EasyCare Customer Help Desk

Neal Glass Original Easyboots!

                                                                                                                                                                     Look at these old Easyboots!  These pictures are from Randy Winter of Max Tack, an EasyCare dealer in Longmont, Colorado.  The mother of a friend of Randy's said she had some really old Easyboots and was nice enough to give them to him.  Turns out, these boots are originals from Neal Glass.  Boy, Easyboots and EasyCare have sure come a long way!

Thanks Randy for the great pictures!

Glove Boot for Gymkhana

We received a wonderful email about the performance of the EasyCare Glove boot in gymkhana arena work. This is very exciting to hear from customers.........

"I don't have a question, but would like to comment about the Glove boot for gymkhana. I never really felt comfortable using any boot for speed events, but then I purchased the Glove and have really put them to the test. I ride seven gymkhana events at high speeds and have not had any problems with the Glove boot. I am so impressed and would recommend them to anyone riding speed events. Of course, good fit is really critical."

Toody Binder

Golden, Colorado

Thank you Toody, for the wonderful recommendation and for choosing EasyCare Glove boots for yourbarefoot horse.

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!

    

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!!!!!!

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!  

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!

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.

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

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.

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!

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.  

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!

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!

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    

2009 Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio

EasyCare employees, Cathie Hook and Tara Kelly attended the 2009 Equine Affaire in Columbus, OH April 2 thru April 5th.  The event was held at the Ohio Expo Center and housed a variety of vendors.  This was definitely your one stop shopping place for horse tack, saddles, clothing, jewelry, feed supplements and more.  This years show even introduced a Canine Affaire with vendors selling goodies for your favorite pooch!  In between shopping trips guests could attend a variety of clinics for both horses and dogs. 

Over 600 guests dropped by the EasyCare booth to see what was new.  Most people just had to see  our new boots, the Easyboot Glove, Easyboot Glue On, Easyboot Edge and Easyboot RX in person.  They were quite impressed with the new boots and loved the idea of the  Fit Kit!  Of course we had a lot of visitors just stopping by to tell us how much they love our products and to keep up the good work!

We also had the opportunity to see The Pfizer Fantasia A Musical Celebration of the Horse.  The evening displayed equines from smaller horse breeds through large draft breeds doing some pretty impressive stuff with their handlers.  From acrobatics to miniature donkey chariot races we saw it all!  If you missed it this time be sure to check it out next year! 

Remembering Ray Hunt

We at EasyCare would like to extend our sympathies to the Hunt family on the recent loss of their loved one Ray. The great and gentle person that he was inspired everyone who knew him or was familiar with his life in the equine industry. Ray dedicated his life to helping others and was known the world over for his pioneering methods. The clinics grew to epic proportions and Ray was there to help people and horses both domestically and internationally. Ray earned many recognitions for his achievements including the Top Hand Award, being inducted in to the California Reined Cow Horse Hall of Fame in 2004 and being named the first Western Horseman of the Year in 2005. He will truly be missed. You may visit his website at www.rayhunt.com.

New Easyboot Glove Boots

The Easyboot Glove boots are available through EasyCare ( the manufacturer) and also several of our dealers. Please check with your local tack stores or the many catalog tack stores to see if they have what you are needing. You can also go to our website and locate a dealer or practitioner who can provide product and knowledge at the same time.

The simplicity of the Glove boots make them the ultimate riding boot. No inside or outside hardware to deal with. They fit like a "glove"!!!!  That is what will help to keep debris, sand and mud out of your boots and make the journey much more comfy for your horse.

Please make certain to measure in millimeters for correct sizing. We also suggest one of our Fit Kits to minimize the back and forth freight costs of getting the wrong sized boots from the start. The Glove boots have a really great tread on them also to give you the needed traction for those out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere, stress reducing trails that we all enjoy! Half the stress relief is the fact that you have no hardware to deal with......you can put the boots on and concentrate on your ride.

EasyCare offers a 30 day money-back guarantee on all styles of our boots.....so I say...try them, you WILL  like em!  You can't lose, with EasyCare boots!

 

Mule in Easyboot Gloves

Here is a picture of "Box Car Willy" a gaited mule wearing his size 00 Easyboot Gloves!  Leslie Carrig, one of our hoof care practitioner dealers serving Carson Valley in northern Nevada sent us this picture.   Visit her website  High Desert Hoofcare for more information.  Thanks Leslie for the  picture!  Long ears in Gloves....awesome!

Equine Affaire- Columbus, Ohio

EasyCare is hitting the road again!  We'll be at Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio April 2nd thru April 5th.  Stop by booth #715 in the Bricker Multi-purpose Building at the Ohio Expo Center to say hello.  We'd love to see you!

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.

Gloves and Grips Working Together

Take a look at these great shots of the Glove Boots in Action. These words and pictures come from Ann Szolas (Barefoot HoofCare) and her horse Cory wearing Grip Boots in the front and Gloves in the back. It really was impressive to Ann to see that they stayed on his super narrow hind feet, the  boots were great through the whole ride!

I love those Gloves!  I can't believe how great they stay on in all kinds of awful stuff.  I have raced, crossed a river with a sinky bottom, scrambled out of the same river up a 3 foot vertical silty climb, sunk halfway to his hocks in soft dirt with roots in it, gone through mud and just plain really rough trails.  I have never lost one and only had one get a little twisted once.  I do get mud shoved under one side of the "V" sometimes but it is no trouble.  I LOVE the traction!  It's almost as good as new Grips which I have been using on the fronts.  Can't wait to get my Edges for the fronts! Thank You Ann, EasyCare  thanks you for your great feedback! Happy Trails!

  

          

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.

Oldest Known Horse Farm

This interesting bit of news was found in Science Friday recently http://www.sciencefriday.com/program/archives/20090. Researchers have identified what they say is the earliest known example of the domestic raising of horses. Writing in the journal Science, the researchers describe tracing the origins of horse domestication back to the Botai Culture of Kazakhstan, some 5,500 years ago. The researchers found evidence that horses were harnessed or bridled, and also that the horses were milked at the farm, in the steppe zones to the east of the Ural Mountains in Northern Kazakhstan. Amazing, we continuously find and learn more about these fine creatures. Happy Trails from EasyCare!                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Win a $100.00 Gift Certificate at EasyCare............

We have a TRIVIA contest  at our website   www.easycareinc.com  for the month of March, 2009. Go to our site and answer the question concerning our Fit Kits. Then, send your answers to our marketing department, and all correctly answered entries will be eligible for the drawing. The drawing will be held on April 2, 2009. The winner will be notified that day and posted in our newsletter.

Hmmmmm, what will you buy with your $100.00 Gift Certificate if you win????

 

Last month our website winner was Betty Ingram of Manchester, Massachusetts. She won one FREE pair of new Easyboot Glove boots. Alright Betty!!!!!!

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 and Georgie Girl

Here's a picture of me on my Missouri Foxtrotter gaited horse (I'm the one in the back with a helmet) at big Creek Trail Ride in Hartshorn, Missouri. The lady on the paint Foxtrotter is my riding buddy. She uses Easyboots for spare tires when she looses a shoe.

 

My horse, Georgie Girl, is a coming 9 year old Black Missouri Foxtrotter that I have had since she was 4. I bought her from Valley Springs Foxtrotter Ranch in Black, Missouri.

Georgie Girl was always very sensitive to rocks, even in shoes. One day I was looking at my riding buddy's horses hooves and then Georgie's, and noticed that Georgie had big slits in her frog and in to the bulb area. I started researching it on the internet and found several barefoot horse sites that talked about it being caused from thrush and the only way to get it healed was to remove the shoes. I had been trying with no success for a year with shoes on Georgie.  After my last camping ride in 2005, I had Georgie's shoes pulled. I worked for the next 3 years, trying everything to get those big slits healed. Finally, I was told about Clean Trax  deep hoof cleanser soak to heal the Thrush and White Line disease. I had one Easy Soaker boot from Easycare that I used to do each foot one at a time. After that ordeal, I bought more and soaked them all at one time and finally got the hooves to heal. Hallelujah!

During the time after I had Georgie's shoes pulled, I began the journey of learning how to measure, order and use Easyboots. I have tried them all. I now use Easyboot Bare's on the front and Easyboot Epic's on the back. But, next time I have my horse trimmed, I'm going to measure for the Easyboot Glove. It's been a learning process and at times, an expensive proposition. I tried other brands of boots along the way, and they either didn't hold up or caused Georgie to have swollen legs at the end of the ride. One of the other brands wore through after only 3 hours on the Missouri rock. Thus, I have found the Easyboot Bare's to work best for my gaited horse. I do struggle at times to get them on but ONLY when I don't put them in the sun to warm or put them in hot water. One of the lessons I had to learn along the way.

Along my journey, I even learned to perform the natural trim on my Georgie, but I still do have a trimmer that I use. When Georgie gets her fresh spring trim,I hope to measure her for the Easyboot Glove. I love your products! Keep up the innovative work! I can't wait to see how Georgie does with the Easyboot Gloves! By the way, Georgie gaits better than ever now that her feet are healed!

Candy Pazurek

Hillsboro, Missouri

Epics for Rosa the Mule

  

Who said boots are not for Mules? Wrong, says Rosa shown here sporting her Epic boots. Rosa belongs to Karen Reeves, a hoof care practitioner. 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: 1) sizing the boot, 2) getting the gaiter to fit over the heel bulbs, and 2) determining what you can and cannot adjust to get the boots to fit. Of all the boots we offer, Epics and Bares work the best. We have heard success stories with Old Mac’s (that have inserts), but not to the extent of the other two boots. Below is some general info from EasyCare.

1. Proper fit, of course, is of utmost importance. (We will talk about the gaiter later. Later, gaiter. ) Know how to measure and do it twice right after a fresh trim.
2. 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 boot is 4 7/8” wide 5 1/8” long. The boot will be too wide if your length exceeds the width by more than one size.  If this is the case for your mule we don't recommend the boots. 
3.  It is best if the width and length are in the same size range. If, on the length, you are only slightly over the range (1/8” or so) try the smaller size. If you think that mule might be just a tad too large you can remove the back strap which will give you an extra 1/8”. While lots of people ride without the back strap, it sometimes affects hoof stability in the boot. The hoof is more secure with the back strap, which keeps the toe pushed forward. If you remove the strap, you will have to replace it with tapers to keep the gaiter screws from rubbing the hoof wall.  
4. With mules you have to be especially careful that the boot doesn’t twist. Read up on how to tighten your boot (available in the brochure or on our website.) If you can turn the boot even the slightest bit with the adjustment as tight as you can get it, the boot is not a good fit. Except for the Old Mac’s G-2’s which have inserts, there isn’t a way to shim a boot that is too wide. It will twist.
5. With some mules, the gaiter that comes with the boot will be too small to fit over the heel bulbs. It is possible to install a larger gaiter, with modifications. Karen Reeves, a hoof care practitioner who boots a lot of mules, gives suggestions on her website here. Keep in mind that if you modify your boot you won’t be able to return it.
6. Boots must be snug! If they go on really easy, they’ll come off really easy!
7. You may have a mule that just won’t fit into our boots. Mules with narrow hooves or very large heel bulbs often cannot wear anything in our current line. At this time we are not planning to make a boot specifically for mules, but there might be something in our 2009 boot line up that will accommodate them better. Keep checking in!
8. For more tips on measuring, click here.
9. Fitting tips are listed separately under each boot.

Testimonial - Babe's Boots

My name is Heather Williams and my handsome horse is Babe's Jubilee, a 15-year old registered Spotted Saddle Horse.  The photographer was my loving fiance Jeffrey Rigby who walked/ran the entire length of the 12 mile competition trail to journal our participation.  Babe wears Old Mac G2's with the firm support comfort and frog pads with pastern wraps.

These photos were taken during our participation in the Nokesville Horse Society's Crystal Crown Series Judged Trail Competition on November 2nd, 2008.  The location of the competition was at the beautiful Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, VA.  We had a blast in the competition and told everyone about the benefits of EasyCare products.  We are training for our first 25 mile endurance competition in Spring '09 which we will be running in our Old Mac G2's as well.

Sincerely, Heather Williams & "Babe"

                              

Easyboot Tracks Find the Missing Horse

Here is an experience sent to us by Laura Frerking, who was one of our winners in our 2008 Hoof Boot Contest.

" It was a rather cold night, down to about 20 degrees in Nevada, during an endurance ride. As we were eating dinner by the campfire, it was so bliss, just did my first 50 miles that day, looking forward to the second day. My friend asked me where my horse was. I thought she was joking, but he had gotten loose and had disappeared from camp. Our camp was a rocks throw from Hiway 50, a well traveled road, and we were in high desert with wild horses all around. My horse, Tin Man, a gelding, had on a blanket and his Easyboots.... a sitting duck for a wild stallion. We searched for hours with no luck. When I returned to camp, I realized that I had not taken off his Easyboots and started to track him by the hoofprints left behind.

I lost his trail, it was dark, but in the morning I was able to track him to where someone had him stabled. What a great relief to see him in the stall across the road. Without the Easyboot tracks, I could not have found him, as I had to find his hoofprints over the top of 50 other horses."

Thank you for your great product.

Sincere,

Laura Frerking

Thank you Laura for sharing your experience with us. EasyCare is so happy that our product that is meant to protect your horses's hooves, actually also helped to find him in such a scary situation. We wish you and Tin Man many more happy miles together.

Happy Trails!

 

News from The Horse Corral

Published recently in "The Reflector" newspaper in Battle Ground Washington, is a great article on hoof rehabilitation. It's written about Jerry Huntsinger, owner of JC Farrier Service and all his great work on our four legged friends!

Jerry is passionate about his work, not only is he a farrier but also a hoof rehab specialist. Jerry has been in the business for over a decade, since early childhood he watched his grandfather do similar work and followed in his foot steps. Jerry's work takes him throughout central Oregon and southwest Washington.

Shortly after becoming his own boss, Jerry took notice of many lame horses in the area. He met many people who were unsure of what the future held for their horses's health. Knowing that they needed special help, Jerry went to work! Traditionally a farrier will address a horse's ailment with shoes, Jerry feels that only masks the true problem, much like medications addressing symptoms rather than the root problem. At this point, Jerry dove into research from universities around the world. The results in his studies was learning all about natural hoof care  methods. Testing the new form of hoof trimming on his own horses, Jerry purchased hoof boots that featured a comfort pad inside, allowing the horse to use their feet properly. This way the horse has time to develop a callous on their feet and establish correct body mechanics. While gradually decreasing the amount of time the horse wore the boots, he trimmed the hooves twice a month. He also made sure that they ate an impeccably consistent nutritious diet. He could see the more he followed the natural care steps, the better his horses performed! He could see that his horses were able to regrow a hoof from the hairline to the ground in less than six months, where usually they take twice as long to grow a new hoof.

JC Farrier Service charts the animals progress in a computer system. If a horse owner is willing to give the horse time to go through rehab they will succeed every time. Jerry continues to research and build upon the work of other equine experts such as Jamie Jackson and Pete Ramey, Dr. Robert Bowker and Dr. James Rooney. Also, Jerry teaches his techniques at the Oregon School of Natural Care in Jacksonville, Oregon. 

Jerry adds" Have the hooves trimmed by a professional. People think it's easy, but a farrier performs incredibly detailed work." If you're in need of help call JC's at (360) 521-1679 or (360) 687-4698.  Jerry does make appointments outside regular business hours and works one Saturday a month.

"Thank You Jerry", from EasyCare for a job well done!

   

EasyCare's New Boots Available

We here at EasyCare are very excited to let you know that our first shipment of inventory on our new boots has arrived! We have the Fit Kits available, Easyboot Gloves, Easyboot RX and the Easyboot Glue-On boots.

Place your orders now to be some of the first to get these great new boots in the horse world!!!!

We are selling out fast, so get your order placed at our website or give us a call at 800-447-8836 and we will be most happy to assist you in sizing, styles or whatever your booting needs may be.

Happy Riding........Hope to see you on the trail.....my horse will be stylin' in her new Easyboot Gloves!!!!

   

Guilty on Animal Cruelty Case

Read the latest update on verdicts issued to the two men found guilty of animal cruelty. It all happened last summer when two of EasyCare's Team Easyboot members found the horse while trail riding.

A father and son from Georgia were found guilty Jan. 30 of 21 counts of animal cruelty for overworking and neglecting four horses during a pack trip last summer through the mountains of Montana.

Ravalli County Justice Court Judge Jim Bailey sentenced Craig Heydon to 10 months in jail, with a $5,850 fine. Curtis Heydon was given 11 months in jail and a $6,435 fine. Bailey also ordered the pair to forfeit ownership of the horses to the Bitter Root Humane Association and pay for all rehabilitation costs incurred, as well as boarding fees. The Heydons' lawyer, Matthew Stevenson, filed for an appeal. He was not available for comment.

"It was pretty sweet to hear guilty read 21 times," said Vicki Dawson, director of the Bitter Root Humane Association, the organization that fostered the horses after they were seized.

The two horses that were in the worst condition are doing "really well," according to Dawson. Their corneal ulcers, thought to have been caused by lack of protection from insects, have healed. However, it is still unclear if there will be permanent damage to the animals' hooves.

Dawson estimates the veterinary costs of rehabilitating the horses to be in the thousands.

"The Bitter Root Humane Association is extremely appreciative to the Ravalli County prosecutors for their work in this case," Dawson said.

Additionally, "There are a record number of bills in front of the legislature right now to toughen up animal protection laws in Montana. This sends a message you can't come to Montana and get away with this," she added.

County prosecutor John Bell told the Ravalli Republic, a local newspaper, there is the possibility of developing a plea agreement for the anticipated appeal.

EasyCare donated hoof boots for these horses in order to help in the rehabilitation and protection of their hooves.

Testimonial - Scooter and his Bares

This testimonial was sent in from one of our natural hoof trimmers in Sedalia, CO.  She and Scooter love their Bares!

Scooter and I went to the Parelli Center in Pagosa Springs, CO last September for a Fluidity Riding course.  We're still developing our partnership, so I had great plans for our time there.  Since I'm a natural trimmer and an EasyCare dealer, I couldn't help but notice many of the other horses were also barefoot and the rows between the pens were lined with carrot sticks, fly spray and a variety of EasyCare boots. 

Scooter has a set of Bare boots for all 4 feet that I use while riding in extremely rocky terrain.  I didn't expect to need Scooter's boots since the Parelli grounds are pasture, hard packed dirt and deep sandy play areas.  But from the first day on, Scooter was tender on the dirt roads.  I didn't expect this since we ride on hard pack all the time.  I was so relieved to have his Bare boots with me since they allowed us to participate in all activities without discomfort.  I realized afterward that Scooter was suffering from stress induced laminitis, a common occurrence with hauling and boarding horses in new environments.  The evidence emerged a few weeks later in the form of a horizontal "event ring" descending from the cornet band around both front hooves.  This is a indicative of a laminitic episode.

Scooter wore his Bare boots on both fronts, all day, every day without exception.  They are a perfect fit and the tread pattern worked well on the Colorado trails.  There was never any evidence of rubbing and no sign of lameness, as long as the boots were on.

Our two weeks at the Parelli Center was the horse experience of a lifetime.  Some of the moments were captured by Parelli professional photographer, Coco.  The photos came out great since Scooter and I always seemed to be smiling.  Thank you EasyCare for Scooter's Bare boots and comfort pads!

Gail Snyder

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                 Photography Copyright Coco All Rights Reserved

                

 

Peanut Pictures

Below are some great pictures sent to us by our customer, Michele Lesage of Montreal, Canada. These are pictures of her pony Peanut.  Peanut is 7 1/2 years old and Michele has had her since she was 5 months.  You can see in the picture with the sleigh, that Peanut has on her Easyboot Epics.  You can see by the pictures that Peanut gets around, she was even on her local news!

Thanks Michele for sharing the great pictures of Peanut and for your support of EasyCare!

   

Peanut in her Easyboot Epics.

   

Peanut at the Canada Day parade.

 

Peanut winning first place in the Halloween contest.

 

Peanut last spring at the NHL playoffs.

EasyCare Newsletter - Listen Up!

Listen Up Everyone! If you haven't signed up for EasyCare's monthly newsletter, now's the time. It's easy, click here. Don't miss out on important info about our products old and new. It is also a great opportunity to stay up to date on everything that is happening here at EasyCare! 

   

Win a Free Pair of Easyboot Glove Boots in February

If you want to win a FREE pair of new Easyboot Glove boots, just do your shopping at our EasyCare website! Each $100.00 or more order that you place, entitles you to be automatically entered in our drawing to win one pair of Gloves in the size of your choice. Unlimited entries throughout February will make your chances better! The winner will be drawn the first week of March and awarded the boot size of their choice.

The new Easyboot Glove boots are really proving to be our easiest boots yet for installation and removal. Very user friendly and horse pleasin' without a doubt. No hardware inside or out, makes these boots the greatest horse boot out there!

Let all your friends and family know about this great special. This is your chance to start shopping for your 2009 riding season and getting a bonus to boot. Read all about these great new boots on our many blogs and updated website information. Give us a call if you need any assistance with placing your orders or have questions about any of our products. We are here to help you with your booting needs.  800-447-8836   or visit  www.easycareinc.com

     

Comfort Pads Now Available in 3 Densities!

Give your horse more comfort and support in each step!  The  EasyCare Comfort Pads, both the 12 mm and the 6 mm are now available in three densities - soft (green), medium (black) and firm (red). The pads come in sizes Small (fits boot sizes P-2) and Large (fits boot sizes 3-7).  They are available in a style to fit the Old Mac boots as well.   The 6 mm pad may be used by itself or stacked in any desired combination for your custom application and is great for modifying boot fit.

These pads increase heel comfort so that all horses-sound or unsound-are encouraged to move correctly.  We have found that Comfort Pads are especially beneficial for any horse that is ridden.  The pads can also be used to help improve the fit of the boots while at the same time providing cushioning, additional protection, and frog support to the hoof.  Comfort Pads are an excellent way to help the horse owner successfully transition a horse from shod to barefoot.  Sold in pairs.  When ordering please specify: 1)  Boot style, 2) Boot size, and 3) Pad Density. You can call 1-800-447-8836 to order or click here to order on our website.

Inca Ride-2,000 Mile Charity Ride

     

 A Perthshire, Scotland man, Nick Warner from Bridge of Cally and his two friends, Ed Lines and Phil Sutton are embarking on a 2,000 mile journey from Ecuador to Bolivia on horseback they are calling the Inca Ride.  They will be joined north of Lima, Peru by Quita Collard who will complete the remainder of the journey with them. Quita's Spanish and knowlege of the local area will be essential as the team attempts to cross the Andes.

The trek, which could last more than six months, will take them across deserts, jungles and mountains.  The team is aiming to raise about $40,000.00 US dollars for the Alzheimer's Society and the South African poverty-reduction group, Bruce Org.  The Alzheimer's Society is close to the men's hearts, because their families have been affected by dementia.

The team will be riding three horses and will bring along another two pack horses.  Feeding the horses will be one of their biggest worries.  People have done this before with two horses and people welcome them if they can get enough food to keep them going, but getting food for five horses will be a serious challenge they said.

The team also has the support of the Long Riders Guild and of course their horses will be wearing Easyboot Epics!  The team will be fundraising until their departure in mid-February and beyond.  To check on their progress or to make a donation to their cause click here.  Good Luck from all of us at EasyCare!

Horses Motivate

If you think horses are just for pleasure and riding?, think again!They motivate us all, but especially children in learning to read! That's what the students at Rio Elementary School are experiencing. Reading to horses and loving the fact that they listen and enjoy looking at the pictures the children show them! There are 600  students who descended on the Al-Marah Arabians Farm as part of the Black Stallion Literacy Project they are doing.

The non-profit, which operates in nine states provides participating first-grade classes with a book, "Little Black, A Pony" by Walter Farley of  "The Black Stallion" fame. Schools pay $10.00 per child to participate, they also receive lesson plans. The best part is a field trip to meet the equine stars of the book. There definitely is something about kids and horses and a special bond forged by reading! Happy trails from EasyCare! 

Navicular - Approach to Natural Healing

 In the December 2008 issue of Equus Magazine there is a fascinating article on Navicular syndrome. Take time to read the article in it's entirety and learn about the research and the pros and cons of ways for treating this hoof problem. As part of that effort, some experts have been investigating whether natural hoof care which stresses the importance of trimming and a natural lifestyle versus shoeing can alleviate the pain suffered with navicular. Natural hoof care advocates stress that rather than using egg-bar shoes or other types of corrective shoeing, trimming the hoof in order to return the hoof to it's natural state is the best solution. No one treatment will work for all horses, because of all the different variables in each case. What is certain is that if the only way to treat the syndrome is the conventional way, there would be no interest in trying the natural way to begin with. When it comes down to bare facts, the aim of both traditional shoeing and barefoot trimming is to alleviate the pain in and around the navicular bone. Therapeutic shoeing is done by increasing the angulation of the foot by raising the heels. This is in attempt to decrease pressure on the navicular bone from the deep flexor tendon and to protect the rear third of the hoof from loading pressure. This may provide temporary relief think natural hoof advocates, but will make things worse in the long run. It is believed that lowering the heel is crucial, distributing load bearing across the frog, bars and sole which will encourage the horse to stride normally with the heel hitting ground first.

It is the belief of Dr. Robert J. Bowker, a reknown barefoot advocate that barefoot is the way to go in the treatment of navicular. Dr. Bowker has spent years researching into the physiology and biochemics of the equine foot. He believes that when you raise the heel you have shifted the focal point of the load to a new area but it is only a matter of time when the new area becomes inflamed and then the horse eventually goes down hill again. Even distribution is believed to be of utmost importance, a hoof with a barefoot trim, the frog, bars and sole all share in weight bearing. It is also recommended that the horses be kept on a surface that has enough give to conform to the sole of the foot, but enough firmness to provide beneficial pressure and stimulation to the frog, bars and internal structures. Pea gravel is very suitable to this purpose.

Also in addition in this issue is the story of "Joey" from the Houston Mounted Patrol whose career was nearly ended with his episode of navicular. After the physiological trim he received he returned to soundness and to his duties sometimes wearing hoof boots for protection and cushioning of his still sensitive hooves. He continued to serve the force and today is still sound loving life, retired at a local stable. EasyCare agrees!

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 Glove In Action

 EasyCare's latest addition to the 2009 product line continues to show how well it performs. Countless hours of testing have definitely payed off! The Easyboot Glove successfully completed the 50 mile Endurance Ride at Warner Springs, Ca. last week end. Happy horse and rider as you can see! For everyone out there who has been patiently waiting, orders can be placed January 15 on line, by e-mail or calling 1-800-447-8836 and speaking to one of our friendly Customer Service Reps. In addition to our current line of hoof boots, the Glove and more styles will be available mid to late February. Supply is limited so get your orders in right away. Happy Riding! 

  

WESA TRADE SHOW 2009

The WESA Trade Show held in Denver, Colorado will be January 16-20. This is the show for dealers and company buyers to attend and introduce or buy their new products for 2009.

EasyCare will be there with our new 2009 product line to show first hand!

We will be in booth # EB901 and would love to see our dealers who attend. We also welcome new, prospective dealers to come over and meet us. We will have new dealer forms for you if you are interested in joining our team.

Dealers who place their orders at the show will receive the show special of 10% off. What a great way to see our new boot line and place your order and get a great discount for the start of this year.

We will also be available to answer your questions about boots, hooves and barefoot.

Hope to see you there!

Pete Ramey's "Tools of the Trade" is here!

By popular demand, Ivy and Pete Ramey have put together this 2 disc DVD "Tools of the Trade"  to help hoof care professionals advance their skills with the maintenance of hoof trimming tools and to detail the use of some new hoof protection/rehabilitation methods.  This is not a trimming video but is instead a detailed look at the required equipment.

This video is designed to teach equine professionals and horse owners how to select and maintain hoof trimming tools.  It will teach you to put a razor-edge on hoof knives, loop knives and nippers using files, diamond stones and Dremel tools.  Although intended for professionals, the DVD will also serve as a useful guide to tool selection and care for beginning trimmers.

Using demonstration on cadavers and live horses, Pete shows you how to succeed with glue on-boots, hoof epoxies, hoof casts, pour-in pads, impression material  and cast/pad combos.

The 10 disc set "Under the Horse" should be a prerequisite in all training programs. 

The "Tools of the Trade" video is now available from EasyCare for $45.00 plus shipping.  Hurry supplies are limited!