From The Horse's Mouth

New EasyCare hoof boot videos

We are launching a new series of hoof boot videos that feature different EasyCare team members explaining key benefits of our different hoof boot designs.  The idea is to have a professional yet casual video that gives dealers and  consumers the ability to learn more about the EasyCare Team and at the same time the EasyCare hoof boot line.   

I'm super proud of the team of people that work together at EasyCare.  We have an awesome, hardworking, fun and knowledgeable group.  I hope you enjoy the videos and they give you a chance to learn more about our team.

When the videos are complete they will be located on each products page.  Here is one of the first videos.  Debbie Schweibert talks about the Easyboot Rx. 

Cloudveil

Over the years I've had the opportunity to do many types of activities and outdoor sports.  After years of equine sports, I believe the technical clothing offered to the equine industry is way behind that of the other outdoor industries.  Technical jackets and fleece products have come a long way and are my choice for outdoor equine adventures.  My favorite brand is Cloudveil and my favorite lightweight technical jacket is the BPM. 

Take a look at the Cloudveil Mountain Culture page and a recent post about our summer garden. 

No Time Like Now

My friend Terri and I were planning on a 50 at the local Chalk Rock Ride last weekend. Due to her horse being off, we decided it was no time like the present to take the young girls out for their first "endurance experience". Her mare is a big, beautiful, black 6yo Morab with a fairly quiet disposition. Mine is a smaller, bay, cute 1/2 Arab-1/2 mutt (with lots of Morgan in that half) DR Thunderbask 4yo. Her disposition leaves much to be desired at times (very opinionated alpha mare) and she is known for her quick moves when she spooks or gets in a tizzy because she wants it HER WAY. But when she settles down she is a sweet and fun horse.

Chalk Rock is beautiful, but VERY rocky, as 80% of the ride is on gravel ranch roads. So despite the fact that we were only doing the 10 mile (more like 12 mile) "Fun Ride," we were going to boot them up. Our club has 4 rides a year and all but one offers a fun ride, which is a great way to introduce new riders or young horses to the sport. You get to camp, do a pre and post ride vet check, and ride out on trail with other horses and such. We'd taken the Morab camping before, but not to a ride. And my filly just came back from her first 60 days of training, so was pretty green and goofy... They camped like champs, though the vetting could have been better (note to self, practice lip lifting and gum checking), and on Sat morning we were all set to go.

Well, we had to hand walk the first mile or 2, as they were neck arched and snorting at EVERY log and rock (like they've never seen those before). When we finally got up and moving, it was better, but being stupid and goofy, I sure had my hands full with the 4yo. We had Bares on the Morab, and Epics on front (another note to self...too many of our horses share sizes...need more boots!) and Gloves behind on my filly. The boots did GREAT! Neither of them had a single bad step on all the rock, and the boots stayed put, despite the many attempts at spooks, airs above ground, and jumps over tiny trickles of water my filly tried. I would have thought the boots would come off at the first spool across the road, but nope, they stuck like glue. And neither of the girls stumbled or otherwise felt like the boots interfered with their gaits (which are often already not the most coordinated thing at that age). We got to camp in one piece (and were MUCH calmer at the end of the ride...amazing what miles will do...) and overall it was a great first ride!

So even though it wasn't a "mileage" test as such, the boots got a solid workout and did wonderfully well. We followed that ride with another 12 miles at a local trail yesterday, and this time had twice as much jumping around (including into thick brush, up and down embankments, and into creeks...she is such a goofy kid...has potential for sure, but needs to settle down some :) ), but the boots stayed on until I took them off (Gloves all around this time). And my filly also has "non-standard" feet that are really wide and don't really measure to fit in a Glove, but with the flexibility of the material, they worked fine and didn't rotate or anything. I REALLY like the Gloves!

Natalie Herman

Transition Tuesday Week 8

Play Around:

Feel Free to Tinker With Your Boots!

I spent five glorious days up at my home away from home over the Fourth of July weekend. I am addicted to the trails and to the summer weather at 5,500 feet at the Groom Creek Horse Camp. Knowing the reserved spots were all booked for the weekend, I took three horses and hauled the 2.5 hours up to Prescott on Wednesday afternoon. It seemed to be the most likely way to get one of the ‘first-come, first served’ spots. I pulled into the camp at 4:00 PM and got the last spot. Phew.

The three horses racked up a total of 61 miles and more than 15,000 feet of climbing between them in Easyboot Gloves over the five days – and not one boot went amiss. We rode up sharp climbs and rocky mountain trails; we rode through hail and pouring rain; we rode along single track trails that became small rushing rivers. And the boots stayed on.

Rocky is ready for the trail: the Gloves are naked on the fronts; power straps and athletic tape on the hinds for added security.

One of the greatest barriers for me to go from steel shoes to barefoot was the perception that I did not have the time, inclination or ability to manage a barefoot horse. A steel-shod horse seemed so much easier to manage: the farrier comes to the barn, and presto: your horse is set for the next five or six weeks of riding. Low maintenance is good, right?  Eight weeks into my experiment, I’m not so sure. The horses’ feet now look rounder, more balanced and generally in much healthier condition than they were in steel shoes. The small increase in time and effort has been hugely beneficial to the horses. I also feel like I am in touch with all the various parts of my horse – I can see what is going on with the feet and make changes as I need to. They feel like they are moving more freely and with greater confidence over rocky terrain.

I can remember the not-so-distant days of feeling hesitant about how far I should really cut down the heel strap on the original style Easyboot. And then there was the ongoing quandary about whether or not I should flatten the metal teeth on the inside of the boot. I only used Easyboots in moments of desperation and so never really spent much time or effort on making sure the boots were properly set up for my horse. Ironically, when I rode Tevis in 2007, the only reason we finished is because I slapped a pair of Easyboots over the front shoes at 30 miles. A footsore horse turned instantly into a sound horse, and he took me right to the finish line at the Auburn Fairgrounds.

The new technology of the Glove is impressive: I really like the ease with which I can put the boots on and pull them off without using any tools, or wondering if the boot will help or hinder my horse’s needs. That being said, every horse is built very differently and I am finding a small investment in time and testing can be very beneficial to helping me get closer to achieving my competition goals.

In the case of Redford, now into week three of his transition, the hind boots seemed to be wearing prematurely at the toe area. It looked like perhaps he was forging – albeit quietly – and that the interference might prematurely wear the toe section of the rear boot away. The length of toe on his fronts is still longer than I would like it to be. When his toe comes back under him, his front foot breakover will occur sooner and I think the forging issue will go away.

In the meantime, I decided to play around with the boots this weekend. I confess I’m enjoying the chance to modify things a little to accommodate the subtle differences between each horse. In order to speed the breakover of Redford’s front feet, I rasped some of the tread down on the front of the front boots. I checked a worn boot first to make sure I was not going to compromise the integrity of the boot. I used a farrier’s rasp and spent about 45 seconds on each of the two front boots.

Rasping the front of the front boots at the toe to speed up the breakover.

The result: no more interference! The hind boots showed no sign of undue wear in the toe – we even went on the steepest and rockiest trail we could find to test them. Every horse moves slightly differently, and making a small change to Redford’s boots will improve the way he moves – and prolong the life of the boots.

I also tinkered with a couple of Glue-On shells and turned them into Gloves. In my haste to leave for Prescott on Wednesday I omitted to bring the box of new boots that I planned to use for the weekend. To my horror, all I had when I arrived at camp was some well used (read expired) Gloves and a miscellaneous selection of unused Glue-Ons.

Armed with handy hole punch and Phillips screwdriver, I set about making new Gloves. I unscrewed the three screws on each of the used Gloves so as to remove the gaiter from the boot.

The used gaiter is removed from the used Glove.

I used the hole punch on its thickest setting to punch three holes in the boot. It is easy to tell where to punch the hole because the exact position has a molded indent on the interior of the boot and a little star on the outside of the boot. I then screwed the used gaiter onto the new boot, starting with the screw at the back of the gaiter first. Voila! New boots ready for some tough miles. Total elapsed time: less than 10 minutes per boot.

Punching a hole in the new boot.

Almost finished attaching the old gaiter to the new boot.

The gaiter is now attached.

The converted Glue-On is now a Glove.

I took it one step further by removing the Power Straps from the used boots and re-fitting them to the new boots. I’ve stopped using Power Straps on the front because they don’t seem to need them. I still like the added security of Power Straps on the hind boots, but I have not really experimented without them. I’ll save that for another report.

Removing the Power Strap from the expired Glove.

The modified boots passed their test with flying colors. I enjoyed many miles of tough mountainous terrain, trotting through rocky outcroppings and across tree roots and sections of sharp shale. The hailstorms were exciting the first day, but getting caught in a storm on the second day seemed less novel. The boots did not even budge

Redford out on the trail in the converted Gloves. Not even hail and rain would pull those boots off.

I even had chance to enjoy the parade through downtown Prescott. What a hoot! It was fun to see so many horses in the parade wearing Easyboots. I’m off to Fort Stanton at the end of the week – hoping to ride three days in Glue-Ons.

Happy Fourth of July.

Keep up the boot legging!

Kevin

 

Equine and Human Trade-offs

I like to look at the choice to keep my horses in a healthy barefoot lifestyle to that of a healthy personal lifestyle.  The opportunity to change your horse’s health sounds appealing to all horse owners but at the end of the day this change does require work and effort (reading, research, trial and error, learning, a hands on approach and work).  It’s very similar to changing your personal habits and living a healthier personal lifestyle. Everyone would like to be healthier, everyone would like to eat better, everyone would like to exercise more, everyone would like to drop some extra weight! 

Dave Rabe and one of his healthy barefoot horses.

I believe at the end it all comes down to choices and/or trade-offs.  Do I wake up early and get in a bit of exercise before work or do I like the 20+ extra pounds I’m carrying?  Do I cook a healthy dinner tonight or do a get something quick at the fast food restaurant on the way home from sitting in my desk chair all day?  Do I take the stairs or the elevator?  Do I read or sit in front of the TV?  Do I sit on the beach, buried in beer cans or turn the beach into an exercise opportunity?  Do I wear heels to work or running shoes?  Yes, the above are simplified choices that have not been complicated with our real or imaginary excuses. 

My wife and daughter hitting the paddle board on the 4th of July.

We all have the ability to make the same choices for our equine partners.  Should I leave my horse in the box stall or should I offer him turn out?  Should I offer my horse the 20 x 20 pipe stall or the 5 acre turnout?  Do I feed my horses grass hay or 100% alfalfa?  Do I get my horse out for exercise daily, weekly or monthly?  Do I have my horse trimmed every 10 weeks, every 8 weeks, every 4 weeks or do I trim a little each time I ride him? Do I ride my horse down the steep rocky hill or do I get off and walk?  Do I throw in the towel when it gets tough or keep trying new methods?

I believe its human nature to avoid the opportunities that take more work and effort.  Most people agree that it’s better for both equines and humans to have regular exercise and a healthy diet.  We know what’s good for us and our equine partners but the trade-off to make the correct choices is often more painful and requires more effort.  The easy choices made today are most often paid for in the future.  Laminitis, diabetes, founder, stress, colic, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and death are some of the forms of payment made by horses and humans. 

Is it easy to throw your horse a flake of hay in a box stall every morning and evening and schedule your farrier every 8-10 weeks?  Yes it is.  Is it more difficult to exercise your horse several times per week, feed and supplement the horse per his exercise, offer the horse turnout and trim and monitor the horse’s feet daily or weekly?  Yes it is. 

We all need to make the choices we are comfortable with.  It’s all about trade-offs.

A healthy booted equine foot. 

Horses with my daughter Alyxx

Alyxx loves the horses and knows each by name.  She like to help catch them, brush them, carry the tack and of course ride them.  When on the horse her most common words are "More" and "Faster".

A couple photos from an outing last week. 

Another Easyboot Glove and Easyboot Glue-On Success Story

Here is a photo of my monster pony, PF Fast Eddy, in his Easyboot Glue-ons up front and Gloves with the prototype gaiters behind, at the Almosta Bennett Hills Ride in the Owyhee Mountains. I glued on the front boots the Sunday before the ride as Eddy had been taking some tentative steps the week before due to all the wet weather we've had here. I took him out for a short ride the Wednesday before the ride to make sure he was feeling good, and he was! He felt the best he's felt all spring and was ready to rock n' roll at the ride. Steph Teeter graciously organized this ride in less than a week as the original Bennett Hills ride in Gooding, Idaho,  had been cancelled.

We went along the base of Toy Mountain for the first loop, and then up and down Toy Mountain (6000 feet) as an out and back loop, finishing the ride after fifteen miles through the desert. This ride, particularly the mountain out and back, had rock, rock and more rock. Along with huge climbs, several water crossings and some deep cow bogs, it was a great test for the boots. The boots performed flawlessly. Eddy moved out beautifully all day and never took a bad step. I did have an issue with one of my hind Gloves FLYING off when Eddy decided I was taking too long at a gate about a mile from the vet check. I got off to get the gate and after shutting it behind us, he jerked the reins out of my hand and launched himself down the road- think Quarter Horse breaking from the gate in a 1/4 mile sprint. One of my Gloves came off at the take-off, and quite honestly I was surprised the other one didn't. I jogged into the vet check where I was told my horse came long trotting down the road and went straight to the water tank. Grrrr. He vetted through just fine and went on to finish the ride in 6th place.

After vetting in and un-tacking, I pulled the glue-ons off very easily and was extremely happy to see the sole was not soft of thrushy at all. There was absolutely no rubbing on his pasterns, and I really think those new gaiters will make the Gloves virtually rub-free. Once again Garrett, THANK YOU for taking care of us and making me feel confident in booting again.

Amanda Washington

Easyboot Glue-On Success on the East Coast.

Pine Tree 100- A weekend of firsts!

Sharon Levasseur and her horse Zephyr had a wonderful weekend at the Pine Tree 100 in Easyboot Glue-Ons.

Read the whole story at here. 

Here are a couple paragraphs taken from Sharon's story to get you started.

"Last month, I entered Zephyr in a 3-day 80-mile ride to work on fixing the “race brain” that he has developed since we started racing 50s in 2007.  I knew that was the last step I wanted to conquer before trying again for a 100.  He did great so I decided to go ahead and enter the Pine Tree 100 on June 27.  I figured that with his race brain fixed, more advance planning, and terrain that is more similar to our home trails, we had a much better chance of finishing than in Vermont last year.

We did have some shoeing issues during the 3-day ride (lost both front shoes within a mile of each other on day 2 and finished the last 23 miles of the day barefoot in the front) so I made the tough choice to do an abrupt about-face and switch him to Easyboot hoof boots instead of shoes.  I posted a few updates about this transition earlier this month.  I had been planning to do the ride in Easyboot Gloves but was having some trouble getting the gaiters (ankle straps) to fit him properly, and I was worried about rubbing over the long distance, so I decided to just glue the boots on instead."

"I think the Easyboot Glue-ons HAD to have helped him, with all that rock a lot of people were having problems with footsore horses.  One rider even got pulled at the final vet check because of that... talk about heartbreaking!  It’s not usually so rocky at this ride so most people didn’t bother padding their horses, and I heard that a lot of people lost shoes."

Sharon Levasseur and Zephyr

 

Goober Glue and Easyboot Glue-Ons

I removed the Easyboot Glue-Ons that I applied with Vettec Adhere (walls) and Goober Glue (sole area packing) after a bit over two weeks on the horse.  The feet were in excellent shape and I'm now convinced that Goober Glue is the best hoof boot packing material you can use.  It's soft but offers just the right amount of cushion. 

To refresh your memory I posted about the application technique a couple weeks back.  I used Goober Glue in the sole area of the hoof and made sure to level it as to not cause any pressure points.  Read about the application here.  Goober Glue was applied to the sole first before the shell was applied.  No holes were used in the shell. 

Leveling the Goober Glue with a piece of cardboard. 

I did a bunch of training rides with the horse over the past two weeks. The horse was in and out of water, streams and bogs.  The biggest thing I noticed with the Goober Glue was less of the squish, squish sound you get with wet hoof boots.  It was like the water had nowhere to go inside the boots. In addition I noticed the horse being more comfortable and confident in hard and rocky ground (increased stride length). 

Back boots before removal.

Front boots before removal. 

As I removed the shells I used my thumb to push into the Goober Glue that remained inside each shell.  The cushioning was perfect.  Giving but resilient.

There has been talk lately about packing used in hoof boots and possible pressure to the hoof.  I personally don't see packing as an issue when properly applied.  Of course you don't want to apply unneeded pressure and fill the boot with a great deal of packing.  It would be like using an arch support in your shoe that is much to big!  A bit of common sense goes a long way when booting.  If you choose to inject material inside your boot make sure you use two holes.  It's very hard to inject too much packing material when excess material and air escapes from the second hole.  The holes also let material escape when the hoof is set back on the ground prior to the material setting up.  If you apply the packing material as I did above level before you apply the boot. 

I did a short video to show how the Goober Glue flexes and gives as I probed the impression areas of the frog with my thumb.  If my thumb get's this kind of movement think how the Goober Glue packing will move under the weight of a 800 lbs horse.

#3.5 and #4 Easyboot Glove and Easyboot Glue-Ons coming soon

The Easyboot Glove and Easyboot Glue-Ons have been a huge success in the equine industry in less than six months after launch!  Both products have been on the market a very short time and success stories continue to roll in as fast as we can post them.

With the success has also come requests for larger boots. For those of you requesting larger boots, I have good news.  I just approved drawings for the #3.5 and #4 Easyboot Glove and Easyboot Glue-On.  Molds will start next week and we should see first samples in three to four weeks.

Transition Tuesday Week 7

Transition For Dummies

14 Steps Or Less To Booted Success

We’re now seven weeks into the transition and it seems like a good time to pause and review the high points of moving from steel shoes to Easyboots. In this short amount of time, our four horses are all barefoot, our boarder’s horse is now barefoot and many of our friends and neighbors are barefoot or are just about to make the move. My horses’ feet look healthier for it – I like the way the hoof is growing, the way angles are changing and the way they move.

We went for a gratifying 25-mile training ride again on Saturday up in the mountains near Prescott. Having the Easyboot Gloves has changed our training regime considerably and our horses are much fitter for it. I hardly notice the rocks anymore! Below is a short video of Redford and me riding up some of the switchbacks near Groom Creek, AZ.  This was one of the few moments we were actually walking. The guy behind us is friend Bill Bennett on Hay Dude, riding in Easyboot Gloves and Easyboot Epics for the first time.

I have been watching barefoot riders for several years; always thinking I would never be one of them; always thinking the transition would require more of me than I was willing to offer. The points listed below are based on my limited experience and may help make the prospect your transition more palatable.

1.  Commit To It

There really is no time like the present: horses adapt very quickly to boots from shoes – you could pull the shoes one day and go to a ride almost immediately if you have the right equipment.

Far gets lunged on Day 1 barefoot without any signs of soreness. I like the way he is moving.

2.  Research A Barefoot Trimmer

There is almost certainly a barefoot trimmer working in your area. Talk to some of your friends about their experiences with the trimmer and make an appointment. A barefoot trimmer is different than a pasture trimmer and a different than a farrier. I strongly suggest you use someone who is trained specifically for barefoot.

3.  Measure The Feet

I wanted to make sure I did a good job of measuring the horse’s feet once the shoes were pulled. Our trimmer was kind enough to measure them for us so we could compare notes. He even had a couple of boots for us to try on to see how they fit. Follow the directions on measurements here: it is not as mysterious as you think it is going to be!

Rocky got measured for boots the same day his shoes were pulled.

4.  Get A Fit Kit

There is a virtually foolproof method to get the right sized boots for your horse – it is called the Fit Kit. For less than $10, you can enjoy the security of having a selection of boot shells to try on each foot. If the cut-out at the front of the boot is not expanded slightly while the boot is on, the boot is probably too big and you should try a smaller size. In my limited experience, we tend to choose a bigger boot than we should. The point here is to get a boot that will fit like a glove (no pun intended) rather than to get something that will make us feel good about how large our horse’s feet are.

Look for the cut-out in the shell to expand a little. I like to see a little more expansion than in this photo, but the shape of Rocky’s hoof is quite straight-sided.

5.  If The Shoe Fits…

Once the shell is more or less on, walk the horse for a few steps with the lead rope, then feel along the toe of the boot to see if the toe of the hoof is all the way down into the shell. If the toe won’t go down all the way, try the next size up.

6.  Place Your Order

Place your order with your local distributor.  I really like the Easyboot Gloves for training and for one-day 50 mile rides. They are quick and easy to put on and they leave the hoof wall completely unscathed. I have not had any rubbing problems whatsoever with gaitors.

Redford in action: I use lower leg protection on this horse because he is a little base narrow and because they provide additional protection from the different varieties of cactus we ride next to here in the desert.

7.  Get Some Accessories

I rode a tough 25-mile training ride in the mountains on Saturday and I did not lose a boot even once. I like the additional security offered by the Power Straps for the hind boots along with athletic tape around the top of the hoof before the boot goes on. When wrapping the tape around the hoof, start at one side of the heel bulb and go around the hoof three times, finishing again at the other side of the heel bulb. It will be a very snug fit and the tape gets tacky with moisture and provides additional tooth for the toothless boot to hold.

Redford, just before we headed out on our training ride. I don’t use any accessories on the front feet – I really don’t think they are necessary. I’m using Power Straps and athletic tape on the hinds for added boot security. 

8.  Put The Boots On

The easiest way I have found to put on the boots is to roll the gaiter down completely, exposing the shell as much as possible. Holding the leg between your knees, use both hands to pull the boot over the two sides of the hoof. Once over the two sides, firmly and confidently rotate the boot a little left and right so the hoof slips into the boot. Walk the horse around a couple of circles to make sure the foot is completely in the boot before securing the gaitor.

The gaitor is pulled down completely and the boot is secured over both sides of the hoof. In this case, the hind foot is wrapped in below the coronet band in athletic tape for additional grip.

9.  Keep An Eye On The Hooves

Lift your horse’s feet up every day if you are close enough. The hoof wall will need an occasional rasp here and there. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself for the first few months, ask your barefoot trimmer to come back out. You will be surprised at how quickly the foot grows – and a mustang roll will help early breakover and prevent the hoof wall from chipping too much.

Redford at just over a week without shoes.

10.  Keep The Sole Hard

Keep the sole as hard as possible. We live in the arid Sonoran desert with nothing but decomposed granite and a sand wash in the horses’ paddock. We nevertheless apply a sole hardening liquid to help keep the horses’ feet hard. Use the product of your choice – we use Jim Ricken’s Foot Formula # 1.

11.  Experiment A Little

I really like the Easyboot Glue-Ons for multi-day rides or multi-day camping trips. It may mean investing in some additional tools and supplies, but my experience with them has been nothing but positive. Talk about stress-free riding!

Clean, low profile and uncomplicated. I really like these Glue-Ons.

12.  Keep An Eye On The Boots

We rode with our good friend Bill Bennett up in Prescott on Saturday. It was his first ride ever with boots. He used Gloves on the hind feet and Easyboot Epics on the fronts. It was very entertaining to see him looking down at his horse’s feet every time they hit a rock or took a stumble. It will take a few hours in the saddle for you to adapt to the new sound of the boots on the ground– and to build your confidence in them. I managed to ride 25 miles on Saturday without straining my neck from the saddle to see if I still had all the boots on.

Bill on the hill: Bill gets busted again for checking his boots!

13.  Check The Boots Occasionally For Fit

I have found that the Gloves will stretch out just a little as the miles add up. When you stop for water or get off to hike down a hill, do a quick visual check of the gaitors to see they are still fitting snugly. I found I was not wrapping the gaitors tight enough in the first few rides – mostly due to fear of rubbing the pastern. I have found the boot stays on better if the gaitor is good and tight – and I have yet to experience a rubbing problem from them.

Redford after 25 miles this weekend: no rubbing.

14.  Keep Your Horse Moving

We’ve been lunging horses every couple of days if they are not working regularly. It increases the blood flow to the foot; stimulates growth and gets the horse used to the feeling of barefoot. We made the mistake of carving out too much dead sole from one of our horses last month and made him sore from it. He was tentative on the hard ground for a couple of weeks, but the lunging really seemed to help. From some of the reading we’ve been doing, we’ve seen that the nerve endings in the feet begin to get sensation back again after removing the steel shoes.

Rocky is booted in this video because we were trying out a different sized boot. Most of the lunging we do is barefoot.

Keep up the boot legging!

Kevin

 

Easyboot Glue-Ons with Goober Glue as packing

I've had the opportunity to put several rides on the horse that has the Easyboot Glue-On Goober Glue combo on all four feet.  The Goober Glue offers a soft packing material that is super forgiving and flexible.  I personally think it's one of the best packing materials around. 

After several hard rides, I can tell a difference in the horse's gait and reach.  He seems more confident on hard ground or areas with lots of rocks. 

I used a different technique when I applied the boots and Goober Glue that allowed me to pack the sole and level so I didn't apply pressure points.  Boots are coming off tomorrow.  I'll post photos of how the boots, feet and Goober Glue look after removal. 

Depending on what I see tomorrow, I think the Goober Glue is a must for tough 100 mile or multiday events. 

Hoof Boot Success vs Hoof Boot Failure

It's all about fit!

The biggest determining factor between hoof boot success and hoof boot failure is fit.  Hoof boots need to fit the hoof or the experience will not be a success.  In my opinion the majority of people use a boot that is too large.  Boots should fit like a second skin over the hoof. 

Over the last couple months I've had the opportunity to travel to more horse events and endurance rides.  At these events I've helped many riders fit boots before the event and apply boots on the trail after loosing a shoe or a boot.  95% of the time a rider has a size that is too large and explains that they can't get a smaller size on.

The Strawberry Fields Endurance Ride (see previous posts) is a prime example of what boots can do when fit correctly. 

Here are are couple tips to make sure you are fitting and using the correct size boot.

1.  If you are using the Easyboot Glove or Easyboot Glue-On get a Fit Kit first.  The fit kit will help get you in the right size and help insure your success. 

2.  Use technique rather than strength.  You don't need to be " 6'4" and full of muscles".  Sorry Men and Work song.  See how to hold and isolate the leg to one joint in the video below. 

3.  The next video shows my 5'2" wife applying an Easyboot using the same technique.

4. Other tips. If you are having problems put the boot on as far as you can and then trot the horse 10-15 steps. This will seat the toe and heel of the boot. You can also use a rubber mallet in the toe area.

Do you have a unique application technique that works for you?  Let me know I would like to share it. 

Easyboot Glove Testimonials continue to roll in!

My Opportune Meeting with 'Mr. Easyboot' Right on the Trail at just the Right Time!!

"I'm passionate about the sport of Endurance Riding. Apart from meeting my husband Mernie, it's the best thing that's happened to my equine orientated existence. However, I'm happy to say that I'm even more passionate about keeping my horses barefoot and healthy right from the ground up. I trim my own horses and use Easyboots to help protect their hooves; those precious structures that faithfully carry both of us everywhere we want to go.

Flambeau is a hot-headed, easily wound up racing machine. We refer to some of his gymnastic maneuvers as "the Flambeau Flip!" I'll have to admit I too can get pretty competitive and loopy at times. So I've had a love hate relationship with hoof boots and their tendency to be launched into orbit by my plunging and lunging Flamboyant Arab. Thankfully, trial and error has led me to the Easy Boot Glove. Flambeau is a great test pilot for hoof boots or anything else us humans try to attach to him. He can throw a boot so far off the trail you'll need an aircraft or maybe a sniffer dog to retrieve it! He takes off so fast he leaves a hole in the ground.

Strawberry Fields Forever Endurance Ride in Utah this year was the real test. Mud, slush, rocks, rocks and mud, slushy rocky water crossings, straight up, straight down, bogs left right and in between. Did they stay on? Almost! His back left popped off right when he was really wound up and racing with the hot shots. Bummer! I stopped to get off and fix it and, with riders going passed him, you can imagine just what a rodeo that was! Flambeau was spinning around with me chasing this near back hoof in a futile effort to remove the boot when a voice call out, " Need help?" "Yes", I replied, "this bloody boot has come off!" Can you believe it, it was Garrett Ford, Mr Easyboot himself, He kindly and expertly put the boot back on and advised me I needed a size smaller on the back. He then ensured me he'd fix that problem back in camp; which he did. Off I rode through the muck .
I ended up riding one hundred miles with ones on the front and Os on the rear through the most horrendous mud you can ever image and they DID NOT BUDGE! I was starting to think Flambeau was simply a horse impossible to keep booted. I now know that's not true. Garrett showed me he how it requires technique rather than strength to apply the boot and how important it is to have a really snug fit in such adverse conditions.

I love the Easyboot Glove. They're light, durable, easy to apply and remove and they look great! Thank you Garrett for coming to my rescue and providing me with a product I can depend on through 'hell and high water!'
Ronda Eden  aka Ronnie Roo Laramie, Wyoming."

Easyboot Glove Testimonial from Strawberry Fields

 "Strawberry Fields has A LOT of mud. 



Since it's been raining daily for the last three weeks, we knew going into the ride that the footing wasn't going to be great, but since Friday dawned clear and blue, we saddled up, booted up (with another brand of boot) and went out to ride the beautiful Uintah mountains.  I lost my first boot when my horse Bo had an  "I wanna go faster" tantrum and bucked for five minutes going down the trail.  Since it couldn't be fixed and he couldn't go out on three boots, I pulled the other back boot and thought, "oh well, it's soft, he'll be fine with just the fronts."  We went a few more miles then we hit a really bad bog. The cable broke on boot #2 and I had no choice other than to pull all of his boots and send him out barefoot.    

We finished the day with him sound,  but he'd been a little wincy on the gravel roads and I didn't like the idea of him doing two more days without boots.  I went looking for boot help in ridecamp and Dave Rabe took me to see Garrett Ford of Easy Care.  Bo has big, wide, round, flat feet and is not an ideal candidate for Easyboot Gloves.  Even Garrett agreed that it would be a lot better to custom cut glue-ons for him, but it was way too wet and muddy to glue boots on so he fitted him in Easyboot Gloves with adhesive tape underneath.  

Day 2 dawned gray but dry and we headed out with four brand new Easyboot Gloves to brave the mud.  It started to rain about 11 am and kept raining until dark.  What started out as mud quickly turned into slop, little streams turned into big streams, bogs into death pits, and we had to cross them all.  Going up and down hills turned into exercises in slipping, sliding, digging and skiing.  When we finally got back to basecamp, all you could see of Bo from the belly down was slimy, goopy mud.  BUT the great news is that all four Easyboot Gloves were still on! They had not twisted or slipped and had helped my horse get through some of the worst possible conditions.  And all with him not having easy to fit feet.  
 
Thanks Garrett and Easyboots!"

Melanie Olmstead

SLC, Utah

 

Transition Tuesday Week 6

The Instant Transition:

Redford Successfully Transitions Overnight From Shod To Barefoot Tough Training

Maverick Mountain near Prescott, AZ.

The last six weeks without steel shoes have been such a success that I decided to transition the last remaining horse in the herd into Easyboot Gloves and to experiment by instantly working him on some tough mountainous training miles.

The barefoot trimmer came on Friday to remove Redford’s shoes. I knew there was something going on with his feet from the way they were changing shape over the last couple of months. Removal of the shoes and pads revealed a mild case of white line disease, which was causing hoof wall separation within the hoof’s non-pigmented layer. It should clear up fairly quickly now that the hoof is open to the air.

The trimmer left most of the false sole untouched so as to offer the horse short-term protection and assured us that the sole would wear down quickly in our paddock.

Redford’s front left foot: you can see how much sole remained when the foot was first trimmed. Because the horse had been in Natural Balance shoes, there was very little toe on the hoof. The separation at the hoof wall is evident. The brown color is from the Jim Ricken’s Foot Formula # 1, which helps harden the sole and keeps thrush at bay.

The hind feet also looked in need of some love.

I am not a shoeing expert, but I confess I was surprised to see so much sole still there and wondered how it would affect the horse’s soundness. Application of the Ricken’s Foot Formula revealed a very thirsty sole – the foot absorbed the liquid quickly.

The next morning, the horse was still sound on the lunge line and was showing no pain whatsoever. He got loaded into the trailer with Rocky and we trailered up into the mountains near Prescott for a weekend camping trip. We went out for an afternoon seven mile jaunt with size 0 Gloves on the front and size 0.5 Gloves on the hinds with Power Straps attached.

An evening jaunt along some rocky trail.

Rocky sets out to conquer the mountain – and succeeds.

We were not able to get the hind boots on over the athletic wrap on Redford, so he went without. I had added Power Straps to the boots, which makes them less easy to fit because they stretch less as they go over the hoof. I like the added security of them, particularly on the hinds, but I have also not tested the Gloves much without them – I’ll save that for a future story.

We rode along a variety of rocky and mountainous trails. Redford showed no signs of discomfort during the seven mile ride, and the boots stayed on snugly. He seemed a touch clumsy over challenging footing – as if he was still getting used to the boots. When we got back to the trailer I pulled the boots off: there was no rubbing and no debris in the boots.

Back at the trailer after a short ride.

Redford’s front right – you can see the sole has worn down to the same height as the hoof wall. The lines on the bottom of the hoof confirm the boot fit is snug.

The right hind: no rubbing from the gaiter; lines on the sole confirm a snug fit.

It was cool enough at 5,500 feet to start a camp fire at dinner time. Sweet.

The next morning our good friend, Julia Lynn-Elias, set out with us to show us an 18 mile loop up and over Maverick Mountain. We were looking forward to discovering yet more trails in the beautiful Prescott National Forest . We were not disappointed: there were some serious climbs ahead of us. Over the 25 miles of training in two days, we would climb more than 10,000 feet.

We crossed water on numerous occasions, being sure to stop to let the horses drink and make sure the boots got nice and wet before climbing up and over the mountain.

Julia leads us out into the wilderness.

Redford was noticeably more sure-footed in the boots on the second day – he did not trip or stumble the way he did in steel shoes at the race the previous week.

Our trail guide would take us up and over the mountain on the horizon.

The desert flora: quite incredible.

This was one of the most dramatic climbs – amazing hills!

The boots in action.

Rocky at another water crossing.

This was the first time in his life Redford has worn boots with gaiters – and 25 miles of mountainous terrain through water, rock and sandy trails in 70 degree heat caused no rubbing whatsoever.

Redford’s feet are unscathed after his first 25 miles in boots.

The feet look good under there too.

Redford’s boots went through some very challenging terrain and they did not twist of come off. They held up very well to the work and he was sound every step of the way. I am so impressed by the speed at which you can make the move to boots. The 25 miles this weekend proves to me that you can make the transition to boots overnight. I would have been completely at ease in taking this horse to a race and competing on him.

Redford looked good again the next morning – he was sound out in the paddock in his barefoot state (I lunged him to make sure). This week’s experiment was very encouraging. Once those first few miles were under our belts, he was very sure-footed in the boots. He did not show any of the signs of tripping on the trail the way he did when he was in shoes at the race last week. He did not take any of the tentative steps over the rocks the way he did in steel shoes.  His legs had no windpuffs in them on the next day – something I could be assured of having with shoes; and the sole wore down quickly and naturally in the two or three days following his barefoot trim.

I’m well pleased to have a paddock full of sound horses – and I can hardly believe that I have gone barefoot with all the horses. Bring on the next ride.

Keep up the boot legging!

Kevin

 

More Rain, More Mud and More Easyboot Success!

Good Mud?

Day #2 was a real test for hoof boots.  Those who were there know this is no exaggeration.

And we thought it was muddy on the first day of Strawberry Fields.  We had no idea it would rain a great deal of the night and most of the day of the ride.  Muddy was an understatement. 

The short video shows the nasty mud on the first loop.  I'm sliding backward on foot and trying to video at the same time.  I slip and almost get run over.  Talk about muddy, now that's some mud. You get the point, it was muddy and nasty.

Can boots really stay on in 50 miles of those conditions?  Surly they can't!  Not only did they stay in place for the second day in a row but Christoph and I tied for first place and Cyclone and I were awarded Best Condition for the second day in a row.  Tennessee Mahoney was third on an incredible up and coming horse named DWA Khyber.  Tennessee and Khyber also used Easyboot Gloves for the day.  Check out Tennessee and Khyber at the finish.

I was so impressed with the boots and how they performed on the day.  It's one thing to talk about what boots can do, it's another to have them perform flawless on a tough day, win the event and receive best condition.  I'm pretty proud!

Christoph and I head through the aspens on the way to the finish. We did the last 20+ mile loop in 2:02.  The boots were stressed and tested.

Day #2 Results

1st Place- Christoph Schork in Easyboot Glue-Ons

1st Place- Garrett Ford in Easyboot Gloves

3rd Place- Tennessee Mahoney in Easyboot Gloves

6th Place- Dian Woodward in Easyboot Glue-Ons

Best Condition- Garrett Ford and GE Cyclone in Easyboot Gloves

There were a couple other boot users in the top ten and many outside of top ten.  It was a great day for boot success.  

In addition Dave Rabe and Kevin Waters were 100%.  All of their boots stayed in place even after applying them in the wet and muddy conditions.

Carla Richardson was a real inspiration for me and many others on day #2.  She finished as we were eating dinner.  She was all smiles and her horse looked awesome.  Here boots performed well and have been on since Shellbourne.  Carla did three days at the Shellbourne event and did two tough days at Strawberry.  Check out her boots at the finish.

Several of the other riders that I fit in the Easyboot Gloves the day before came back to talk about the success.  All the boots stayed in place and they were not only happy but impressed.  They brought the check books but I reminded them I wanted a testimonial about the success of the Gloves where the other boots failed. 

PS- I forgot to mention that I didn't use athletic tape or anything special on the Easyboot Gloves.  I just pulled the boots on and went.  I also used a new prototype gaiter and they were awesome.  Not even a sign of a rub!

Easyboot Gloves and Glue-Ons excel at the Strawberry Fields Endurance Event!

It had been raining for weeks and the forecast called for more rain!

Carla Richarson standing in the rain at the finish

I departed Durango early Thursday morning in route to Strawberry Fields Forever.  I’d heard great things about this event and many say it’s the most beautiful endurance event in the country.  In route I ran into two Global Endurance rigs, one driven by Dian Woodward and one by Christoph Schork.  The three of us caravan the rest of the way and arrived at a sloppy muddy base camp a little after 1:00 pm.

After unloading the horses and getting set up I bumped into Dave Rabe and Kevin Waters.  Dave was a bit bummed out because it had been raining on and off for the last week and Dave didn’t get a chance to apply his Easyboot Glue-Ons.  Kevin Waters was in the same boat.  We discussed the situation and I suggested that we go through the glue-on process and use these wet conditions as a test.  Both of Dave’s horses and Kevin’s horses had been standing in water and mud, the feet were soaked.  I told both of them to grab their horses and head over to my trailer. 

When Dave came down to my trailer with his horses I knew we were in for a challenge.  His horses had mud up to the fetlocks and they were saturated with moisture.  I pulled the rubber mats out of Christoph’s trailer and lined them up for the horses to stand on.  We then thoroughly cleaned all the feet, we used a wire brush, we used rags, used anything we could find.  We then sprayed the feet in denatured alcohol and followed the alcohol with a heat gun.   We sprayed again with alcohol and used the heat gun one last time on all feet before applying the Easyboot Glue-Ons.  We don't recommend denatured alcohol but with all the moisture we thought this step was necessary. 

Dave, Kevin and I worked as a team on the 12 feet and we were all happy with our work.  We all felt comfortable that the boots would stay in place but we had no idea how muddy it was going to get.  

I didn't bother with the Easyboot Glue-Ons and wanted to use the wet, sloppy conditions as a test for the Easyboot Glove.  I planned to ride Cyclone the first two days in prep for the Tevis.  Everyone kept asking me if I really thought the gloves would work in the conditions.  I knew they would but told them only time would tell.  In the back of my mind I knew the Gloves would excel and the nasty conditions would make people take notice.

Day #1 was fairly dry.  We had a couple sprinkles but the trail was still wet and there were to many bogs and stream crossings to count.  The Easyboot Glue-Ons and Easyboot Gloves both did awesome.

Heading out of base camp in the morning.

Kevin Waters and I did most of the first loop together.  Kevin's horse has been doing great in the Glue-Ons and has many Best Conditions finishes using the product.  Kevin and I did a bunch of running and had a great time!

Cyclone and I on day #1.

The mud and bogs were challenging for both horse and rider and made the trail very technical.  I looked down at the Gloves after the first couple nasty bogs and they were in place and true.  I couple more looks in the deep stuff and I stopped looking down.  We didn't have an Easyboot Glove twist or come off all day. 

Cyclone and his Easyboot Gloves at the finish.

Easyboot Gloves and splint boots removed as I get Cyclone ready for BC judging.  

Results for Day #1

Top Ten

3rd Place- Christoph Schork in the Easyboot Glue-Ons.

4th Place- Tennessee Mahoney in the Easyboot Glue-Ons.

5th Place- Dian Woodward in the Easyboot Glue-Ons.

6th Place- Garrett Ford in Easyboot Gloves.

Best Condition Garrett Ford and GE Cyclone (yes in the Easyboot Gloves that many people didn't think would work in the wet conditions)

Outside Of Top Ten

Kevin Waters in the Easyboot Glue-Ons.

Dave Rabe in the Easyboot Glue-Ons.

Carla Richardson in the Easyboot Glue-Ons

There were a couple of others in Easyboot Glue-Ons, Easyboot Gloves, Easyboot Epics and other Easyboot products but I can't remember exactly.

Cyclone and I head down the trail. We kept a good pace all day and really put the Gloves to the test. 

I was super impressed with the Easyboot Gloves!  The conditions were bad and they had no hint of failure.  I did help one rider who lost a Glove on a rear foot.  I jumped off and helped her put it back on and told her it would keep coming off because it was a size to big.  I replaced it with a size smaller and her rear boots stayed in place the remainder of the event. 

I ended up finishing in the early afternoon and other riders started showing up at the trailer for fitting.  Many of these riders were using other hoof protection that just didn't work in the conditions.  I helped fit them in Gloves and didn't ask for payment.  I asked them to give the Gloves a good test the following day and if they stayed on in the nasty conditions I wanted a testimonial about the success story. 

Hoof Boot Tack Room

Hoof boots breed and multiply in my tack room faster than mice.  I have hundreds of Easyboot Gloves, EasySoakers, Easyboot Epics, Easyboot Edges, Easyboot Bares, boxes of gaiters, secret boots in testing, competitor boots, etc.  You get the point.

My tack room was starting to be a real mess so I did something about it.  I designed my tack room to revolve around boots.  Boots are my world, boots are my life, so why not design my tack room to revolve around boots and my life. 

Check out the hoof boot area.

All the boots are easy to see.  The boots air dry after washing and I have enough baskets to keep the core boots in testing front and center and organized.

The best part of my tack room is a painting I did as a kid.  My mom saved this for me and then framed it as a gift 33 years later.  I have it hanging above the saddles.  It shows the barn I wanted when I was 5 or 6 years old.  The drawing is very close to what I have now.  Horses in the pasture, bales in the barn, John Deere in the garage.  Thanks for saving it mom!

"Visualize this thing that you want, see it, feel it, believe in it. Make your mental blue print, and begin to build."
- Robert Collier

Easyboot Glue-On Test Application

I applied four Easyboot Glue-Ons with a new method.  I used Goober Glue as a packing material and then applied the boots using Vettec Adhere on the walls.  I've been super impressed with the way Goober Glue sets up and the cushion effect it gives as a packing material.

Because the Goober Glue takes longer to set I squeezed 4 portions out on a piece of cardboard.  The portions were roughly the volume that I thought would fill the concavity of my horses feet.  I then let it set for 30 minutes.

I cut several cardboard pieces and then applied the Goober Glue to the bottom of the hoof using the cardboard.  I was careful to keep the foot in the air while I applied Vettec Adhere to the Easyboot Glue-On walls.  I then applied the Easyboot Glue-On.  The Adhere sets up quickly and the boot was in place.  The horse now has the sweet cushioning the Goober Glue provides and the fast set up time of the Vettec Adhere.

Here are some photos of the process.

Goober Glue on the piece of cardboard.  I'm getting ready to apply it to the bottom of the hoof.

Applying the Goober Glue to the bottom and filling the concavity of the hoof.

Fill the area of concavity and lever the Goober Glue.

The Vettec Adhere has been applied to the shell and it's ready to go on the hoof.

Adding a bead to the top of the shell.

I'll let you know how it works.  I think the horse is gonna love this technique.  The Goober Glue has the best consistency for a packing material of any material I've used.

On a side note, this horse has had Glue-Ons applied and removed dozens of times since December.  There has been some talk about the affects of glue on the hoof.  I'm not sure what the scientific answer is regarding how adhesives affect the wall and I don't believe it's ever been studied.  Many of my horses may be the longest case study to date?  This horse has been in and out of glue-ons for six months, two of my other horses have been in and out of glue-ons for over a year.  My horses feet have never looked better and I doubt they are going to shrivel up and fall off next week.

Hoof Boot Radiographs

I received a couple really cool hoof boot radiographs of a horse wearing different hoof boots.  Take a look at both an Easyboot Glove and Renagade on a horse via a radiograph.

The radiographs show some pretty cool stuff about boot shape, shell thickness, tongue thickness, boot fit, breakover, metal hardware locations, etc. 

Easyboot Glove radiograph below.

Renagade radiograph below. 

Transition Tuesday Week 5

This is the fifth post of a weekly series called "Transition Tuesday".  Transition Tuesday is written by Kevin Myers and documents the transition from iron shoes to barefoot hoof care and hoof boot use.  Rocky and Far are both seasoned endurance horses and have been in iron shoes for several seasons.  Transition Tuesday's weekly blog posts will document the process and learning curve involved in the transition to natural hoof care.  Feet will change shape, boot fit will improve as feet change and the learning curve will decrease.  The good, the awesome, the not so good, and what happens along the way.  Enjoy!

Catch the Wave!

Easyboot Glue-Ons at the Descanso 50 in San Diego County

View from the trail at Descanso.

I finally got to take Far to his first 50 in the Easyboot Glue-Ons on Saturday. This was to be the biggest experiment so far in the five-week transition. It was a resounding success: my ride this weekend confirmed this set-up as one that works well - even for a layman like me.

Far tries his Easyboot Glue-Ons at a race.

We had some challenges during the glue-on process on Thursday night because we ran out of tips to apply the Equi Pak glue around the top of the boot. It was a simple case of thinking there was another bag of tips in the box, when there were actually none left. The result was having to use our fingers to apply the bead of glue around the top of three boots. It worked just fine, but it did not look as professional.

Descanso is a six hour drive from home and is located in the mountains 45 miles east of San Diego at an elevation of 3,400 feet.  We arrived at base camp early Friday afternoon; let the horses eat and drink for a few hours before vetting in, then prepared the two out check bags for ride day. The Glue-Ons were staying on nicely, but I was apprehensive about being caught out on the trail with a lost boot. The race was one long loop out of camp with three out vet checks, two of which were in the same location. Since Far wears a different sized boot on the front versus the hind, I packed two spare Easyboot Gloves in my saddle pack and two additional spares in each of the two out check crew bags. I would not need them, as it turned out.

This marks the start of our climb up into the clouds.

The 6 AM start time came early the next morning, and we were a few minutes late leaving. That made for a stress-free start and an open trail that would let us ride at our own pace. Far was moving out nicely – stretching out further at a trot than he has before. Both horses seemed happy at 10.5 or 11 mph – this is about 1.5 mph faster than Far preferred when he was in steel shoes. The trail rolled its way along through oak woods and started climbing up into high plains: the views were stunning. I quickly forgot about the boots.

Climbing across the high plain – we will eventually go up and over the mountain on the horizon.

It took us 1h40 to get to the first vet check which the GPS told us was at 14 miles. The boots were looking good: they had not moved at all. I was surprised at how much interest there was in the Glue-Ons at the vet check. People have been reading up on the new technology, and were full of questions about the process. One lady had stories of how she transitioned her mare with contracted heels to barefoot with great success. She said the horse now moved across rocky terrain without ever flinching. Others were talking about moving their horses to barefoot. It really seems like there is a wave of people making the move right now, and lots of interest in how best to make the transition. I have found it much easier than I had anticipated.

The Glue-Ons at 12 miles – you can see the finger painting glue.

Far looking fresh at the first vet check.

Far (in boots) and Redford (in shoes) at the first 20 minute hold.

Ride manager Terry Woolley Howe, her army of volunteers and head vet Fred Beasom put on an incredible ride. I had the good fortune to go to the Warner Hot Springs ride a couple of years ago and was amazed at the hospitality. This ride was no different. There are hospitality stations set up at the vet checks and at various places along the trail where the horses can enjoy three different types of hay, oat mashes full of carrots and abundant water. Riders can enjoy fresh-cut fruit, home-baked cookies and refills of water and Gatorade. On hot years, they even provide popsicles for the riders out on the trail. Amazing! 

There were lots of places for the horses to drink.

The 20 minutes passed by very quickly, and we were soon back out on the trail, crossing a series of high pastures with a fair amount of climbing and some rocky, technical trail that required horse and rider to pay attention. We crossed water, went through rocky outcroppings, rode along sandy trails, and took some challenging single track along the sides of steep climbs. Far did not take even one tentative step, and he just flew along over the varying terrain as we climbed and dropped up towards the second vet check.

There was very little flat trail on the ride. Redford(in steel shoes) was happier in the front and seemed to trip less.

It was cold at the second vet check – particularly for horses and humans used to the Arizona heat! We had shed our coats at the first vet check and were now regretting it. The horses were cooler than we wanted them to be, and the hour hold seemed to drag by. We were mounted and ready to leave four minutes before our time was up!

The second vet check at 24 miles.

We set off across a marsh and past a lake full of birds. We crossed the road and started our way up and over the mountain. As we climbed, we literally rode through the clouds: the air was cool and damp and the mist wafted past us as we trotted up and up and up. 

A birder’s paradise: crossing the marsh before climbing the mountain.

Heading into the clouds.

The boots in action: starting the climb up and over the mountain.

Climbing.

The GPS quit some time during this loop at about 25 miles. We had already climbed 5,000 feet by then. The trail was an improved jeep road that had a good dose of rocks and challenging footing. Far was gliding along the road as if he was wearing Nike Airs! Redford’s steel-shod steps were much louder on the hard ground- you could hear the difference in concussion between the two horses. We would have to slow for him across the rockier sections – particularly on the downhill. His shoes were at four weeks and there was lots of toe that seemed to be causing him to trip a fair amount. He did better when he was leading, but those toes just seemed to be getting in his way. I’m really looking forward to pulling his shoes on Wednesday.

The boots at 38 miles.

The boots held up very well in the rocky footing.

We got back down off the mountain – the loop was much longer because of our slower speed, taking us almost 3 ½ hours to get into the 38 mile hold. The last few miles into the vet check were particularly fun – it was like riding on a rollercoaster, constantly rising and falling up and around with knee-banger trees and a good dose of rocks hiding in the sandy single-track trail. Redford was in front for most of this section, and Far would not always see the rocks below the billowing dust. He stumbled here and there, but the boots stayed put – even with all the water crossings we went through.

The boots look unscathed at 38 miles.

We set back off towards home after a fleeting 20 minute hold. The trail was even more like a rollercoaster as it darted up and around a verdant valley. The horses flew along the trail: I could have ridden like that for weeks and never have been bored. It was so nice to ride and not worry about losing a boot or taking a miss-step on the rocks.

The experiment was a success. We arrived at the finish line in just over 7 ½ hours – a little slower than I had planned, but the horses were in good shape and the Easyboot Glue-Ons looked as fresh and solid as they had at the beginning of the day. I love these things: you should seriously consider catching the wave if you have not already done so. Surf’s up!

Removing the boots by wedging a large flat-head screwdriver between the boot and the hoof.

Separating the boot from the hoof.

Far’s RF looking good.

The boot removed.

Keep up the boot legging!

Kevin

Easyboot Gaiter R&D and Improvements

I've been testing several different Easyboot Gaiter designs and I'm seeing some very good results.  I'm currently testing gaiters on the Easyboot Glove (my favorite hoof boot) and plan to update the entire EasyCare hoof boot range after we decide on the new design.

One of the designs that is working very, very well is a new concept that has an internal liner.  The liner is attached but moves independently of the outer gaiter.  Carol Layton of Australia has been using an internal neoprene cuff with much success and her testing started me toward the new design.

Three new designs have passed the initial tests and after a couple more endurance events we will pick the new design.  Photo of the gaiter pile waiting to be joined to a shell and tested.

Here are a couple photos of the design I like best.  Notice the new contoured design.  Notice the inner liner.

Easyboot Glue-On Cuff Update

The Easyboot Glue-On Cuff continues to move forward and we have made some mold and hardware modifications that will make application and removal very simple.  For those of you that are not familiar with the Easyboot Glue-On Cuff, the "Cuff System" gives horse owners the ability to use Glue-On shells but gives them the ability to remove and apply them at any time.  The unique Cuff System allows the horse to be barefoot at all times and the Easyboot Glue-On shell can be slipped on the hoof for riding.  Slip the shells on before riding and then remove them and let the horse be barefoot when the ride is done.  Application and removal of the shell when using the Cuff System is done is less than one minute per boot.

The Cuff System will be a huge step forward for all the people who have reservations about leaving a glue-on boot in place for extended periods of time.  The low profile shell fits below the hairline and the system weighs almost half the weight of a standard iron shoe.

Here is a short video showing how easy it is to apply the shells once the Cuff has been applied to the hoof. 

I've made a couple changes to the hardware that will allow users to do the application without a screw driver.  The new thumb screw (pictured below) can be tightened and loosened with your fingers and the large head size eliminates the washer.

Couple photos of the new thumb screw.

The new hardware and molds are about done.  Look for the Cuff System to be out late summer.  Some of the Team Easyboot Members may have them at events in early July.

I've seen many cool hoof boot concepts over the years but this is one of my favorites!

Hoof Boot Upgrade Program

The EasyCare Competitive Hoof Boot Upgrade Program continues to do very well for EasyCare and provides consumers a way to get rid of unwanted hoof boots.  Over the last couple months we have been getting loads of boots back.  We are also seeing more and more glue-on hoof boots come back.  A couple days ago a consumer returned several glue-on pairs of non EasyCare brand that were brand new, never used. 

The Upgrade Program allows consumers to send in used or new boots in exchange for 1/2 price on an EasyCare hoof boot purchase.  If you have an old worn out hoof boot sitting in the barn or hoof boot that isn't working for your horse send it in and try one of our new hoof boot models. 

I included a couple photos of one of our upgrade piles.  Checkout the boot with the custom flame on the front. 

 

Two Exiss Horse Trailers for Sale!

EasyCare has two used Exiss horse trailers for sale.  Both have been garaged and are super clean.  They have been used very sparingly over the years and could pass as new.

The first trailer is a 2000 Exiss 4 horse with living quarters.  10 foot short wall, 8 foot wide, hay rack, three original HiTies.  $30,000 OBO.

The second trailer is a 2000 Exiss 4 horse non living quarter.  7 foot wide.  Clean, garaged and well maintained. $13,000 OBO.

Kerry Greear and Hawk finish second for all five day horses at Ft. Schellbourne.

Kerry Greear and Hawk finished 2nd place overall at the five day Ft. Schellbourne XP event.   Hawk was fitted with traditional EasyBoots.  Congrats to Kerry and Hawk and the impressive five days on the trail.  Completing five days in a row is such a great accomplishment for horse and rider.

A short update from Kerry. 

"Dorothy Sue Phillips and I had talked about riding at Ft. Schellbourne for three years; but the 1900 miles round trip had directed us to Ft. Howes instead.  We talked about numbers being down this year at rides and that it could be the last opportunity to do this ride.  So, even though we had finished two 50s over Memorial Day weekend, we headed to Nevada the following Saturday.  My goals for the ride were to finish, help Dorothy Sue finish, and enjoy the trail while learning more about the history of the area.  This was a gorgeous ride with beautiful flowers, vistas, and land that told a story of struggles and achievements.  Although there were many tough climbs, each day many miles allowed horses to get out and move.  Hawk especially loved trotting through the twists and turns through the trees.  How lucky we are to be able to enjoy our equine and human friends on these wonderful, historic trails!"

Ft Howes FEI 100 Mile Update

Tennessee Mahoney was one of the few riders to finish and brave the cold, rain and hail at the Ft Howes 100 mile event.  Read more about the event here. 

Easyboot Results at the Duck's 5 Day Fort Schellbourne event

Easyboot Glue-Ons had some impressive results at the Duck's XP Fort Schellbourne 5 day endurance event.  Many people used Easyboot products.  I've listed some of the results below.  Many other horse and rider teams also used boots but I have not had updates from these riders.  Horses listed below used four Easyboot Glue-Ons. 

Day #1-  1st place tie.  Dian Woodward on DWA Powerball and Christoph Schork on Double Zell.  9th place and Best Condition, Dave Rabe on Emmy.

Day #2-  2nd Place.  Christoph Schork on Castlecountry Karahty.

Day #3- 1st Place.  Christoph Schork on Double Zell.  3rd Place, Dian Woodward on DWA Powerball.  5th Place and Best Condition, Dave Rabe on Emmy.

Day #4- 1st Place.  Christoph Schork on Doubel Zell. 

Day #5- 1st Place and Best Condition Dave Rabe on Emmy.  2nd place Christoph Schork on Castlecountry Karahty. 

Transition Tuesday Week 4

This is the forth post of a weekly series called "Transition Tuesday".  Transition Tuesday is written by Kevin Myers and documents the transition from iron shoes to barefoot hoof care and hoof boot use.  Rocky and Far are both seasoned endurance horses and have been in iron shoes for several seasons.  Transition Tuesday's weekly blog posts will document the process and learning curve involved in the transition to natural hoof care.  Feet will change shape, boot fit will improve as feet change and the learning curve will decrease.  The good, the awesome, the not so good, and what happens along the way.  Enjoy!

It has been four weeks since we started the transition to barefoot for two of our four horses. This seems like a good moment to compare notes between three of them.

I hesitated for years before trying barefoot because I thought the transition period would be too long and I thought booting the horses for training and competition would be more complicated than my patience would allow. I was wrong on both counts. If either of these reasons are factors for holding you back from making the transition, you should take comfort in knowing that the Easycare products really take the stress out of the transition management, and the transition can be managed in a much shorter span than you would anticipate. In fact, the transition can evidently be managed over night.

First, I want to confirm the strategy I’ve discussed in previous posts for the success associated with using athletic tape with Easyboot Gloves on the hinds. I am using the black 1.5” Mueller brand – you can find it at larger pharmacies such as Walgreens or at many athletic supply stores.

Note the use of the athletic tape as I carefully twist the rear boot on with conviction. The fit is quite snug, but the foot goes in nicely with a few walking steps forward.

We went out for a nine mile blast along the trails at Saguaro Lake on Sunday. We’re heading to Descanso Endurance Ride on Friday, so we are tapering off the work in anticipation of the 50 on Saturday. Half way through the ride, we waded the horses into the Salt River and stood in the water with the horses up to their knees for about ten minutes. I’d classify it as a good, long soak!

 

All four feet got a good soaking.

So did I! I think this horse has a higher IQ than I do. He knows how to splash the water onto his chest to cool himself down.

After the soaking, we trotted and cantered our way up a long incline wash, then up and over a short, rocky mountain trail with good elevation up and down. No boots were lost or harmed during the experiment!

Setting off from the river up the incline wash: we soon went into a working canter.

Heading up and over the mountain.

You can see that the hind boots stayed exactly where they should be. No muss, no fuss!

We removed the boots when we got home, after a 45-minute trailer ride home. The feet had enjoyed a good soak.

There was no debris in the front boots from the sand wash.

The soaking allowed me to pick off by hand some of the glue from last week (I’ve been remiss in cleaning the hooves after last week’s glue-on experiment!).

No debris in the rear boot. Note the athletic tape has stayed in tact.

I’ve been fascinated by the changes in the horses’ feet in the last four weeks and I have really enjoyed watching the shod horse go through the usual motions of outgrowing his shoes. Far has definitely adapted very well to the barefoot transition: there is less breaking out of the hoof wall than I anticipated as the old nail holes work their way down. His frogs have all peeled and he got his second trim yesterday. The frog is healthy and the sole is really beginning to show a nice concave form.

Far after he was freshly trimmed yesterday: healthy frog; nice concave sole.

Far’s feet are looking solid.

He shows no sign of any soreness when booted. After a soaking, he may be a little more tender on the rocks, as you would expect. The feet dry out within a few hours after soaking and become hard again.

Far at four weeks without shoes – and before his Monday trim.

Far’s feet are clearly showing signs of expanding closer to the coronet band.

Far’s feet have adapted well to the change

Red’s shod feet at four weeks – you can see the epoxy.

Rocky is taking longer to adjust, but he started with significantly under-run heels. The changes in his feet are also more dramatic: there is a noticeable widening of the hoof around the coronet band with the new growth. The angle of the hoof wall is changing, too, in a way that we were simply not able to achieve – even with a year of shoeing with a focus on changing the angle.  

Rocky’s feet are clearly going through some changes. You can see the change in angle of the hoof wall.

Rocky is freshly trimmed.

We were more aggressive with the removal of the false sole than we have been with Far. In hindsight, we may have acted too quickly with him. Fortunately, he is comfortable again, even as the hoof wall breaks out as the old nail holes grow down. There is some interesting bruising on the outside of his right hind that looked quite consistent until we pulled the shoes.

You can see the lines of old bruising on Rocky’s right hind. Note the absence of the red lines in the recent growth.

When we are out on the trail, we slow down on the rocks for the shod horse because he shows signs of the occasional sore step when going across rocky terrain. He has shoes, pads and Equi-Pak, but there still seems to be less protection than the boots provide to the barefoot horses. I was wishing all the horses were booted at our training ride in Prescott last weekend so we could move out at a consistent speed. As we enter the dry summer conditions, the shod horse’s feet are very brittle and are breaking apart around the nail holes. I’m using the same four Easyboot Gloves I started with four weeks ago on Far and they have lots of life in them yet. I called this morning to make an appointment for the shod horse to be re-set after almost five weeks. You do the math.

Red: the hoof has begun to grow over the front of the shoe at four weeks.

Red: The hoof walls are being held together through the dry AZ summer with epoxy and the shoes are being kept in place with clips. Note how little flare there is to the foot.

We’re off to Descanso on Friday and I’ll be using Easyboot Glue-Ons. I’ll let you know how it goes next week! I plan to glue the boots on Thursday and keep a couple of Easyboot Gloves in my saddle pack as a precaution.

Keep up the boot legging!

Kevin