Karen's EasyCare & Endurance Musings

Trailer accident - time to help out someone who always helps others

UPDATE: I am leaving this post as a featured post at the top of my blog for a couple of weeks.  Feel free to leave comments for Dave Rabe.  Please click below to expand this post to read information on how you can help Dave.   Please know that everybody chipping in to help will really make a difference for Dave.  Thank you! 

The trip down to Cuyama this year was not a good one.  It was quite tragic for Dave.  Here is a newspaper report on what happened.  Fortunately, Dave was not hurt and nobody else was involved in the accident.  His friends have set up an accident assistance fund for him and the information is below.  If you know Dave or know somebody that is a friend please pass this along to them.  Dave of course, does not know that we have done this and he would never ask for help.  He is always helping everybody else, so this is a small way for us to help out when he needs it the most.  He has suffered a terrible loss in so many ways.  Thank you Cuyama riders for the donations you made at the ride. 

Quote of the day - take some chances!

It's possible to wreck your life by trying to play things too safe.  No one can be happy if they're excessively anxious about their home, their bank account, their job, or their health. When you get right down to it, all living involves risk. The people who try to play it safe not infrequently find themselves more vulnerable to trouble than those who are willing to take some chances.

Book Review - Soul of a Horse

I recently read a pre-release copy of The Soul of a Horse: Life Lessons from the Herd by Joe Camp.  It comes out on April 29, 2008, and can be pre-ordered.  Click here for more information.

Joe does a great job telling a story and if you didn't know it already, once you read this book you'll know (even if you aren't a 'horse' person) how much these incredible animals can affect our lives in so many wonderful ways.  Plus you'll come away with a new way of looking at how what we do affects them especially when it comes to building a solid foundation (training), healthcare, hoofcare and living conditions. 

It was great to re-live the "new to horses" feelings all over again.  Especially through the eyes of somebody that does such a great job letting us feel all of the emotional excitement, drama, reward, fear and other emotions and feelings that we all get from our horses.    

The book is a mix of fact and fictional tales - both of which will keep you reading until the very end.  I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anybody who likes animals, especially horses.  It would make a great gift too.  I can't imagine anybody reading this book and not both smiling, laughing, and shedding a tear or two. 

Got lucky and got a photo of a bobcat today!

This looks like a pretty healthy cat!  We just about ran over the top of him on the trail this afternoon.  I'm surprised that we caught him off guard, but I think that the winds may have kept him from hearing or smelling us.  I got lucky and just happened to get the photo at this exact second when he was darting between pionion pines and sagebrush.  We were able to watch him for awhile as he continued up the hill. 

It was nice to get both horses out together.  I think that Tigger is getting to be too herd-bound though and will need to start going out on rides alone more often.  Here are the horses all booted up, we put size 2's on the fronts of both horses, and 1's on their hinds - all Epics.  Chief measures for a 2 and they fit, but he can also go in a 1 and that's what I generally use on him for competing in. 

Easyboot Edge Update

Development of the new Edge boot has been taking longer than we anticipated. While many thousands of miles have been ridden in the boots including successful completions of dozens of endurance rides in them by several different riders, we are still finding areas to improve and considering other options and innovative ideas. These things take time and we want to make sure we have a product we are happy with prior to releasing it to a larger test group. Once we do that, we'll need another 90 days (at least) to allow them time to use the product and provide feedback. I'm sorry that it's taking so long and just wanted everybody to know so that they aren't waiting to get one of the new boots. 

Riding through a tunnel

This is a tunnel we go through that goes under Highway 166 at the Cuyama ride.  I rode Chief through it both times we went through this on the days I rode him - on days 1 and 3.  I just leaned down and told him it was okay to go through.  It's nice that he trusts me and knows that I won't ask him to go where it isn't safe.  He still is smart enough though, to check things out when I do tell him to go through things that could be unsafe - such as the quicksand in the river, or a mud bog.  He will cautiously place a foot in and test it and if he sinks, calmly step back and ask for further direction from me.  I like that about him - he doesn't just barge in like I have seen so many other horses do and then they get stuck up to their bellies struggling to get out.  Part of why I love riding Chief so much is because we both look out for each other and trust each other.  He still can be a bit too enthusiastic as far as his competitiveness goes so it is a challenge on a ride as large as Cuyama is to get him in his own 'space' on the trail.  By having our own space I mean that little sweet spot you get in where you aren't chasing a horse in front, or having riders come up behind you - all of which makes a competitive horse just want to go-go-go even more.  When I can get Chief into our own 'spot' he goes along so nicely and with little effort.  It's such a pleasure to ride like that.   My best rides on Chief are when we are completely alone -- yet, since we are with each other I don't really consider that I am alone! 

Soon after the tunnel, we were back in the wildflowers.  They were so abundant and breathtaking this year.  It sure does make the ride go by fast when you have such gorgeous scenery to look at!  I also did ride along for various sections with others and enjoy that also - that is what makes endurance riding such a great activity.  You have so much freedom to do what works best for you, and your horse.  I love it! 

You do have to be careful about allowing your horse to graze down the trail on this ride.  In this colorful photo you can see some of the darker orange colored plants - that is fiddleneck, which can be toxic to a horse especially if eaten in large quantities.  Chief did grab a bite or two of it, which resulted in me pulling it out of his mouth. 

When we finished the 3rd day of the ride, I pulled Chief's boots off - he used two Epics and two Bares.  You can see in this photo how the dome pad looked.  I really like using the pads in the boots as I think they are great for reducing concussion and also for making the horse more comfortable especially on the hardpacked and rocky trails.  I've been really happy with how well these pads are lasting too - this pad had already been used (I always break them in first) and then did another 100 miles before this photo was taken.  I have pads that have done 7 days of 50's and are still in good shape.   I was especially happy with how well the Easyboot Bares fit Chief on this ride - even with the sand and wet river crossings we did, they stayed nice and clean inside - this photo was taken as soon as the boot was removed.  If you are getting dirt, sand or other debris into your Bares while riding, try using plunbers putty around the top edges, adjusting the bungees tighter or seeing if a smaller size boot or bungee will work. 

This last photo shows Chief's hoof and pastern after the ride was over on the 3rd day.  On the first day of the ride I did use vetwrap but did not on the 2nd day (I rode Tig that day), or with Chief on the 3rd day.  Neither Chief nor Tigger had any rubs from the days they did without using vetwrap (or with, for that matter). 

I've been using a heat temp gun to measure the horses hooves, ankles and legs before and after riding them.  I've been checking the same areas regularly now for training rides both barefoot and booted, and also on endurance rides.  The results have been interesting and so far from what I've seen I think that the horses are benefiting the most from being ridden with boots and pads together.  Versus barefoot or with boots alone.  Give me a few more weeks and I'll if I still think that theory is valid or not.  Very interesting!  ;)   

Adjusting new 2008 Easyboot Gaiters

The new improved gaiters on Epics and Bares are the same size and shape as before.  The only difference is that some of the materials have been improved.  This does make them less stretchy when they are brand new.  This will take a couple of minutes to get the adjustments just right when the boots are used the first time.  Once that takes place, they'll fit and work the same as previous versions of the gaiters.  Click on photos to enlarge. 

1)  This shows a brand new size 1 Easyboot Epic with an EasyUp buckle and the newest 2008 model gaiter.  This is on Chief's front foot.  You can see the gap I get when I put the boots on for the first time.

2)  I walk Chief down my driveway and back.  It's not a very long driveway so only took less than a minute.

3)  I tightened up the gaiter as it had already stretched a bit.

4)  I walk Chief back down the driveway and back again.

5)  I now retighten the gaiter and it is a perfect fit.  It'd be easier to do two or four boots at once. 

I did this at the Cuyama ride last weekend.  I walked Chief around the trailer, or to the water trough in camp to drink and back.  That is all it took on the first day, then the gaiters fit perfectly and some of them went on to do 100 miles on Chief.  Tigger used different boots (he's a 2 on front) for his 55 mile day. 

Cuyama XP Photos 2008

Click here to view the entire album of photos from the 2008 Cuyama XP multiday ride.  Chief didn't get any rubs from his boots, but I did - ouch! 

Cuyama Oaks XP 2008

I can't believe how fast time flies.  It hardly seems like a year has gone by since the last Cuyama XP, and yet it has.  I have Wilma (the Garmen Nuvi) programmed with where I am going tomorrow, even though I know the way it is always fun to use the new toy ya know?  Should be about a 9-10 hour drive.  I'm meeting up with Dave Rabe at 5 a.m. and we'll caravan down together. 

I am bringing Chief and Tigger and will alternate them.  I haven't for sure decided which horse will do two days and which horse one, but am leaning towards doing two with Chief.  Both horses are looking really good. 

This is one of the only XP rides that has limited entries.  As soon as the ride is over each year, people start entering for the following year.  It's a very popular ride. 

Here are photos from a previous year.  Beautiful country, we are really privileged to be able to ride here.  Below are photos showing a bit of trail.  One photo shows riders watering in a creek - I think that is Dave Rabe and Jeremy Reynolds.  The other rider is Sue Benson in the foreground.  This ride is famous for his brilliantly colored wildflowers that illuminate entire hillsides.

Team Easyboot Blog

The Team Easyboot blog has been evolving with more and more members posting.  If you'd like to ask a question of the Team Easyboot members, you can post a comment on the blog, or email it to us. 

I just responded to a question asked about hoof boots and weight.  Click here to view.  Here is a map that shows the location of the current Team Easyboot members.  We started out the first year with approximately 100 members and hope to add to it in the future.  It's been great to see so many applications still come in!  I don't have a timeline yet as to when we'll be able to add more members to the team.  For now we've been kept pretty busy just getting things started.  Now that we are through most of our tradeshow season, I'll be able to keep up with this a bit more. 

Chief gets yet another new gig....

There probably aren't too many horses out there that have ridden more miles in Easyboots.  So I guess that makes Chief an authority.  The hardest part was the voice training lessons!  ;^)  We have been working for months; he has had a tough time learning English but finally got it! 

Just for fun, check it out (click on play, top left corner).  Look for more of Chief on the EasyCare website in the coming weeks!  He is certain to have an opinion (as he always does, especially on a ride) that he'll want to share. 

Grey or Bay, which horse does this tack look best on?

I got a new set of tack at the AERC convention from Hilltop Saddle and Tack.  It just came today and I had a chance to try it on the horses.  I originally planned on using it on Chief, but think now that I may like it as well or better on the bay horses  (Zenos and Tigger)- what does anybody else think?  This halter has a snap on bridle for it, and I also have a matching breast collar.  It is beta biothane (I like it better than the other stuff) with an overlay.  There were lots of choices of overlays and different thicknesses of biothane to choose from - I got the thinner version as I really liked the weight on it when I tried one on Chief at the convention.  Here are a few photos of Chief and Zenos modeling.  Once I decide which horse I'll use this on, I'll make adjustments so it fits properly.  Click to enlarge.

Easyboot Bag Blog Contest

Here's your chance to win one of these Easyboot bags.  These are great!  They clip and tie on to your saddle and can be used to store an extra Easyboot, Epic, or Bare boot -- or you can use it to stash some snacks, lunch, or anything else you'd like to carry on a ride.  They cinch closed so can be opened and closed easily while on the saddle.  They'll fit almost anywhere too - the front of your saddle or back. 

To enter all you need to do is send an email to us and tell us which EasyCare hoof boot model is on the horse in our current national advertising.  It should be easy to find the ads as they are in the following magazines:  Trail Rider, Trail Blazer, Horse and Rider, Horse Illustrated, Equus, Western Horseman, The Perfect Horse, Holistic Horse and Endurance News.

Limit of one entry per email address and per household.  We will give away by drawing 15 bags among all correct entries received between now and April 15th.  Winners to be announced on May 1st.

Chief makes the Reno paper

Breaking in his shoes....errrr....boots. Chief made one of the Reno, NV newspapers - the News and Review.  They took our photo while crossing the four lane highway while out on a break from the AERC tradeshow. 

Chief was really such a great sport about the whole thing and is really a great example of not only a Spanish Arabian, but of horses in general.

He had a couple of different people commet on him being an "Appaloosa".  He is a fleabitten grey Arabian, but definitely doesn't have spots big enough to qualify him as an Appy! 

Quotations on Persistence and Experience

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.  Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with great talent.  Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.  Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.  Persistence, determination alone are omnipotent.  Calvin Coolidge

Mistakes are the usual bridge between inexperience and wisdom.

Comparison of the trimming procedure of six different farriers by quantitative evaluation of hoof radiographs.

Check out this abstract from research recently published on evaluation of trimmed hooves. 

Listen to any music you like - for free!

Here is a fun website - online radio that will let you listen to anything you want, online.  You can choose by artist, song, genre, etc.   http://www.pandora.com/

Eastern Mojave Scenic Results 2008

For those who are interested, the results from the 2008 EMS ride are up on the Sunrise Ranch Rides website.

Due to the popularity of this pioneer ride, it is now going to be an XP Ride.  Look for for information on it for next year on the xprides.com website.  With the inclusion of this ride the series of XP rides will now include:

Eastern Mojave Scenic XP, 155 miles
Cuyama Oaks XP, 155 miles
Mt. Carmel XP, 155 miles
Fort Schellbourne XP, 250 miles
Bryce Canyon (The Randy Coleman Memorial Ride) XP, 250 miles
Grand Canyon XP, 250 miles

New this year are classifications for some of our awards:

1000 miles - same horse and rider, any combination of XP rides = GOLD MEDAL
750 to 999 miles - same horse and rider, any combination of XP rides - SILVER
500 to 749 miles = BRONZE

You can count on the awards for these achievements to be very nice. I love all of my XP awards that I have gotten and treasure them more than any other.  Not just because they are nicer (and the clothing actually fits!), but because of the significance and what I got out of earning them.

Chief has been a Gold Medal horse twice, and we both thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it - I'd love to be able to do it again sometime.  For now, I'm alternating horses this season since I'm bringing along a new one (Tigger).  If I'm lucky I'll maybe have two horses make at least the bronze level.  Here is what I wrote about the last time we made Gold Medal.  My advice is if you have the opportunity to do something like this - horse, funds, health - make it happen.  It's one of those best in a lifetime experiences that you won't ever regret doing. 

Easyboot Epics versus Easyboot Bares

One question I get pretty frequently is whether or not somebody should use Epics, or Bares on their horse.

Here are the reasons why I like using Easyboot Bares:

1)  They are low profile on the front so work great on a horses hind feet.  There is no buckle sticking out so a horse that travels close behind won't be hitting the buckle on the back of the front boot.

2)  Once the boots have been broken in and adjusted to the tightest setting for my horses feet, they are really the easiest and quickest boots to put on.  I like adding duct tape to the sides (see example in this photo of an Easyboot); it helps the boot to slide on over the sides of the hoof easier.

3)  I love how long the tread lasts - I can easly get a dozen or more 50 mile endurance rides out of a set of boots, plus training rides.  The tread is extremely long lasting.   

4)  The boots work great with dome comfort pads.  I really like using these pads in my horses boots now for all of their endurance rides; everything I can do to minimize their wear and tear will help with their longevity. 

Tips:  Be sure to allow your horse time to get used to the Bare tread.  This applies even if they are already used to going in regular Easyboot tread.  Chief took a few rides to get used to it, and once he did I have found that he can negotiate through almost any type of terrain and remain sure-footed.  He's done mud, wet grass, snow, and all kinds of rock, sand and pavement with the Bares.  Be extra careful when going through anything slippery!   

As you can see in the above photo from the AERC convention last week, Chief has Bares on his front feet, and Epics on his hinds.  It ended up that way because the demonstration we just finished had me showing how to put Bares on and we put them on the fronts, even though for riding I prefer it the other way around - Bares on the hind feet and Epics on the fronts.  Because the concrete was so smooth, even with the tarp over it I kept boots on Chief's non-demo-hooves so that he wouldn't slip.  It was extremely slippery for him bare hooved.   

I'll post soon on the reasons why I like using Easyboot Epics and what situations they are best suited for.

Increase Your Income

Here is a new post from Dumb Little Man called "9 Things You Can Do to Increase Your Income - Today". 

Here is an overview of that blog, in case you want to check it out:  Welcome to Dumb Little Man. Each week we provide a handful of tips that will save you money, increase your productivity, or simply keep you sane.

Not sure how to subscribe to an RSS feed?  Check out this previous post from my blog here on how to do that. 

Yippee---Spring forward!

Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night!

Well past the pretty pink sunset....Orion Nebula

Here is a photo that Dave took through his telescope of the Orion Nebula.  This is four photos stacked.  It's got some pretty colors in it too!  I'll stick with photographing things down here on terra firma and he can photograph things that are out of this world!!

Pretty in pink - sunset over Jobs Peak

Check out the great sunset we had this evening!

Where's my cell phone?

Ever lost your cell phone and had to call it to hear it ring so you could find it?  I did that once; I actually found it out in the horse's field, in the dark.  Fortunately my cordless home phone worked for that.  But if that had not worked, I could have tried this free service (wheresmycellphone.com).  Note:  This only works if your phone is MIA and is turned on! ;^)

EasyCare Hoof Boot Upgrade Program

To learn more, click here or go to hoofbootupgrades.com

EasyCare is seeking a Graphic Design Specialist

I really hate having to post this because it means that our Jessica is going to be leaving us.  We are really going to miss her and know it'll be extremely difficult to find somebody as talented as she is. 

I'm so sad!  Here is a graphic showing some of the creative work Jessica has done, in addition to putting together our catalogs, brochures and lots of other items.  Anyway....here is the job opening that we will need to fill soon. 

New Equestrian Products - Videos at horsecity.com

Here is a link to some videos from horsecity.com.  These videos are showing new horse products from the WESA show in Denver in January.  Below is the video they made at our EasyCare booth on our new product updates, including the new Easyboot Edge boot.