EasyCare Customer Help Desk

Mystic Vision and Epics

    

Here is a customer testimonial about another happy horse!  This was sent to EasyCare  by Gayle and her horse Mystic Vision in his Easyboot Epics. Gayle is especially thankful for her wonderful trimmer - Pat Burton from Hoof Pros who suggested EasyCare hoofboots instead of shoes.  Thank you Gayle and Pat!

"Pat has been our farrier for about 16 years.  He was first recommended to us by our veterinarian when my daughter's 10 year old show gelding foundered.  Pat put heart bar shoes on him and kept him showing and going for 14 more years.  Taj's life and usefulness was greatly extended by Pat's care.  We recently had a stallion founder and Pat came to the rescue, this time with pads, boots and sole spray.  Even though the gelding did very well with shoes, the boots and pads are a dramatic improvement.  I had to make sure I had bute on hand every time Taj was shod to ease the pain of pounding on his feet.  The stallion is not subjected to that painful procedure.  There was a dramatic improvement after the first week of being treated with the boots as he progressed from nearly crawling to walking soundly, barefooted.  After only a few more months of treatment, he now trots, canters, bucks, and kicks like he used to - only barefooted!  We are all most appreciative, especially Mystic Vision, and consider it a privilege to have Pat care for our horses."

Getting Ready for Winter Riding

With winter just right around the corner - I know for some of you it seems like it is already here - it is time to think about winterizing your hoof boots. The EasyCare  studs are designed for durability and ultimate traction, and are great for riding on ice, mud or turf.   You can add our studs to any of our boots, (except the RX and soaker). At the Kentucky North American Championship ride our Swiss EasyCare distributor, HoofGroove added studs to the EasyCare Glue-on boots (see picture above) with a unique stud system developed for the grass and slippery conditions found in Switzerland.  The studs were a great success!  Sibylle Krieg of HoofGroove has a great deal of experience with studs and has been providing horses traction with her stud system for years. you can read more about that here.

Our studs now come in regular (3/4") and long (1"). For the bigger size boots (size 5 and up) you will need to install the longer studs due to increased sole thickness.

So don't let a little ice and snow stop  you - get out and ride!

Sunny trusts his Easyboot Epics!

Hoof Care Practitioner Dawn Willoughby of 4 Sweet Feet in Wilmington, DE sent us these great pictures from a recent ride through Brandywine Creek with her Thoroughbred rescue Sunny.  He's seen here sporting Easyboot Epics with 12mm firm comfort pads. 

She says, "The Brandywine Creek, which actually can get quite deep and   wide, runs through my riding area.  We criss-cross at many spots.  One area which is about 10 city blocks has sand or tiny rocks so we can trot without fear of the horse tripping on a big rock."  Dawn is currently pursuing trips abroad to further educate others on barefoot hoof care. 

Thanks for sharing your photos with us Dawn!

Barefoot and Boots

Leslie McDougall from Troy, Montana sent us a few pictures of her ride in the Bob Marshall Wilderness....................

"I thought you'd like to see that we made it in to the Chinese Wall in the Bob Marshall Wilderness with Easyboot Epics. My one mare fits well in the size ones and we rode the whole way without losing a boot, even though we went through one real nasty bog hole. Here's a couple pictures....

 

 

I've had great luck with barefoot and boots, especially once I get the right size and type of boot for the horse"

Pete loves his Old Mac G2's and Easyboot Epics!

My wife Brenda and I added "Pete" a 16 year old Appy to our family in November 2008. He had probably been in shoes all his life as evidenced by his small hooves. They were really contracted at the heal as well as the walls.

Within a week of getting Pete home he dropped a shoe and that allowed us to get started on his transition to barefoot. We contacted High Desert Hoof Care's, Leslie Carrig and she pulled the remaining shoes off Pete's hooves. She commented on how small his hooves were and how it was going to be a long process to get his hooves anywhere near normal.

Pete was very tender, especially in the front feet, so Leslie fitted Pete with a pair of Old Mac G2's. She is a master fitter and has a truck load or all types of EasyBoots on her truck.  When she left Pete was sporting the new Old Mac G2's with pads inside and was walking nicely.

During this past 10 months, Leslie has come to our house every 4 weeks to trim and check on Pete (and our other 2 horses). Pete's hooves are now spreading and have almost grown all new hoof. We ride in EasyBoot Epic's with pads now and we are looking forward to Fall and Winter riding.

By this time next year Pete should have grown out an all new hoof again and with the help of EasyCare we will ride anywhere and on any terrain you throw at us.

Thanks EasyCare and High Desert Hoof Care!

This photo is Pete and I at Washoe Lake in Nevada. Pete is wearing his EasyBoot Epic's.

Boots in Action

Easyboot Bare hoof boots

 
    
These horses are wearing Easyboot Bare boots and Easyboot Epics on their journey down the road. If you do cart driving, here is some pictures of horses successfully using boots and being barefoot and lovin' it!!!!!

Easyboot Epic hoof boots. 

EasyCare's 2009 Hoof Boot Contest Update

EasyCare's 2009 Hoof Boot Contest has hit 15,585 miles and counting!  Click here to check out the current standings.  A variety of riders have been seen riding their equine friends sporting their favorite EasyCare hoof boots, including the new Easyboot Glove and Easyboot Glue On!  It's not too late to enter the contest.  Click here for more information.

Happy Riding!

Hoof Boot Upgrade Program

There's still some great riding time left before winter gets here. Trade in your old boots now and get a new upgraded style for 1/2 price. It's the ongoing Hoof Boot Upgrade Program and still going strong. It's simple, fill out the form, pack your old boots up and send them to EasyCare. You can do this once a year per customer. Upgrade to any one of our riding boots, Epics, Bares, Grips, Old Macs, Old Mac G2's, Gloves, Glue-Ons, Boas and Edge's We have all the boots for any of your riding needs!  

See you on the trail!  

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.

Need Help With Boot Fitting?

If you live in Arizona or are planning a trip here this winter......come see us for a free boot fitting. We are here to help you with the correct fit and boot style for your horse. Just give us a call and set up an appointment and we will help you with a boot selection. Call us at 800-447-8836 or local 297-1900.

We have a portable panel area set up and you can unload and then we will measure and try boots on. Once we find the correct fit and style, we will then show you how to install and remove your boots AND then have you do the install/removal so you can be comfortable and knowledgeable when you are at home or on your ride.

Don't forget to bring your old boots to trade in and utilize the Upgrade program while you are purchasing boots from us.

Give us a call and we will get you set for a visit and boot fitting here at EasyCare. We love to meet our customers and their horses!!!!!!

Happy Trails !

Testimonial for Easyboot Gloves and Epics

Diane Bowman of Trinity, North Carolina sent us this great testimonial about her experience with using Easyboot Gloves and Easyboot Epics on a recent ride.

" Just got back from 4 days of riding in the mountains of Virginia, at Mt. Rogers. Tried out the new Gloves on the hind feet of my horse and had my regular Epics on the front. Both styles worked wonderfully. We were riding in horrendous mud, as it had been raining, and terrible rocks, and the horses did great. My friend had regular Epics on her horse. I feel we really put the boots to the test with all the mud and rocks. We are just regular trail riders, not endurance, so maybe this wasn't that big of a test for the boots, but I can't say enough about how pleased we were. I have been using the boots for about 6 years and have always been pleased and my horse has remained comfortable and sound. Thank you EasyCare for these wonderful products."

Diane Bowman

Need a Boot Repair?

We at EasyCare know that some of those trails can get pretty rough so when the buckle on your Epic boot has seen it's last trail, the lace has snapped on your Boa boot or the gaiter on your Glove boot didn't survive that last really rough ride, don't despair!  We have a great boot repair department here at EasyCare.  Of course for the do it yourself customers, the replacement parts and accessories are all available on our website or by calling our customer service department at 1-800-447-8836.  Also on the  website if you click on "Tips" on each boot page you can find videos and instructions for almost every repair you may need.

For those who do not want to do the repair yourself  - or just don't have the time because you would rather be out riding - please call customer service and get a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number before sending any repairs to EasyCare.  The cost for boot repair  is $6.00 per boot labor, the cost of any parts needed and shipping back to you.

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.

Boa Boots to the Rescue

 

My mare picked up a LONG nail, almost 4 inches...and she was never lame. But, we ended up taking her to the Arizona Equine Hospital in Gilbert, AZ. Here's the x-rays of her foot. The nail was in the groove of the frog and totally buried in there. It was basically sticking out against the skin in her pastern. The first vet had us remove the nail which was the wrong thing to do. If this happens to you, LEAVE the nail in there, get the horse to a vet and have it x-rayed so they can see the path. It was diffcult to totally see the final path on my horse because the heel bulb had blown out at this point.

I had to keep a bandage on the hoof for two weeks after the vet cut out the hoof where the nail had gone. I used a "one size too big" Boa boot and a  diaper along with a small amount of vet tape around the pastern so the boot wouldn't rub. I found using the Boa was great as it was easy to get on over the diaper, she never got any rub sores at all and never lost the diaper. Here she is two months later on a trail ride at the North Rim ( Grand Canyon ) wearing her Easyboot Epics. Didn't have a lame step and was glad to be out and about again (so was I)! I don't know where I'd be without my Epics and Boas.

Letha Simmons

Arizona

Good News for Competitive Trail Riders!

The ACTHA (American Competitive Trail Horse Association)  has decided to allow hoof boots that come above the hairline on their rides!  This means riders can now use their Epics, Edges, Bares and Glove boots on these rides.  The NATRC (North American Trail Ride Conference)  still does not allow any type of protection above the hairline, but the ACTHA and a few smaller organizations are starting to allow them. 

Please check with the organization that is sanctioning your ride for the latest information.

"That's My Horse #1" New from Pete Ramey

Here's everyone's opportunity to place their order for Pete's latest DVD "That's My Horse #1" available here http://www.hoofrehab.com/ThatsMyHorse1.htm . Order your 3 disc set now for only $90.00. In this series you will be able to watch each step in the process as Pete tries to help horses grow functional feet. You will see how trimming changes over time. 

You will also see:

1. Application of Equicasts with Comfort Pads

2. Application of Equicasts with Equethane CS

3. Cast Removal

4. Fitting Easyboots Epics with Comfort Pads

5. Fitting Easyboot Gloves

6. Lecture sessions on reversing distal descent of P3, deaing with extreme quarter flares, spotting and dealing with lamellar wedge using radiographs and external landmarks.

Don't miss out, place your orders today you'll be glad you did!

Happy Trails from EasyCare!

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!  

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... 

 

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!

Boa's and Epics..Making Magic's Life Easier

                                                                       I bought Magic (a Tennessee Walker) in May 2007 as a "shod" 12 year old horse.  In the fall of 2007 I decided to try  my shot at transitioning him to become barefoot.  At first I just rode him barefoot on softer trails, avoiding the rockier locations.  Since that was limiting, I began with the Easyboots in the spring of 2008.  I quickly fell in love with the boots.  I could ride ANYWHERE and still have a barefoot horse.  I started with the Boa boots because I was chicken that I couldn't manage the Epics...used the Boas till end of summer 2007, then got brave and tried the Epics.....love them all!  Now after a full year of first Boas, then Epics, Magic has become tougher and I can ride him barefoot on many trails in my area.  Knowing I can slip the boots on whenever in doubt, makes this ongoing process a breeze.

I now have a pair of Easyboot Grips also, which I love in this muddy spring riding season. Whether downhill, uphill or just plain sloshing through a mucky section, the Grips just hang in there, giving Magic firm footing and me peace of mind.  It's unbelievable to see that none of these boots have ever come off.  Some rides we have been through so much mud, I can't even see the boots!!  After digging the mud off, there they are!

I am now working on riding Magic barefoot, even more frequently, entering into our second year without shoes.  Thank you so much EasyCare for a great product and the services you offer!!  Recently I sent an Epic in to have a new cable put on.  In less than a week, I received the repaired boot!  I am planning on graduating to the new Easyboot Gloves..whenever my Epics wear out.  Might be awhile though, because these are TOUGH boots!  I guess that's the price you pay for making a durable product.

JUDY KOHL and MAGIC - Wilmington, OH    

Customer Testimonial - Isabel Cross Country in Epics

Below is a customer testimonial sent in by the horse's trimmer Jennifer Reinke, an EasyCare dealer and one of our Hoof Care Providers located in El Sequndo, CA.

Here are pictures of Isabel and her rider Caitlin having some fun and doing some cross country training at The Meadows in Moorpark, CA. 

 Isabel had Easyboot Epics on her front feet and was galloping up and down hills, in and out of water and over jumps.  She has had her Epics for about a year and has been using them on trail.  This was the first time she jumped with her Epics, her prior jumps had been in a ring barefoot.

Horse in Italy Uses Epic Boots

Check out the horse in Italy with his Easyboot Epics going through town.

" A Noriker horse in Italy. He drives with his #5 Epic boots."

Best regards,

Franco Belmonte

Where's Lee the Logger ?

Have you wondered where Lee the Logger and his companions have been? Lee and his companions made their way through Colorado in August 2008.  9 News.com did a short video and web article on him at this link . 

His beautiful draft horses are either traveling barefoot or in the Easyboot Epics and doing excellent along their journey.

What an inspiration Lee the Logger and his traveling companions are!