Karen's EasyCare & Endurance Musings

Got a sticky zipper?

If you have a zipper that is sticking on something - a crewbag, saddle pack or other item - try rubbing a bar of soap up and down both sides of it.  That should help coat it, and help it along.  Another thing to try is silicone spray. 

We used some silicone spray on a bale bag today to get it to close easier.  It is several years old and pretty stubborn, but the spray fixed that.  I have a crewbag that is starting to have some 'sticky zippers', so will try the spray or soap on it before the next ride. 

Karen's Computer Saga....

Dell called back today and they want to send me a brand new replacement for my overheating model.  I am okay with that.  The model I have now is no longer being made, so I'll get the new replacement for it.  The only thing is that it comes with Vista on it.  I hope that it works out.

I have also learned that a lot of the problems I have had due to overheating can possibly be alleviated.  Here is a post on the topic (read if you have an Inspiron model), and here is one on the battery recall they did last year.  My laptop now is a refurbished replacement for one that suffered a meltdown.  It literally got hot enough to melt my pants onto my leg. 

I didn't have to spend nearly as much time on the phone with Dell support this time.  Only an hour the first time, and the second time just a few minutes, maybe twenty.  The time before I was on the phone for seven hours and was completely dreading having to go through this again. 

Quotations on Success

Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.  Arthur Ashe

Never again clutter your days or nights with so many menial and unimportant things that you have no time to accept a real challenge when it comes along. This applies to play as well as work. A day merely survived is no cause for celebration. You are not here to fritter away your precious hours when you have the ability to accomplish so much by making a slight change in your routine. No more busy work. No more hiding from success. Leave time, leave space, to grow. Now. Now! Not tomorrow!  Og Mandino

A little history on Easyboots

A really nice person sent this to me today.  This is a really well preserved decades old Easyboot!  Isn't it beautiful?  (in an Easyboot sort of way)  Easyboots have a long history.  They were originally developed by Dr. Neel Glass, a nuclear physicist -- to help a horse with navicular, more than 37 years ago!  Dr. Glass and his wife Lucille BOTH ended up riding more than 5000 AERC miles each on BARE-BOOTED horses (that basically means the horse had Easyboots on over unshod hooves).  How cool is that? 

Read:  IS SHOEING A NECESSARY EVIL?

By: Neel W. Glass, Ph.D.

How Far I Got....

After an hour on the phone with India tech support (they are very nice and polite), I found out that in 24 to 48 hours they will call me back and tell me what they will do to fix my problem with my USB's not working, and my AC power adapters getting fried.  It's hard to have something you need to count on, and can't. 

When I got the first computer in this model, the CD/DVD player didn't work right out of the box.  They replaced it.  Then the mother board quit (USB's stopped working, and fried/killed one of my cameras).  Took two replacements for them to get it to work.  Then I had the overheating issue with the next new one that melted my pants onto my leg (seriously, OUCH).  They replaced that (same time as the battery recall they had).  The new one came and it didn't have the right software and wouldn't even boot up right (swell).  So got them to send another replacement, which came devoid of Microsoft Office.  I managed to get that to work, but it took a lot of hours of my time. 

So now here we are with the newest replacement, and the USB's are stopping working unless I reboot after every single use.  It's fried three AC power adapters too.  They still work, but won't "charge" the computer back up, just power it. 

I'm sure I wouldn't be having these problems if I didn't actually use the darn thing so much.  But, isn't that what it's for? 

So how big of a learning curve is it to switch over to a Mac?

Warning - Computer Rant Coming.....

I am totally fed up with Dell.  This is far the first time I've had trouble with this laptop.  In fact, this wasn't anywhere near the first time I've had problems. 

Now I'm having the same problems I had to begin with when I first got this computer.  The USB ports won't work.  The card reader won't work.  I keep frying the AC adapter, so now when I plug in it won't charge the computer (so I can't use it on battery because once it dies, it's going to be dead), and it won't boot up without error messages, and it also won't shut down "windows is shutting down" will stay on screen until an hour or two later when I get tired of it and power it off.  It also gets so hot it burns my legs if I try to use it in my lap  (gee could that be part of the problem?).  I have fried three AC adapters (all Dell OEM) so far.  They have replaced the motherboard on it twice, and then replaced the computer completely three additional times.  And they don't even send the same computer configuration each time, last time it came without Office installed on it (seriously).  So that involved several more hours of my time spent with Microsoft getting persmission to reinstall it (since I've installed it on three Dells now, but each one replacing a defective one, I only have ONE computer). 

So next my recourse will be to call up Kevin in India and spend another seven hours or more on the phone wasting my time trying to explain what is wrong.  I'm fed up with Dell. It's not their customer support so much (even though it takes hours, they have always fixed it, at least) so much as I keep having the same problems with the motherboard and overheating.  Talked to a friend today and she says oh yeah her daughters Dell did the same exact thing - EXACTLY!  They switched to another brand and have been happy ever since.

I on the other hand, just want to know - what kind of learning curve is there to switch over to an Apple?  Ughhhhh. 

Truck and Trailer Maintenance

I have another long trip coming up with the horses - Grand Canyon, Arizona.  Last weekend Dave did some maintenance on the truck.  He said he spent around $100.00 on the oil, fluids, filters and such to do it.  Had we taken it to the shop the same amount of work would have cost more than $700.00.  A great place to find filters and such at good prices for various diesel trucks is ebay. 

Tomorrow I"m going to take the trailer up to the tire shop.  I need two new tires for it.  Actually, one new tire, and the spare needs replaced so we'll put the two new ones on the trailer and use the oldest trailer (still good) tire as one of the now spares.  I carry two spare trailer tires with me.  Because if I need to use one, I'll still have one.  When traveling across Nevada it's a long way between tire shops sometimes! 

EasyCare Trivia Contest - Your Chance to WIN!

How would you like to win a pair of Easyboots?

I'm going to run this blog contest through the end of the month.  To enter, simply send an email with the answers to the three questions below.  Answers can easily be found on the EasyCare website.

We will draw names out of a boot (of course!) from all entries that have been submitted with the correct answers on Monday, October 1. 

Limit of one entry per email address.  If you win and would prefer a different model EasyCare hoof boot, you can apply the value of the Easyboots as a credit towards the boots you do want.  Shipping not included.

Questions:

1)  What is the name of EasyCare's German Distributor?
2)  How much $$ did EasyCare recently award in the form of Scholarships to students in the Equine Sciences Academy?
3)  What is the  name of the currently featured education article, by Dr. Teskey?

Photo:  Kerri Redente riding in Easyboots on the Keyhole Trail near Bryce Canyon, Utah.

2002 Easyboot Article on Easyfoam

This is a few years old but some may find it useful.  Easyboot 101 For Endurance Riders, Part 2.

Be sure to check out my category on Easyfoam for all of the posts on that topic.

I did the whole 2001 XP using Easyfoamed on Easyboots on Weaver and Rocky.  They did a total of 1925 miles between them and the foamed on boots worked fabulous for both of them. 

Endurance.net still has my journal from that trip online, which you can find here. 

Easyboot and Easyboot Epics Tips

Here are several of my blog posts organized on Useful Tips for Easyboots and Easyboot Epics.  A lot of the tips are interchangeable between the two boots.  The difference between an Easyboot and an Epic is the Easyboot Gaiter.

Some of these things will also be useful for other boots such as the Bares and Grips.  I'll try to separate them by subject as well as possible and the link will go to each separate blog post by its title.  If you need help with a particular issue, just shoot me an email or submit a comment. 

Easyboots

Easyboot 101

Easyboot 101 For Endurance Riders (part 1)

Easyboot 101 For Endurance Riders (part 2, Easyfoam)

Advanced Easyboot Tips

Helpful Easyboot Tips

Tips for Reducing Heel Rubbing

Cable Adjustments on Easyboots

Five Easyboot, Epic and Grip Cable Adjustments

Opening Easyboot and Easyboot Epic Buckles

Changing a Cable on an Easyboot

Crimping a Replacement Cable

Duct Tape and Hoof Boots Tip

Easyboot Epics

Training Gaiters

Solving Gaiter Rubbing

Removing Permanent Cleat Covers

Do I Need a Heelstrap in My Epics?

Top Ten Tips for Removing your Easyboot Epic or Bare Heelstrap

Using Plumbers Putty

Tips for Using Epics

Using Plumbers Putty

Plumbers Putty and Hoofboots

Measuring Tips

Easyboot, Epic, Bare Hoof Boot Measuring Form

Maintenance Tips

Have you got a screw loose?

Videos

EasyCare Educational Videos - Easyboot Epics

How to Put and Easyboot Epic on a Horse w/ Pete Ramey

Karen's Videos

New Video on Wrapping to Prevent Gaiter Rubs

Back Pain Update

Thanks everyone that sent me info on helping my back pain.  I have been seeing a chiropractor, and that has helped.  I've also been stretching, using ice, heat and rest.  I also ordered this book that was recommended by a reader.   Thanks!

Just saw this article on back pain and how acupuncture helps and is more effective than traditional medical treatments. 

I'm still being really careful to not do too much and hope that I'll be well enough to be able to ride again within a week or so, that way I can get the horses ready for the Grand Canyon ride.  I'm planning to take Chief and Tigger. 

Homemade Horse Trailer

This is really scary.  I can't believe somebody would do this.  Be sure to look at all of the photos.

Life Expectancy

Here is an article on life expectancy, with an excerpt below.  I wonder where equestrians (and more specifically, endurance riders)  fit into this?  Here is a pdf with more reports and info on the topic, from the CDC.  Looks like we've made some significant improvements in life expectancy since the Roman Empire. 

Historic Life Expectancy

During the Roman Empire, Romans had a approximate life expectancy of 22 to 25 years. In 1900, the world life expectancy was approximately 30 years and in 1985 it was about 62 years, just two years short of today's life expectancy.

Equine Influenza & Australia

Here is an article from thehorse.com on the Australian Equine Influenza outbreak.  For those that don't already know, the EI outbreak has shut down most equestrian activities in Australia.  Here is another article on it. 

This has unfortunately caused EasyCare to have to postpone our travel plans this fall.  Equitana has been postponed, as have all of the other events we were planning on attending.  I'm still looking forward to going over there, but it will be another time for it. 

My own horses actually contacted a case of the flu bug earlier this year.  Fortunately they had been vaccinated so neither one of them seemed to have it last very long.  As they get exposed to each thing of this type they develop more immunity and hopefully will not have to deal with it again anytime soon.  It did cause me to miss a ride which really wasn't that big of a deal. 

Today we managed to get  three of the four horses hooves trimmed.  They were all good about it and the recent rain made it a lot easier on Dave to work on them.  Their hooves get so hard during the summer. 

Endurance Horse Training 101....Hobble breaking

I was really lucky at Bryce that when Tigger put his hind leg over his cotton rope that he didn't struggle and fight and create a much more serious injury.  Usually a rope burn caused by a cotton rope is a fairly minor injury.  Yet, if the horse panics and fights it can lead to something much more serious.  Turns out that this was the second time since I got Tigger in April that he got caught in something.  The first time it was barbed wire down on the trail, and I was on him.   I believe that the reason why, in both instances, he did not panic or get seriously injured is because I took the time after I first got him to do some hobble training with him.  I consider hobbling a horse to be a pretty basic training lesson and do it with all of my horses and follow up yearly with refreshers.  The reason why it's important is that it teaches a horse not to fight and struggle when they find that they are confined or trapped.  This really can pay off later--like when they do get caught in barbed wire, or a fence, or even get a leg over a rope while tied.

Here are some articles on the topic.  If you aren't comfortable or experienced enough to do this on your own, find somebody to help you or get a trainer that can at least initially get your horse broke to hobble.

The How-To's of the Hobble

Leg Restraints & NH

Creating a Submissive Attitude in Your Horse

Training Horses to Hobble

Endurance Riding and GPS Technology

GPS Keeps Endurance Horses On Track at European Championship

Couple of Quotes about work

I know not everybody feels about their work the same way I do....

Instead of instilling fear, if a company offered a way for everyone in the business to dive within--to start expanding energy and intelligence--people would work overtime for free. They would be far more creative. And the company would just leap forward. This is the way it can be. It's not the way it is, but it could be that way so easily.  David Lynch

and

We believe that there is no greater power in the world than the force of a great idea. We believe that people are the lifeblood of every organization. We believe that the best companies are true meritocracies, where people rise and fall through their own contributions, not through game playing or politics. We believe that work isn't simply a paycheck; it is the ultimate expression of a fully realized self. We believe that a company's obligations extend far beyond its bottom line and its shareholders -- to a wider constituency that includes employees, customers, suppliers, and the community.  John Byrne

Lower Back Pain

I tweaked something in my lower back last week.  Somehow I managed to still ride both days at Virgin Rim - tho I did trot most of the time as walking was too painful.  Now that I am home again, it has gotten a thousand times worse.  I went to the chiro today and got adjusted.  I'm not able to lift anything, and feel pretty nauseated but otherwise I'm looking forward to feeling better tomorrow.  Gotta think positive, right!  I found this on lower back pain, will give it a try.

Team Easyboot

I'm thinking of setting up a way to qualify riders to ride on "Team Easyboot" for one of the next upcoming point to point endurance rides.  I'm just starting to plan it out now, for 2008 and 2009.  If you have any ideas, suggestions, or recommendations of riders who are using our products successfully and would be interested in this let me know. 

Suggestions:  we could do one team, or more than one team.  It could be based on riders in certain regions, or with certain breeds of horses, shod, or unshod.  Riders making the team would be eligible to receive benefits of being on Team Easyboot such as having their ride entries or other expenses covered. 

Bear in yard

Made the long drive home yesterday from southern Utah to find that we had a bear in a tree by the fence where the barn is.  The bear had apparently gone up the tree around 5 a.m.  The neighbors called animal control but apparently bear retrievers are in short supply and have been very busy of late so what finally happened is the bear managed to make a safe getaway sometime last night.  It's hard to see him in the photo with all of the leaves.   

Turns out another neighbor nearby shut their garage door and there were three bear cubs inside.

Guess the sheep, cows and other misc. wildlife we encountered on the last endurance ride was nothing compared to having bears on our own properties.

Virgin Rim Photo Album

Here are some photos from the 2007 Virgin Rim ride.  There is such a variety of scenery on this ride.  It is truly one of the most beautiful endurance rides that I've ever done. 

The horses both had really good rides here.  We encountered a variety of things from wildlife like deer and wild turkeys to mountain bike riders, hunters, logging operations and large herds of sheep.  They both handled everything well.  We have enjoyed spending this much time in Utah (since Bryce) and now it's time to head back home.  I'm glad I decided to stay today to let the horses rest a little, and myself too.  I have been able to get a lot done, so it will be easier once I do get home.  Fortunately, I also have an internet connection here so that I can get some work done too. 

EasyCare Hoof Boot Contest Update - we are now over 16,000 miles!

With the most recent results 74 riders in the Easyboot Contest have ridden over 16,000 miles!  It's great to see so many doing so well with this.  We had a few riders at the Virgin Rim ride who are in the contest and they all did really well.  Three of us did both days of the ride.  I rode two different horses and Rick Leonard and Claire Toomey both rode the same horse both days using Epics or Bare hoof boots.   Their horses both looked great at the finish of a tough 100 miles! 

Here are some photos of Chief's boots that I used on him yesterday.  These boots had all been used before.  I like to use boots that have been broken in prior to any actual competition.  What is great is that you can see in these photos the dome shaped Comfort Pads are in all four of the boots.  I had used them also in advance several times so that they would squish down a bit as they will cause Chief's boots to turn if they are brand new and I start an endurance ride with them.  I had these broken in just right because Chief's boots did not turn at all during the ride and I am very pleased with how good they look after doing all that downhill and going over hard rocky footing yesterday.  Chief's legs are tight and cool today and he looks fantastic.  We'll be driving home tomorrow so he and Tigger are both getting to rest today.  The Bares in the photos have done several endurance rides.  The Epics have too, actually I think only one boot was fairly new and the others have all done at least 250 to 500 miles.  You can tell that Chief is easy on his equipment, which means he is also fairly easy on himself which is why he does so well doing all of these miles.  He is fast approaching the 7000 mile mark.  My remaining goal for this ride season is to try and achieve that milestone with him.  Fingers and hooves crossed!

Virgin Rim, Day 2 - Chief came in 3rd!

We had a great day today.  It was a difficult and challenging endurance ride.  There were 13 riders today and we finished in 3rd place.  Winning time was almost 8 1/2 hours.  The scenery was breathtaking!  Below are a couple of videos showing a couple of trail sections.  You can see that it was very rocky in spots (in lots of spots, lol).  I was very glad to have had boots on Chief with dome shaped Comfort Pads.  I used regular Epics on his front hooves, and Bares on the hinds.  We had a total of three riders in the ride that completed both days of the ride who used boots on their unshod horses.  Plus another couple of riders who rode the first day. 

 

Virgin Rim Ride, Day 1

I rode Tigger today and we had a fantastic ride.  The first photo is of the sunrise this morning.  The next one is of Tig at lunch today.  He was a really good boy today and very well behaved at the start and all day long.  I'm planning to ride Chief tomorrow. 

Bryce Canyon XP Results

Click here to see the daily results for all 5 days in pdf.

The Virgin Rim ride starts tomorrow.  I'm planning on riding Tigger on day 1, and Chief on day 2 which is the point to point day.  I Easyfoamed a regular Easyboot on Tig's hind hoof.  The rope burn has healed nicely but still has some scabs on it so he gets an Easyboot on that foot, while the other three will get regular Epics. 

Quotation

The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'    Ronald Reagan, 40th president of US  (1911 - 2004)

Endurance Horse Training 101....Trail Marking

Tigger got to mark trail today on some of the Virgin Rim trail section.  Marking trail is a great way to expose a new endurance horse to the trail in a non competitive way.  It was just the two of us today, and we had a really enjoyable day.  We got dropped off and rode about 11 miles altogether along the rim.  The scenery was gorgeous.  I used Epics on three of his feet, and on the fourth rope burned hind leg (he got the rope burn at Bryce a couple of weeks ago)  I used a regular Easyboot.  I can hardly believe that he is taking size 2's on his front feet, he is just a little thing (barely 14.2 hh).  He did well today and didn't spook or get fidgity while we encountered deer, wild turkey, hunters on quads and other trail users.  The Virgin Rim Trail itself is closed to motorized vehicles, so the majority of the time we just had the wildlife to share it with, which was wonderful.  When the little guy got the rope burn he also had some scabbing where his biothane halter went over his nose, so today I rode him with a fairly loose rope halter and a S-hack.  That worked beautifully - had all the control I needed without coming in contact with the area on his snooter that is healing. 

Quotation

You have to know how to accept rejection and reject acceptance.  Ray Bradbury

Clearing Trail - NOT

Earlier this morning I tried to find some trail through this section but the deadfall is enormous.  Chief managed to get through it and this wasn't the wost of it even.  I took him out barefoot thinking we'd be in the nice soft forest - haha - turns out that it was all solid deadfall or otherwise rocks.  We climbed over a lot of logs and ended up like mice in a maze trying to find our way back out again.

Preparing the horses hooves and Easy foaming boots on. Part 3 of 4.

Below is the list with links to the sections on using Easyfoam that I have completed.  This is part three. 

1. Preparing your Easyfoam kit (what items you need to get together)
2. Preparing your boots for Easy foaming
3. Preparing the horses hooves and Easy foaming boots on - see below
4. Removing foamed on boots

To begin with you'll need to prepare your horses hooves.  Here is a list of items to run through prior to foaming a boot on:

1. Clean the entire hoof thoroughly, making sure to get the crevices in the frog as clean as possible.
2. Disinfect the frog and sole area of the hoof.  I use iodine and spray it on.  Allow to throughly dry.
3. Pre-apply each boot to each hoof to make sure you have the correct size and to get an idea of the cable and buckle or bungee (if using a Bare) settings you want to use.
4. Apply Vaseline (petroleum jelly) around the hairline of each hoof.

Once you have done those things it is now time to get everything together that you'll need for the foaming job.  See part 1 in the link above to make sure you have all of the items that you will need in advance of starting.

1. Begin by shaking both bottles of Easyfoam.  You may notice that the white bottle may have it's contents separated.  Be sure to shake both bottles thoroughly prior to each application.
2. Make sure that the boots you will be foaming on are clean and dry.
3. Measure out how much foam you will be using in separate cups.  Make sure you have equal amounts of each.  How much you use will depend upon the size of boot you use.  It's better to use more and then adjust down accordingly for each subsequent boot.   If it's your first time use the amount that is recommended on the bottle and in the instructions.
4. Make sure you have your rubber gloves on and baby wipes handy!
5. Check one more time to make sure your horses hoof is thoroughly clean, disinfected, and dry.
6. Pour the two foam mixtures together and stir well.  Read the instructions that come with the foam kit as it will tell you how long to mix for (that's my way of getting you to read the instructions)
7. Once the foam has been thoroughly mixed, pour it into the boot.  Hold the boot with the toe facing downwards so the foam doesn't spill out the back of the boot.
8. Apply the boot to the horses hoof.  I like to wait for the foam to become a little thicker than the watery mix it is when you first stir it together.  But don't wait too long, you want to get the boot on before it starts to foam up.  How quickly it foams will vary depending upon the temperature.  Faster in warm temps and slower in cold temps.
9. Have the horse set it's hoof down.  If need be, pick up another hoof to ensure that the horse is standing and bearing weight on the boot with the foam as it expands.  If you don't do this you could have the foam expand and cause uneven pressure which is going to make your horse very uncomfortable so be sure and get that foot weight bearing.
10. Adjust the cable and buckle on your Easyboot.  Be sure to use rubber gloves and a hoof pick if necessary to work the cable.   
11. If you get foam anywhere during the process, wipe it up immediately with baby wipes. 
12. After the foam has expanded around the outside of the boot you may wipe it off with a baby wipe.
13. If there are any gaps around the edges of the boot when you are all finished you may wish to mix up a little more foam and pour in around those areas to seal them off.
14. Use a baby wipe to clean off as much of the Vaseline around the hairline as you can.
15. Keep the horse standing quietly until the foam has set up.  This will take less time in warmer weather and more in colder.  I usually let them stand from fifteen minutes to a half an hour after the last boot is put on.

Some advice: 

• Don't foam on a boot with a gaiter.  Only foam on a regular Easyboot, or a Bare WITHOUT A GAITER.
• Wear old clothes that you don't mind getting messed up.  Often if you get foam on something, it is permanent. 
• Which is why you need to wipe it off with a baby wipe immediately if it gets on something other than the inside of the hoof boot.
• While you can do this alone, it helps to have an assistant.
• I find that it is also easier to do at home in a quiet environment.
• Going for a ride in sandy or soft dry footing prior to foaming can help with cleaning the hoof and having it be thoroughly dry.

Next I will work on part 2 which will show how to get your Easyboots ready for foaming.  In that section you'll learn how to prepare the boots as well as various techniques and tips for foaming boots on horses that may have difficulty keeping boots or shoes on.  I will also explain various ways to make foam removal easier once the boot has been removed.

I will also put together a more thorough pictorial showing the entire foaming process for the EasyCare website. 

Useful item for those that have awnings or something to tie down securely

The Duck told me about this.  I've been anchoring my awning with 5 gallon water containers.  These definitely look like they'd work better.&nb