EasyCare Customer Help Desk

DEMOS? and more on growth.

Thanks for the info, my horses feet do grow and change shape a bit between trimmings, should I measure him for a few weeks - ensuring I buy the right size, also how much are the boots each,  or is the price dependent on a set of 2, or set of 4, I am considering buying a set of 4.

thanks in advance for your help. I have two friends who are very interested in using the same boot, do you ever do demos, or talks about these products

Generally we recommend measuring at a fresh trim. The sizing does allow for growth between trimmings, although if your horse were to fit at the top range of a particular size we would recommend trying the next size up, which would allow for the growth. Our price for the boots is $65.00 each. There is a quantity discount for 4 or more boots making the cost $61.75 each.

I am afraid that we do not have the “man” power, or maybe I should say “woman” power as there are more woman here at EasyCare, to do demos, etc. We do, however, have representatives at various trade shows.

What about growth?

Q: I have a new set of Boas. I've ridden in Easy Boots for several years and I really like the Boas because I can put them on without my husband's help and their thickness helps my horse cope with all of the gravel road we have to ride on better than anything I've ever tried. I do have a concern though. As per your directions, we ordered by the measurement of her hooves after a trim (which we get every 6-8 weeks). The boots were really snug with the gators so we didn't use those and everything was good. However, four weeks later, I couldn't get the front ones on because my horses feet had grown and we still had two weeks to go until a trim. Now I am thinking that I am going to need an extra, larger pair for the front for in between trims. I also want to get boots for at least two other horses, but I'm afraid of how to size now. An extra size for gators/growth in the spring and summer? We were trying to follow the measurements and get an exact fit so there wouldn't be any rubbing or danger. Like most people, we don't have a lot of money, so I need to really get the sizing right this time.

Please help.

A: When sizing for any of our boots we recommend measuring right after a trim.

If your horses are trimmed every 4 weeks, then there probably won't be much growth to consider, but if they are trimmed every 6-8 weeks, then yes, you do have to consider room for growth, therefore; if your horse is falling at the top range in a particular size, at a fresh trim, and yes, with gaiters too, then you should go up to the next size. If your horse is in the lower end then you should not need to do that.

PAIRS or SINGLES?

Q: I'm interested in the BOA boot, but according to the size chart, my horse's front left requires size 0 while the front right takes a size 1. Can I purchase a pair in different sizes?

A: The Boa Horse Boots and the Old Mac Boots are both sold as "pairs" and cannot be split up to accommodate a horse needing two different size boots.

Please keep in mind when sizing for boots that if your horses measurements fall between two sizes in width and length that it is okay to go up one size.

The Easyboot, Epic and Bare are sold individually.

FRONTS ONLY?

Q: My friend highly recommends the Old Mac boots.  She only uses the boots on the horses front hooves and leaves the back hooves bare, is this how most people use Old Mac boots?

A: Yes, most folks put boots on the fronts only because horses carry most of their weight in the front. If your horse is having problems/sensitivities in the back hooves, then there is no problem putting them on the back also.

Boa Boot Q & A

Q: In four rides at a walk for a short period of time, I have already lost two dial shields.  I can't figure out why.  I put them on and turn them.

A: The caps are grooved to fit snugly over the dial. There is only one position in which to push them in place (with BOA reading straight up and down). Then you turn them about ¼ turn and you should hear a series of 5-6 clicks and the wording BOA will read straight across.

CUSTOMER COMMENTS

My horse had foundered. She was getting slowly better, but still very sore. I put new Old Macs on her and, amazingly, she trotted off sound. The next day she bucked and cantered in the turn-out. These things are really amazing!

I just got through ordering another pair of Boa Boots - Needed to go to a bigger size because my mare's hooves have spread so nicely now that she can go barefoot - comfortably, in all terrain - thanks to Boa Boots!!  Your Boa Boots are an amazing product - I went through a whole season, starting our second, with no shoes, only using Boa Boots as needed - my horse's hooves have never been better.  The Boa Boot is so easy to use, and so solid - even in deep, sticky, clay-like mud!  WOW!!

I have been finding the discussion of barefoot riding rather interesting.  Our horse that had a rattlesnake bite on his front pastern 5 years ago has been problematical for soundness until we discovered by pure fluke that he is more comfortable when he is not wearing shoes on his front feet.  Neither the farrier nor I can exactly figure out why being barefoot allows him to travel sound, while wearing shoes causes him to be rather inconsistent for soundness.  Anyway, I did observe this and we stopped shoeing the front feet.  Enter the scene...EZ Boot Epics.  These are a Godsend, as this horse is also a chronic front shoe-puller.  Short strong back + long legs + long overreach = pulled front shoes, with astounding regularity.  We now ride him with EZ Boot Epics, which protect and cushion his bare feet and which he cannot pull off, because there is no extension or ridge he can grab with his hind feet.  We think it just may be possible that he can be re-conditioned and brought back to endurance riding.

GOOD STUFF

For lots more good stuff, check out some of the links listed on this blog. Also, check out "Endurance Musings", Karen Chaton's Blog. She rides in our boots extensively and shares her experiences and more on her blog. Thanks Karen

Easyboot Bare Q & A

Q: All of the pre measurements we performed on the horse we ordered the EasyBoot Bares for fall in to the category of a #1 size however we are unable to fit these boots. We have followed the on-line video instructions. The front of the hoof fits snugly into the boot but we are unable to pull the boot into place at the back. Because we are into our Winter period and our location on the Central Tablelands of New South Wales gets very cold indeed is it possible to soften the boot (they are very hard being new)  by placing them into hot water, without damage to the boot, or is this not a feasible option? Do you have any suggestions in overcoming this problem?

To all intense and purpose you would say these boots are too small for the horse ( ¼ horse )but as I say the measurements fall within the #1 category.

A: Hi Colin:  Chris forwarded your question to me about the Bares.  I have used them quite a bit and may be able to help you.  When they are new they are more difficult to get on.  Once you do get them on and ride in them a couple of times they get a LOT easier to put on and take off.  The boots come with the bungee on the middle setting on each side.  Unscrew the bungee/gaiter where it attaches on each side and loosen that setting up to the loosest one on each side.  You can tighten these back up later after a few uses. 

Another thing you can do is train the gaiters to stay back.  I put the entire boot into water until the gaiter is completely saturated.  It just takes half a minute.  Then, fold the gaiter back as far as you can and allow it to dry that way for several hours or overnight.  This will help keep the gaiter out of the way when you put the boots on.  Here is a link to an index on all of the posts I have made to my blog on the topic of Easyboot Bares:  http://easycareinc.typepad.com/karen/easyboot_bares/index.html 

When you do go to put the boots on the first couple of times, don't worry about using the nylon strap and trying to pull the heelstrap up in the back. Just remove that nylon strap and set it aside for now.  You may find that the boots will work well for our horses without ever pulling the heelstrap up in the back.

I hope that helps and if you have any questions or need help please let me know! Karen

Easyboot Bare Q & A

Q: I have a pair of Bares. With the back strap in and pulled up as much as possible, they're just a bit too snug (horse's heels don't sit down on the boot, as observed by only partial 'hoof print' left behind in the boot with a space left where the back of the hoof sat on the strap), but if I remove the back strap, then they're a bit too big (I have the bungee at its tightest setting for this) and his heel rubs on the gaiter.

What are my options? Is there a longer back strap available for the Bare? (I have size 2's). Also, I thought I saw a 'cap' available in a catalog for the side screws when the back strap is removed, and that would help take up some room and stabilize his hoof, but now I can't find that accessory on your web site. Any other suggestions?  Thanks

A: First of all please provide us with the hoof measurements both width and length. That will assure us you have the correct size boot and we can go from there. You can purchase a strap for a size 3 and that may be the answer. The only cap we have is for the Boa Boot that covers the dial. Your other option would be the taper strap that allows the boot to go strapless. It comes with all the necessary screw nut and washers and is easy to install. Please let me know starting with the hoof measurement. Thanks and Kind Regards

Old Mac's Q & A

Customer comment:  My horse had foundered. She was getting slowly better, but still very sore. I put new Old Macs on her and, amazingly, she trotted off sound. The next day she bucked and cantered in the turn-out. These things are really amazing!

Old Mac's Q & A

Q: I am using size 4 Macs.  They have lots of extra room on the sides and the toe doesn't go right to the front.  My horse measures 115mm width and 115mm length.  He has underslung heals and doesn't weight bear.  I have ordered  comfort foams. I need new boots and am wondering if the G2 would size 2 would fit him with comfort pads.  The old boots have a collar that makes the width narrower at about 1/2 " height.  Does the new boots narrow too? Would I need to go to a larger size to be able to use the pads? Thank you.

A: Hello: The size 2 would not allow any growth in the width, and would not allow for the comfort pad, which would raise the hoof slightly, changing the position of the hoof in the boot slightly and possibly causing the need for a larger boot. Are your measurements at a fresh trim? How often do you trim? The new boots do narrow at the top.

Old Mac's Q & A

Q: Hi, I recently purchased the G2's from a lady and during my first use (second time for the boots), I lost the roller one of the buckles. I'm just wondering how this can be repaired or if the warranty covers it. They weren't used in harsh terrain or anything, I guess it just popped out. thanks

A: Hello: The boots would be covered under our 90 day warranty with proof of purchase from one of our approved dealers.

Old Mac's Q & A

Q: My horse has a combination of bruised soles and acute laminitis. I do own a pair of Old Mac boots but I don't have any insoles. Currently I am duct taping foam on the bottom of her front feet. Do you sell insoles that would work as well as 1 1/2 '' faom. I was specificly wondering about the Dual Density insoles. Could I put two of them in the boots to make it softer for her? Thanks for your time!

A:  Hello: The insoles are no longer being manufactured, but EasyCare, Inc. now offers a Comfort Pad that is being used very successfully to add cushion to the boots. They come in two sizes for the Old Mac boots and are designed to cut to fit. They are $5.00 per pair and you can call to order if you are interested: 800-447-8836  You may also order online.

 

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DO I REALLY NEED TO MEASURE MY HORSES HOOVES?

When sizing for the boots, please keep in mind that the boots are not sized according to metal shoe sizes. It is also very difficult to compare an Old Mac size 2, for instance, with an Easyboot; they are not the same and without knowing where the horse falls within the sizing there is no way to determine if the boot would fit correctly.

Properly measuring the hooves according to the guidelines is the best way to get a good fitting boot.

 Please be careful to check your measurements against the correct size chart for the type of boot you want.