EasyCare Customer Help Desk

Epic Hints

Q:     I recently purchased your Easy Boot Epics and have used them on a couple of endurance rides.  I use the plumbers putty around the top but after a trip through the river I managed to pick up small rocks in the boots.  Would the Easycare pad help this or perhaps the Easyboot Dirt Skirt?  I also have a pair of the Easyboot Bares and have not really had much other than sand get into those.   Would the skirt help this problem?   

A:    Do you still have the plastic cover over the metal teeth on your Epics?  I have found that if I take that off, then use channel locks or pliers to flatten the teeth, and then cover them with duct tape it allows me to get the top edge of the boot much smoother fitting which helps keep out rocks and sand.  If you've tried that and are still getting stuff inside the boot, try adjusting the cable differently.  You can also consider wrapping around the boot with duct tape on rides where you know that might be an issue. 

Here is a page with a list of Easyboot Epic Tips that also may help you.

Boots over metal shoes

Q. I have a 13 yr old quarter horse that has shoes to correct a turned in edge.  I have been having problems with him stepping on the back edge and pulling the shoe off "it hangs out a bit due to the turn in". I was curious to see if any of your products could help me. Maybe to fit over the shoes or to replace the shoes.  He is in the pasture by day and stall over night.

A.  EasyCare's line of boots, which are made for the barefoot horse,  can be worn over metal shoes, but it will void the wear warranty.  If you were to decide you want to pick a boot to put over shoes, I would recommend the Easyboot.  The Easyboot is made from a hard polyurethane and would last longer than say the Boa Horse Boot, which has leather uppers.

International Sales

Q: My question is: do you send your boots to France (Old Mac's)?

A: We do ship our products to France!  EasyCare, Inc. has dealers/distributors around the world who carry our products, and we also sell directly to the consumer.  If you wish to order from one of our dealers/distributors in Europe we can supply you with company names and contact information.  Very soon international dealer information will be available on our website.  If you wish to order directly from us you can do so online.

Easyboots

Are you a long time Easyboot user? If so, please keep in mind when ordering new boots that the sizing for the pre-2005 Easyboot and the Easyboot manufactured after 2005 has changed. Be careful to re-measure your horses hooves and check them against the current size charts.

If you need our assistance in this we are always more than  happy to help!

Boot selection

Q.  HI, I OWN AN ARABIAN MARE AND I NEED SOME BOOTS FOR WET WEATHER AND SLIPPERY TERRAIN, PLEASE RECOMEND ME SOMETHING.

A.  My first question for you is what type of riding do you do?  Trail riding?  Endurance?  Do you ride over 25 miles per ride or week?  All these things factor in to what boot would be best for you.  If you ride less than 25 miles  per ride or week I would recommend the Boa Horse Boot or the Old Mac's Horse boots.  These are the easiest of our boots to use.  If you ride longer, or are into endurance riding I would recommend the Easyboot Epic or Easyboot Bare.  For slippery conditions, like wet grass, I would recommend using the Horse Boot Studs. 

Testimonials? Send them in for a chance to win free boots.

Submit your testimonial to EasyCare for a chance to win a free pair of Epics.  We choose one lucky winner each month.  Last month, the winner of the free pair of Epics was Dawn Saunders of Scotland.  Congratulations, Dawn!

Here is example of a testimonial on Easyboots:  I just came back from the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail Ride and used Easyboots (originals) for the first time. I was apprehensive about using them, knowing that the ride was for 10 days covering 238 miles, but I ended up being pleasantly surprised. I knew where my horses measurements fell with regards to shoe size and adjusted the boots smaller before I ever tried them on him. The first "Try" was not fun.....but it was much easier than I expected. I did cut off 3/4" in the front to prevent rubbing. By my third try I was shaking my head and wondering what all the fuss was about. Much to everyones amazement I could have both fronts on faster than my partner could saddle her horse. We rode a total of 210 miles that week with no rubs, sore spots, or any other problems. I never needed to use duck tape, vet wrap, or make any other adjustments other than tightening the bands at the end of the ride. We rode through many river crossings, mud, muck, and deep sand without a problem. I am a total believer now and highly recommend them. My 24 yo old gelding also highly appreciated it!

Heel bulb bruising

Q.

Uhhhggg
I'm going broke with these boots but really glad I found your page. Anyway, I have Old Mac's Gen 2. My horse seemed to love them. We used them on some rides, and then went on a longer one. He started complaining about 3/4 the way. I walked, wondering what could possibly be wrong. Removal of the boots showed discoloration of the heel bulbs - like bruising. The hoof wall fits well but the bulbs seem to be setting hard on the materials in the rear. Wondering if I need the cushion inserts or to move on to the bares.

A.  Are you using the Old Mac Pastern Wraps?  The wraps will give you extra cushioning and protection of the pastern area and heel bulbs.  Does your horse have low slung heels?  You may need to take that in consideration when measuring.  When you stated that you went on a longer ride, how long of ride did you go on?  We use 25 miles as a measuring point.  If you ride less than 25 miles per ride/week, I would recommend the Old Mac's or the Boa Horse Boots.  The reason is that these boots are higher profiled boots (coming up to the hairline) and may cause rubbing or chaffing on longer rides.  Otherwise, the Easyboots, Easyboot Epics or Easyboot Bares may be a better choice.  They are lower profile boots with all the hard parts of the boot below the hair line, therefore eliminating any change of rubbing or chaffing. 

Just Boots?

EasyCare offers a great selection of horse care products other than boots, including Sheepskin Saddle covers, Stowaway Saddle packs and more....

You can download a copy of our catalog from any page on our website (at the bottom of each page is a "catalog" link). You will also find product brochures available to download.

If you'd like a free catalog mailed to you just call one of our customer service reps at 1-800-447-8836.

Gaiter Rubbing?

Gaiters need to be tight, but even so, horses with thinner or sensitive skin can sometimes experience rubbing with the gaiters. Here's an easy fix if your horse has this problem.

Laminitis?

I have been looking at your Bare boot.  I have to keep a few boots on hand for a couple horses that can have laminitic episodes.  They have cushings.  I was told that the Bare boot might be to soft for a laminitic foot.  Is this true.  Please give me your opinion.

I have used the Epic boots more on sole sore and laminitic horses more than the Bares.  I most always use some of the Easycare comfort pads inside these boots and have really liked how comfortable the horses are with them.  Regular easy boots with pads can also be used, but it's nice to have the wrap-around velcro material at the pastern like the Epics have to hold the boots on better....these boots really stay on nicely.  Since you're looking for boots for these occasionally sore footed horses, I think the Epics will be more flexible and more user-friendly for you.

Dr. Tom T.

Read our Newletter?

Our monthly newsletter is now available and filled with useful information, links and more, including a way to WIN Easyboots, just by referring your friends.

Like to try our Boots?

EasyCare is promoting a boot upgrade program for those folks who use other boots but would like to try ours.  We offer a selection of boots for individual uses and preferences.

Send us your testimonials!

The person submitting the best testimonial to EasyCare each month will be selected to win a free pair of Easyboot Epics!   You can email it to us, or submit thru our website.   Here is an example of a previously received testimonial. We'd love to hear from you!          

Bernie Harberts of Southern Pines, NC, wrote to tell us about the 12 Easyboots used in a twelve-month, Atlantic-to-Pacific ride on his mule Woody and pony Magnolia.

“I bought them new in Bolivar, TN. From there, they traveled over two thousand miles to San Diego, California. Cement, lava, desert caliche, snow, mud, broken bottles, saguaro spines, the Official Center of the World…they saw it all.

In April 2006 I plan to strike off across the United States again. This time I aim to travel from Canada, south through North Dakota and the Badlands toward the Gulf Coast and Mexico. Only this time, I plan to travel by wagon. I’ve already purchased a team of seasoned mules, Jack and Bill, and am driving them to the wagon I recently built.

While this trip will differ from my last one in most regards, one thing remains unchanged. I’d like to use Easyboots again.

Well, that’s it for now. Thanks again for taking such good care of my mounts’ feet on their last journey.”

- Bernie Harberts, Southern Pines, NC

Looking for a Dealer?

Check out the new "Dealer Locator" on our website! Just type in your zip code.

WHAT, NO BOOTS?

WITH THE INCREASED DESIRE OF HORSE OWNERS, ALL OVER THE WORLD, TO IMPROVE THE WELL BEING OF THEIR EQUINE FRIENDS, THE RESPONSE TO OUR BOOTS HAS BEEN VERY ENCOURAGING.

UNFORTUNATELY THOUGH, DEMAND HAS EXCEEDED SUPPLY FOR THE MOMENT. PLEASE BE PATIENT WITH US AS WE WORK TO MEET ALL YOUR HOOF BOOT NEEDS FOR THE FUTURE.   Thank you, the staff at EasyCare.

GAITER TROUBLE?

When applying a Boa Boot with the Gaiters it really helps to be able to use both hands, (as is with any of our boots). If all else fails, fold the gaitor over the top of the boot and duct tape it to the boot while you put the boot on. A thin pad in the boot, on top of the hoof plate may also help to hold the gaiter in place.

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE 4TH OF JULY.

You cannot train a horse with shouts and expect it to obey a whisper.
    - Dagobert D. Runes