim Sage at Cowboy Trail Rides operating out of Las Vegas, with responsibilities for the hoof maintenance and overall care of the 130 horse ranch for over a year.

Since then, the 29-year old island girl has operated a horseshoeing small business in both Portland, OR and now on Maui, with an established base of island-wide clientele.

Her approach to hoof care took a natural turn from the steel horse shoe method to the bare hoof trim in 2005.

"A good friend and client introduced me to the bare foot trim  alternative several years ago.  Challenged to learn all that I can about not only bare foot trim but all natural methods to care for our equine friends, I have been reading voraciously, attending clinics and conducting Internet research, " she said.

In an article penned by Dr. Tomas G. Teskey, D.V.M., Rockett learned, "Given the latest exciting hoof research, the finest in hoof care today is focusing on maintaining normal hoof form and function to achieve optimum health: ensuring the hoof can flex in all directions to handle the terrain; promoting fluid movement and circulation; protecting sensitive structures inside the feet and legs; wearing evenly through movement and growing in evenly and strong; and helping engage and sense the environment.

"These are all achievable with natural hoof care and impossible using steel shoes or improper trimming," the author added.

Last year, Rockett enrolled in a four-day clinic in California.  Two 12-hour classes were spent with  Pete Ramey, one of the world's leading bare hoof trimmers; and she participated in a two-day clinic with  Dr. Robert Bowker, VMD, Ph.D., from the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation at Michigan State University and Michigan Equine Podiatry and Laminitis Research Center.

Rockett wrote about what she learned in California on her website: "In just four days, I had a mind-opening, educational experience like no other in my life.  The way I perceive the horse will never be the same.  The traditional style of horsemanship needs to move into the 21st century, with the health of the horse first and foremost in mind."

Rockett's quest for knowledge continued this past summer with attendance at a "Boot Fitting Clinic" on the West Coast.  "Not all horse's can easily go from shoes to barefoot," she explained.  "Boots help with the transition."

Rockett also represents the EasyCare Inc. horse boot product line.

"Lahaina is an ideal environment for barefoot horses because of the very arid climate we have here," she said.

For more information, visit Nichole's website at www.rockettranch.com or call her at 808-298-3946.

Hoof Boots: Crutch or Tool?

The following article written by Thorsten Kaiser,Institute for Barefoot Equine Management is in the current Winter issue of the Horse's Hoofmagazine.    If you would like to read the other informative articles available in this issue, click here to subscribe!

On the Barefoot journey with our horse, many of us have asked the question:  Are we still Barefoot if we use hoofboots?  The answer is not a simple yes or no, however.  This article will clarify the different aspects to consider.

When we look around and see the hooves of successful barefoot horses, we see tough hooves that have nice concavity, tough frogs, no white-line issues, and strong hoof walls-they just look great.  Those horses seem to be confident and sure-footed over any terrain, without any hoof protection.  However, in many cases those hooves have not always been so healthy.  In order to get where they are now, they had to go through two phases:  Transitioning and Conditioning.

In the Transitioning phase, the unhealthy hoof, stimulated through movement and a style of trimming that restores hoof function, will change to a healthy situation and grow stronger.The photos to the right show the comparison of a hoof at the beginning and end of transition.  At the start, the hooves display flare in the hoof wall, underslung heels, bars that are long and pushed forward over the sole, distorted/curved coronet, thin soles, poor concavity, and contracted heels.  All these symptoms are the result of incorrect lever forces acting on the hoof, causing distortion and reduced horn quality and quantity.  Simply applying a hoof boot to this situation without addressing the underlying problems will not lead to long-term success.  While correct trimming aims to remove those lever forces, the horse needs time to heal and grow a healthy hoof.  In response, the horse moves carefully and sensitively over slightly rough or lumpy terrain.  The horse, in order to control the impact and loading of the sensitive parts of the hoof, often chooses a toe-first landing over the desired heel-first landing of a sound horse.

Properly fitted hoof boots create a firm but yielding environment with no lumps and bumps that can cause excess pressure to the transitioning hoof.  The horse quickly gains confidence in putting the foot down and using it correctly.  As a result, you get a happier horse that moves more correctly, and therefore transitions to a healthier hoof a lot faster.  You also get a happier horse owner who now will ride the horse more often, and the increased movement will also speed up the Transition to Barefoot.  At the end of the Transitioning phase we have a horse that has developed healthy hooves and is sound on the terrain it lives on.

In order to get the horse sound over gravel roads, rocky tracks, riverbeds, etc. it now has to go through the Conditioning phase.  This means gradual and consistent exposure to these types of grounds, so the hooves have a chance to get tougher.  Ultimately, the goal is to ride your horse over a variety of terrain without any hoof protection.  However, depending on where you live and how much time you have for riding, it may not be possible to truly condition the hooves properly for the rougher terrain.  In this case, the use of hoof boots will allow you to access more challenging terrain, without compromising the important heel-first landing.

Hoof boots, when used in conjunction with trimming that restores proper hoof function, can be a helpful tool to speed along the Transitioning phase and can be essential to keeping healthy hooves moving over rougher terrain when Conditioning is not possible.

Easyboot Edge Update!

Watch out - we are getting near the edge - the new Easyboot Edge that is!  The Edge is about done and will be going out to our Team Easyboot members soon for additional testing. 

The Edge "EasyKey" makes install and removal quick and easy.  Listed below are the main differences between the Epic and the Edge.

1.  Edge has no cable.  The cable on the Easyboot Epic can fray over time.

2.  The Edge buckle system is very low profile and eliminates interference.

3.  The Edge has no internal hardware.

4.  The Edge opens much further for easy application and removal.

To keep up to date on the latest developments on the Easyboot Edge, go to our blogs and click on  " From the Horse's Mouth".

ABC Barefoot Trimming & Hoofcare Clinic Nov 7-9

EasyCare is happy to spread the word about a barefoot trimming and hoofcare clinic coming soon!  It will be held in the Eureka, CA area and presented by Cheryl Henderson and Laura Vaughan of ABC Hoofcare on November 7-9, 2008.  Participants will learn anatomy, discover how to trim the hoof by understanding the internal structures, and how the capsule can affect them.  They will also learn tool handling and trimming techniques, as well as getting hands on education.  If you would like more information regarding this clinic, please find information at their website by clicking here.

Brenda Lee and Her Boa Boots

If you have ever wondered about the functionality of boots on large draft type horses, just watch this video on the use of  Boa boots on a Shire mare. The boots are actually helping her with comfort because of an incident that occurred from steel shoe use.

To see how awesome Brenda moves with the boots on, is very exciting! She wears a size 7 Boa boot, and that is a really large boot. The largest size that we make at this time is size 8 in the Boa boot style. These success stories are what keeps EasyCare striving to come up with styles and sizes to accommodate the large variety of equine sizing out there.

Thank you Brian Reid and Brenda for sharing your success!

Tips for Booting Mules

Since there are a lot of mule lovers out there, we have included the article below in our September newsletter on tips for booting your mules.  There is also a special page on our website for all you "long ear" lovers.  It includes tips, photographs and special links that can answer your questions about hoof care. You can click here to see our new mule page.

Mules typically have longer feet than horses, as measured from the toe to the heel buttress.  In addition, they also have steeper angles and larger heel bulbs.  The three biggest challenges that you will face when booting are; sizing the boot, getting the gaiter to fit over the heel bulbs and determining what you can and cannot adjust.

1.  Of all the boots we offer, Bares and Epics work the best.  We have heard success stories with Old Mac's (when used with inserts) but not to the extent of the other two boots.

2.  Proper fit, of course, is of the utmost importance.  (We will talk about the gaiter later.  Later Gaiter!)  Know how to measure and do it twice right after a fresh trim.

3.  Look carefully at the size chart.  The upper end of the measurement on the chart is the actual physical dimension of the inside of the boot.  For example, a size 1 Epic/Bare boot is 4 7/8" wide and 5 1/8" long.  The boot will be too wide if your length exceeds your width by more than one size on the chart.  If this is the case with your mule, we do not recommend the boots.

The Dao of Hoof Care - Thoughts on the Shoes vs. Barefoot Debate

The EasyCare August newsletter has a very informative article written by Dr. Christine King on the shoes vs. barefoot debate.  If you have any interest in this topic, you have probably read numerous articles on the subject already!  What makes this piece different, is the focus is on one particular aspect of the structure and function of the horse's foot that doesn't usually make it into the debate: the sensory functions of the hoof.

Remember, as the article states at the end, some horses cannot comfortably go barefoot completely and may need the protection, support or traction afforded by a well chosen boot.

To read the article in it's entirety click here.  If you have not signed up for our monthly newsletter and would like to click here.

Transitioning to Barefoot? - 8 Keys for Success!

A lot of customers I talk with everyday have heard of the barefoot horse from other horse owners and really want to do it also, but aren't really sure what steps to take to accomplish this. Listed below are some tips from Jay & Q at High Performance Hooves that will ensure a successful transition. If you would like more detailed information on each of these tips, or an abundunce of other great information for transitioning to barefoot; please visit the High Performance Hooves website at www.highperformancehooves.com. 

As always, EasyCare can answer all of your questions regarding transitioning to barefoot such as sizing on Easyboots,the difference between the Epic and the Bare boot or even which boot is right for your horse. You can contact us by clicking here or calling 1-800-447-8836.  Happy Trails!

1.  Be Patient. Your horse will need time to transition, it will not happen overnight.  In some cases it could take a year or more.

2. Purchase hoof boots and pads. Use boots and pads when needed. If your horse in any way shows tenderness in it's feet, USE YOUR BOOTS!

3.  Keep your horse trimmed on a regular basis. This means even in the winter when you do not ride. Expect to have your horse trimmed every 6-8 weeks.

4.  Feed your horse the least amount of sugar (non-structural carbohydrate) as possible. Don't worry, your horse will not starve. Feed a diet of grass hay and minerals that are required for your horse's health and clean water.

5.  Place pea gravel in an area your horse must walk through daily.  This location will usually be around the water tank. Pea gravel stimulates the sole, frog and digital cushion.

6.  Use your horse.  A stationary horse is not using its' feet. Do not force movement of your horse, but, promote it. 

7.  Clean your stalls and paddock areas. The best tool for preventing and curing hoof fungus and thrush is a shovel. 

8.  Learn about the Barefoot trimming process.  Learn to identify a healthy foot, a divergent hoof angel, etc..

EasyCare July Newsletter

The EasyCare newsletter for July is now on our website! If you are already signed up for it, you know what great information and helpful tips you can find in our newsletter.  If you are not yet a subscriber, you can click here to sign up now so you don't miss out!

Along with other articles, this month we are featuring a piece on Gaited horses and EasyCare boots.  If you have a Gaited horse and would like to share your experiences with Easyboots, click here to submit your testimonial (please include a picture).

See you on the trail!

Trail Riding with Bare Hooves in Arizona's Rocks and Sand

We have been trying very hard to provide any type of educational blogs regarding being barefoot.  This is only one of the many steps you have to take to educate yourself on allowing your horse to be barefoot.   Education is learning from the experience of others, so this article is from another aspect of going barefoot.  This person is not a vet nor a farrier but can still help educate others based on her own experience for deciding to go barefoot. 

This experience comes from Julie Drown who transitioned her horses after the advice of friends, her hoof care practitioner and the educational material she was recommended to read.    After riding her gaited horse with other gaited non-shod horses, she realized that with their speed even on rough terrain, why not check it out.   Her friends recommended one of Tucson's own hoof care practitioners "Courtney Vincent".   Courtney then recommended she read a number of barefoot articles before removing her horse's shoes. 

Based on their own experience, her friends offered this advice: “If you want your horse to go barefoot, we recommend looking for a trimmer or farrier who’s been specifically trained in shoeless trimming.” They chose Courtney because she’s had extensive training and she respects the natural shape of the individual horse’s hooves rather than trimming them into a predetermined shape.   EasyCare does the search for you.  Click on our Hoof Care Provider to see if there is one in your area.

Of course after removing the shoes and doing their initial trim, Julie had Courtney help her fit some new boots for her horses.   Some of her horse's didn't need the boots for long and were ready for the Arizona rocks and sand, while others still need the boots for their ouchy toes.  Any boot that you may need can be found here at EasyCare Inc.  Your first question would most likely be: "Which boot ?" and we have the answers to that question under our Educational link.

  You really need to read her article on her own experiences for going the barefoot way.   She is really pleased with her horses' performance since she took that plunge and they are really jumping for joy at their barefoot freedom.

Spring Is In The Air

It's that time of the year folks! Let's get our horse's booted and out on the trail. There are several types of hoof boots to choose from here at EasyCare or choose a dealer near you. If you are new to boots here is a great link to show you how to measure for them correctly.  You must not forget to carry plenty of water, so check out our stowaways for a quick and easy way to access all your pack needs. There are some great trails to head out on, and the weather is great here in Tucson. Lola thinks so too as she gazes at the beautiful blossom on one of the cacti in her yard.   

2008 Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio

EasyCare employees, Cathie Hook and Shari Murray recently attended the 2008 Equine Affaire held in Columbus, OH on April 10 thru April 13, 2008.  The event was held at the Ohio Expo Center.  Besides the many vendors selling horse tack, saddles, clothing, feed supplements and more, there were several clinics that guests could attend.   Some of the guest speakers included Ronald Anders, DVM, CVA, Bob Blackwell, Clinton Anderson and Dan Moore, DVM.

Despite the typical Ohio weather (highs in the 40's and rainy), we had over 650 guests drop by our EasyCare booth.  Many people had questions on how to measure for boots or which boot was best for them. A lot of people just stopped by to tell us how much they loved their EasyCare products!

Some of our product dealers that attended were Action Rider Tack and Synergist Saddles so we were able to direct those customers that wanted to purchase Epics, Boas, Old Macs, Stowaway packs or EZ Ride Stirrups to their booths. 

We want to thank everyone who stopped by for their support of EasyCare products.    

Easyboot Grips and Easyboots handle both Snow and Ice

EasyCare Dealer, Jenny Bertrum owner of Cheyrock Tack in Benson, VT hasn't let a little snow or ice stop her from enjoying the Vermont weather.  Jenny recently sent this great picture of her mare, Mirabella, to us with a brief testimony. 

Here is a photo of my eight-year old 1/2 Trakehner mare wearing her Easyboots with studs in the front and Grips with studs in the back. We have done 12-mile drives, at about 8 mph, every weekend for the last three weeks with no problems with twisting or coming off without the gaiters. I am thrilled, to say the least. I know the picture isn't calendar worthy, but thought you might like it anyway.  Jenny

Jenny has had no problems with her boots twisting or coming off.  Sizing your boots correctly is one way to be assured that you have no issues with lost boots or rubbing.   Be sure to take your measurements directly after a fresh trim.

We also enjoy hearing from both our dealers and our customers.  Submit your testimonial for a chance to win a pair of Epics.  You can also have the opportunity to submit your picture for our 2009 calendar. 

EasyCare Testimonial Easyboots and Grip with Studs

Below is a testimonial sent in by one of our dealers; Jenny from Cheyrock Tack in Benson, VT.

Here is a photo of my eight-year old 1/2 Trakehner mare wearing her Easyboots with studs in the front and Grips with studs in the back.  We have done 12-mile drives, at about 8 mph, every weekend for the last three weeks with no problems with twisting or coming off without the gaiters.  I am thrilled, to say the least.  I know the picture isn't calendar worthy, but thought you might like it anyway.

Jenny

EasyCare Help Desk Answer to Customer Question on Old Mac

Recently, a customer sent a question to the EasyCare Help Desk regarding a problem he was having with his Old Mac G2 boots.

Q - "I purchased a pair of the G2's and used them for ten days.  The coronet at the rear of the hoof on both front legs was rubbed raw.  My horse is low in the heel and I can't seem to be able to lower the placement of the strap.  Do you have any suggestions; am I doing anything wrong?"

A - "Check to make sure your inside strap is not too tight or too loose.  Also, putting one of our 1/2" comfort pads in the bottom of the boot would help to lift the heel.  You could also vet wrap the pastern before putting on the boots and make sure you are using the gaiters.  I have attached a link of tips for the Old Mac boot from our website here."

The customer e-mailed back: "Thank you very much for your reply.  The video link showed me what I was doing wrong.  Thanks again!"

If you have a problem or a question for the EasyCare Help Desk, click here and we will be happy to help you.

Holiday Shopping at EasyCare for Your Family and Friends

Online shopping has increased since the Internet became part of the modern world, and EasyCare has just what you need for that great gift.   Not only do we have hoof boots ,but we also have Stirrups, Shear Comforts, Stowaway Gear, Packs, Videos, and Apparel.  There are also some great stocking stuffers such as boot accessories and comfort pads.   Want to be able to give a special boot, check out the Custom Boots available thru the Internet only.

If you purchase 4 or more boots (Bargain Bin and Custom Boots excluded), a quantity discount will apply.   Since the Old Mac's and Boa Boots are sold as a pair, this is considered 1 boot.  Mix and match your boots to still receive that quantity discount.  For example, buy 2 Easyboot Epics for your own horse and two more Easyboot Soakers for your best friend and get that quantity discount!  4 or more boots must be purchased at the same time from EasyCare to be eligible for a quantity discount. 

Don't know what to get, simply give us a call at 1-800-447-8836 and request a gift certificate be sent to you or directly to the individual of your choice. 

Please remember to shop early since EasyCare will be closed for the Holiday Season from December 22nd thru January 6th, 2008.  We will be back to service all your needs on January 7th, 2008.

Educational Articles

Just a reminder that EasyCare has some wonderful educational articles.

And if you don't find an answer to any question you might have, please feel free to call our toll free number at 1-800-447-8836 and any one of our Customer Service Agents will be very happy to help you!

New Summer/Fall Issue of "The Horse's Hoof"

If you have not had a chance to read the new Summer/Fall edition of "The Horse's Hoof" you should beg, borrow or steal a copy!  It is the ultimate barefoot hoofcare magazine and features many interesting articles on barefoot trimming, barefoot health and barefoot education as well as an article called "Choosing the Right Hoofboot" which features EasyCare's own Easyboot Epics, Easyboot Bares, Old Mac's G2's and our Boa boot.  EasyCare will be including a copy of "The Horse's Hoof" in every order we ship until our supplies are depleted.

If you would like a subscription, you may contact them at www.TheHorsesHoof.com