EasyCare Customer Help Desk

TAKING IT WITH YOU.

HORSE BOOT STOWAWAY

Talk about a great bag!  This is the perfect complement to any hoof boot.  This very cool little bag is a great way to carry your boots or just about anything you might need on the trail.  It is very compact but roomy enough to hold up to two size #5 in Easyboots, Epics or Bares, or one size 4 in Boas. Plus, it has two extra compartments for accessories (chapstick, sunscreen or some munchies). It has a clip on top with tie strings to attach anywhere on the saddle. You really shouldn't hit the trail without it!  If you have adventure in your blood then definately check out the many other packs EasyCare has to offer.

EASYCARE EMPLOYEE GETS IN THE SPIRIT

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM EASYCARE!!

                               

Easyboots save the day!

Story and picture submitted by Rebecca Jacobs of Stuttgart, AZ. My easyboots are a purchase I have never, ever regretted. 

In fact, I just upgraded to a set of Bares!  Because I have a set of Easyboots, I have been able to goon last minute rides to very rocky places without havingto hunt for a farrier, and I always keep them in the trailer just in case a shoe comes off of somebody's horse, even though mine is usually ok barefoot.  Well, my Easyboots finally saved a couple of the "keep 'em shod" guys at our barn, in more than one way!  Recently Gaylon, the owner of my barn, and a couple of friends left for a trail ride in a rather remote part of the Ozark Mountains.  Sometime during the trailer ride to the campsite, Jasper, Gaylon's horse, lost a shoe.  Fortunately, my Easyboots were in the trailer, so the weekend was saved (for the first time).  After a long and scenic ride (during which the boot remained in place, no problems at all...), they all decided that if they wanted to get back to camp before dark, they had better head that direction.  Unfortunately, they soon realized that nobody was sure which direction that was, as the trail markers were scarce to nonexistent that far out on the mountain.  After passing what looked like the same stump more than just a couple of times, Gaylon reports that he remarked "Are ya'll sure we're heading the right way," and that Tommy replied "no," so began looking around for any markers.  Finally they looked on the ground and somebody says "It's an Easyboot track!"  Just happens it was pointing in the direction they were going - indeed, they had been riding in circles.  By following the easyboot "trail marker" backward, they were able to get back to the marked portion of the trail and safely back to camp.  Saved, twice in one day, by the same easyboot! 

(The picture is of Jasper, safe in his pasture, thanks to a borrowed
Easyboot.)      

Get a Grip!

EasyCare's new boot has a name.  Take a look at the press release.

EasyCare, Inc. is telling customers to Get a Grip!

Tucson, AZ – October 26, 2006– an Easyboot Grip that is! EasyCare recently held a contest to come up with a name for their new hoof boot design. More than 900 name suggestions were submitted. The winner of the Name the Boot Contest is Helen Elsner who will receive a $100 gift certificate from EasyCare and a set of four Easyboot Grip boots.

The new Easyboot Grip hoof boot will have a more aggressive tread and is suited for use in wet conditions where a more aggressive tread pattern may be warranted including rain, mud, snow and wet grass.

The boot received a thorough test recently at the Grand Canyon XP ride where the footing became slick and unpredictable very quickly. On the first day of this five day multi-day ride it poured rain so hard that horses, riders, and the ground beneath them became completely saturated. Extreme conditions continued when later in the week it began to snow and temperatures dropped well below freezing. Endurance riders using the boots reported a solid ride and said their horses strode out confidently with the Easyboot Grips in the mud, snow, puddles, and wet grass.

The new boot is expected to be available at the beginning of 2007. EasyCare cautions that the Easyboot Grip was designed for use in wet conditions and is more likely to wear faster if used in dry or hard surface conditions. While this boot will provide better traction in wet conditions than some other types of hoof protection, it will not keep horses from slipping in some situations and riders should use extreme caution when riding on those kinds of surfaces.

EasyCare, Inc. has been a leader in the hoof boot industry for years, beginning with the invention of the Easyboot back in the early 70’s. Since then, the need for boots has grown tremendously as more and more horse owners see the healthy advantages of pulling shoes and switching to natural hoof care. EasyCare is excited about being part of this growing trend. For more information about hoof boots or natural hoof care please call EasyCare, Inc. at 1-800-447-8836, e-mail: [email protected] or visit our website at www.easycareinc.com.

EasyCare's new boot has a name.  Take a look at the press release.

EasyCare, Inc. is telling customers to Get a Grip!

Tucson, AZ – October 26, 2006– an Easyboot Grip that is! EasyCare recently held a contest to come up with a name for their new hoof boot design. More than 900 name suggestions were submitted. The winner of the Name the Boot Contest is Helen Elsner who will receive a $100 gift certificate from EasyCare and a set of four Easyboot Grip boots.

The new Easyboot Grip hoof boot will have a more aggressive tread and is suited for use in wet conditions where a more aggressive tread pattern may be warranted including rain, mud, snow and wet grass.

The boot received a thorough test recently at the Grand Canyon XP ride where the footing became slick and unpredictable very quickly. On the first day of this five day multi-day ride it poured rain so hard that horses, riders, and the ground beneath them became completely saturated. Extreme conditions continued when later in the week it began to snow and temperatures dropped well below freezing. Endurance riders using the boots reported a solid ride and said their horses strode out confidently with the Easyboot Grips in the mud, snow, puddles, and wet grass.

The new boot is expected to be available at the beginning of 2007. EasyCare cautions that the Easyboot Grip was designed for use in wet conditions and is more likely to wear faster if used in dry or hard surface conditions. While this boot will provide better traction in wet conditions than some other types of hoof protection, it will not keep horses from slipping in some situations and riders should use extreme caution when riding on those kinds of surfaces.

EasyCare, Inc. has been a leader in the hoof boot industry for years, beginning with the invention of the Easyboot back in the early 70’s. Since then, the need for boots has grown tremendously as more and more horse owners see the healthy advantages of pulling shoes and switching to natural hoof care. EasyCare is excited about being part of this growing trend. For more information about hoof boots or natural hoof care please call EasyCare, Inc. at 1-800-447-8836, e-mail: [email protected] or visit our website at www.easycareinc.com.

Boot Calculator

Trying to figure out what size boot, and what style boot will fit your horse?  EasyCare has a boot calculator to help you!  By inserting your measurements you will see what size boot your horse fits into in each of our style of boots!

We at EasyCare, Inc. would still recommend comparing your measurements to the individual boot sizing charts also available on our website (see sizing under each boot style).  Sometimes your horse's measurements might fall at the end of one size causing you to go up a size, depending on where you are in your trim cycle.

COMFORT PADS

Comfort Pads - These EVA Foam pads give horses with severe hoof conditions immediate relief. Specify boot style and size. Sold per pair. Price - $4.50 - $5.00 ea So many uses!

Comfort Pads are still new enough that we are discovering new uses and ways for them to benefit our horses. We have found that they are excellent for helping horses that suffer from hoof conditions.  The pads can be cut to size to fit in any hoof boot and when placed inside will allow the horse owner to use the boot and pad combination as a therapy boot. We are also finding that Comfort Pads are beneficial for endurance horses or any horse that is ridden. The pads can be used to help improve the fit of the boots while at the same time providing cushioning, additional protection, and frog support to the hoof. Comfort Pads are an excellent way for the horse owner to successfully transition a horse from shod to barefoot.

Learn why renowned barefoot practitioner Pete Ramey calls hoof boots and pads "A True Breakthrough In Healing" in this interesting and educational article. New in

Comfort Pads are now available in two thicknesses! The pads are available in the original 1/2-inch thickness, as well as a new 1/4-inch thickness. This new option may be used by itself or stacked in any combination desired for your custom application and to modify boot fit.  Look for our new Comfort Pad System coming soon.

Bare Adjustment

One of the most frequently asked questions about boot accessories is, "How do I get my Bare adjusted." Sometimes, even with the instructions that come with the boot it is a bit difficult to do.  Below is a link that might help you if you are struggling with trying to adjust your Bares:

http://easycareinc.typepad.com/karen/2006/05/tightening_up_t.html

One of the most frequently asked questions about boot accessories is, "How do I get my Bare adjusted." Sometimes, even with the instructions that come with the boot it is a bit difficult to do.  Below is a link that might help you if you are struggling with trying to adjust your Bares:

http://easycareinc.typepad.com/karen/2006/05/tightening_up_t.html

Customer question-online ordering

Question:  Can I buy Easyboots from you site, and do you send products to Europe?  Can we pay with credit card?

Answer:  I get this question several times a day!  EasyCare products can be purchased directly from us online, or from any of our international distributors and dealers located all around the world!  For your convenience we have a dealer locator  on our website.  With this you can enter a Country, State, Province, Territory, City and/or Town and find dealers near you that carry our products. 

When purchasing product directly from us please note that our costs do not include any customs, duties or taxes that are due on your end. Payment can be made by credit card (Discover, Visa and MasterCard) or by wire transfer to our bank.

Epics take on New England terrain

My little Morgan cross mare was 4 years old and ready to start serious trail riding. However, she bruised her sole a couple of times going barefoot on rocky terrain here in New England.   Pete Ramey suggested trying the Epic, so I did.  To my surprise not only did she travel willingly on all types of terrain on our first 3 hour test ride, her stride lengthened!  I had to literally ride softer to let my body follow her new lengthy stride.  That was the kicker that proved to me that my mare was happier with her feet protected.  She hasn't missed a step either, she's just as sure footed on the road as on wet rocks.  Her willingness to go forward is my total reward.  Thanks EasyCare.

Joan Adams                           

Hoof Measuring Charts

Here are links to download the forms for all of the hoof measuring forms.  They can also be found on the sizing page for each type of boot on the easycareinc.com website.

Easyboot, Epic, Bare

Old Macs G2

Old Macs

Boa Hoof Boot

EasySoaker

Here are links to download the forms for all of the hoof measuring forms.  They can also be found on the sizing page for each type of boot on the easycareinc.com website.

Easyboot, Epic, Bare

Old Macs G2

Old Macs

Boa Hoof Boot

EasySoaker

Bargain Bin

Looking for a bargin?  EasyCare, Inc. now has a Bargain Bin available for online shoppers!

EasyCare will list seconds and discontinued product here at reduced prices. All product will be listed at 1/2 price and will not be covered by the standard EasyCare warranty.
All sales are final, no returns. All bargain bin items have a permanent marking. Please note, all items are in new unused condition. Bargain bin items are available through the website only.

Old Mac's G2 Fitting Tip

When fitting the main webbing strap on the Old Mac's G2 make sure the strap is snug but don't over tighten.  You should be able to comfortably slip a finger between the strap and the pastern.  Fastening the main webbing strap in this manner will prevent rubbing.

To view a video on the Old Mac's G2 fitting click here.

When fitting the main webbing strap on the Old Mac's G2 make sure the strap is snug but don't over tighten.  You should be able to comfortably slip a finger between the strap and the pastern.  Fastening the main webbing strap in this manner will prevent rubbing.

To view a video on the Old Mac's G2 fitting click here.

How Long can I leave boots on my horse?

Here at EasyCare we get this question a lot... Can I just leave the boots on my horse?  What about if I am using them for medicinal purposes?

Here is what we recommend.

EasyCare does not recommend keeping a hoof boot on a horse longer than 24 hours.  Although this is an important rule to follow all year it becomes more important during the hot summer months.  Heat and humidity create the perfect breeding ground for thrush and other fungus related problems in the hoof. 

1. Remove boots every 24 hours. 
2. Thoroughly clean the hoof and boot.
3. Keep an eye on the hoof when boots are used in extreme heat and humidity.  Most boots have drain areas that remove excess water from the boot. 
4. If the hoof starts to soften due to use of boots in the heat and humidity allow the horse to go barefoot for several hours before the boot is reapplied.

Here at EasyCare we get this question a lot... Can I just leave the boots on my horse?  What about if I am using them for medicinal purposes?

Here is what we recommend.

EasyCare does not recommend keeping a hoof boot on a horse longer than 24 hours.  Although this is an important rule to follow all year it becomes more important during the hot summer months.  Heat and humidity create the perfect breeding ground for thrush and other fungus related problems in the hoof. 

1. Remove boots every 24 hours. 
2. Thoroughly clean the hoof and boot.
3. Keep an eye on the hoof when boots are used in extreme heat and humidity.  Most boots have drain areas that remove excess water from the boot. 
4. If the hoof starts to soften due to use of boots in the heat and humidity allow the horse to go barefoot for several hours before the boot is reapplied.

Encouraging words from Dr. Teskey

Q & A with Dr. Teskey

If you haven't checked out Dr. Teskey's blog, here is a sample of  just one of the many questions and answers found there.  If you have a question for Dr. Teskey visit his blog at easycareinc.typepad.com/ask_the_vet_tomas_teskey/barefoot_trimming/index.html

Converting 4 year old gelding to barefoot

Q:  My 13 yo daughter has a 4yo gelding who went lame in Nov after pulling his shoes. I don't have a prior history on him, but x-rays showed no rotation. He was very sore for a few months, and then seemed to get better. She has been round penning and lunging him for the past month, sometimes with some aggressive turns, stops and backs. She had not ridden him until tonight. Immediately, when she pushed him into a trot, I knew he was sore on the front. His front hooves are not wearing evenly, with his (most) sore foot measuring 31/2" and his least sore measuring 31/4". The vets nor the farrier can find anything wrong, and I am about to pull my hair out. He looks flat across the front of the hoof, with his heels looking under run, almost like a duck bill, with some flaring out to the sides. When his shoes were pulled in Nov, his soles dropped to the ground, and are just getting some concavity back to them. My farrier is doing a 4pt trim with him, but it doesn't seem to be helping. Any ideas or recommendations? I can't get the Epics on him, as the clips interfere with the fit, and due to the conformation and flaring out to the side. Any help would be appreciated, as I am to the point of putting shoes back on the boy. He is my daughter's best friend, so I have to help him, no matter what! Thanks in advance for your response.

A: Young horses like this really get in trouble sometimes with their coffin bones and soft tissue in the heels of their hooves when having shoes so young, as they aren't finished growing--these structures get very pinched early on and don't end up reaching the size they should have reached, so you often have a permanently diminished size along with the damage.  They usually do pretty well but only reach a certain level of performance due to their smaller hooves before needing some good boots to help them along.

Four point trimming is not the most complementary way to shape a hoof...if you look at the trim manual I have for download off the www.easycareinc.com site, you may note some important differences.  You can flatten out the metal prongs in those boots, or your farrier can easily help with that...perhaps the farrier would also like to read the trim manual to learn some more things about the hooves, too.

Read as much as you can before you make a decision to shoe the horse again (www.hoofrehab.com, www.equinextion.com, www.equethy.com) ...the damage done all ready would only continue to worsen if you go back to the shoeing that caused it in the first place.  Given enough time and movement and proper trimming, most horses will come around nicely.

Q:  My 13 yo daughter has a 4yo gelding who went lame in Nov after pulling his shoes. I don't have a prior history on him, but x-rays showed no rotation. He was very sore for a few months, and then seemed to get better. She has been round penning and lunging him for the past month, sometimes with some aggressive turns, stops and backs. She had not ridden him until tonight. Immediately, when she pushed him into a trot, I knew he was sore on the front. His front hooves are not wearing evenly, with his (most) sore foot measuring 31/2" and his least sore measuring 31/4". The vets nor the farrier can find anything wrong, and I am about to pull my hair out. He looks flat across the front of the hoof, with his heels looking under run, almost like a duck bill, with some flaring out to the sides. When his shoes were pulled in Nov, his soles dropped to the ground, and are just getting some concavity back to them. My farrier is doing a 4pt trim with him, but it doesn't seem to be helping. Any ideas or recommendations? I can't get the Epics on him, as the clips interfere with the fit, and due to the conformation and flaring out to the side. Any help would be appreciated, as I am to the point of putting shoes back on the boy. He is my daughter's best friend, so I have to help him, no matter what! Thanks in advance for your response.

A: Young horses like this really get in trouble sometimes with their coffin bones and soft tissue in the heels of their hooves when having shoes so young, as they aren't finished growing--these structures get very pinched early on and don't end up reaching the size they should have reached, so you often have a permanently diminished size along with the damage.  They usually do pretty well but only reach a certain level of performance due to their smaller hooves before needing some good boots to help them along.

Four point trimming is not the most complementary way to shape a hoof...if you look at the trim manual I have for download off the www.easycareinc.com site, you may note some important differences.  You can flatten out the metal prongs in those boots, or your farrier can easily help with that...perhaps the farrier would also like to read the trim manual to learn some more things about the hooves, too.

Read as much as you can before you make a decision to shoe the horse again (www.hoofrehab.com, www.equinextion.com, www.equethy.com) ...the damage done all ready would only continue to worsen if you go back to the shoeing that caused it in the first place.  Given enough time and movement and proper trimming, most horses will come around nicely.

Pastern Wraps to Gaiters

We have updated the Old Mac's pastern wraps and are now shipping all Old Mac's with an improved patent pending gaiter rather than the old pastern wrap.  Instructions for the new gaiter can be found here.

Here is why we made the change. 

1.  the diameter of a horses hoof and the hairline are in most all cases much larger than the diameter of the pastern.  The old pastern wrap had to be pulled over the hoof resulting in a baggy fit around the pastern.

2.  If the pastern wrap is baggy and does not fit snug around the pastern it can cause rubbing.  Debris and sand can collect between the pastern wrap and the pastern.

3.  The new Old Mac's gaiter opens up and allows the system to be tightened snugly around the pastern.  A snug fit keeps debris out and prevents rubbing.

4.  The diameter of each horse's pastern is different.  The new gaiter is adjustable and will fit snugly around any pastern.  The old pastern wraps are not adjustable.

We have updated the Old Mac's pastern wraps and are now shipping all Old Mac's with an improved patent pending gaiter rather than the old pastern wrap.  Instructions for the new gaiter can be found here.

Here is why we made the change. 

1.  the diameter of a horses hoof and the hairline are in most all cases much larger than the diameter of the pastern.  The old pastern wrap had to be pulled over the hoof resulting in a baggy fit around the pastern.

2.  If the pastern wrap is baggy and does not fit snug around the pastern it can cause rubbing.  Debris and sand can collect between the pastern wrap and the pastern.

3.  The new Old Mac's gaiter opens up and allows the system to be tightened snugly around the pastern.  A snug fit keeps debris out and prevents rubbing.

4.  The diameter of each horse's pastern is different.  The new gaiter is adjustable and will fit snugly around any pastern.  The old pastern wraps are not adjustable.

Old Mac's G1 and G2

We still get several requests a month for boots that will fit wide feet.  Although more horses have feet that are longer than wide, some horses have feet that are wider than long.  As a general rule the Old Mac's Original G1 is the best boot for wide feet.  If your horses feet measure wider than long the best boot will be the G1.

In the photo below the G2 is on the left and G1 on the right.  It's easy to see the wide shape of the G1.

We still get several requests a month for boots that will fit wide feet.  Although more horses have feet that are longer than wide, some horses have feet that are wider than long.  As a general rule the Old Mac's Original G1 is the best boot for wide feet.  If your horses feet measure wider than long the best boot will be the G1.

In the photo below the G2 is on the left and G1 on the right.  It's easy to see the wide shape of the G1.

Easyboot Bare Testimonial

WOW!!! Easy Boot Bares

We have a mixed integrated veterinary practice in Alpine, CA. We absolutely LOVE the new easy boot bares. What incredible support for the foot [both medial and lateral].

We have never seen a boot that could or did withstand the total abuse that we put them through. We honestly set out to try to destroy the boots on really rough, rocky, and "untrailed" terrain. Our property sits next to Viejas mountain in East County of San Diego. The other side of the mountain is the Viejas Indian Reservation. During the Cedar Fires in October of 2003, what few trails that were on the mountain were destroyed by CDF in order to save the town of Alpine. Those few fire road trails were bulldozed and filled in so that the fire could be contained. It was---THANK YOU GOD!!!! Our property survived by the skin of it's teeth. In the spring of 2006, we found easy boot bares.

We are now riding this mountain a few times a week, with no hesitation from any one of our "three stooges". Our mountain is truly the type of footing that even those "bushwhacking loving" friends of ours, whose horses wear traditional metal shoes all around, do not want to tackle.

We have a thoroughbred mare who HAD what was marginal hoof condition; now, since she is bare footed and wears her easy boot bares whenever we ride, she is willing and happy and has a beautiful strong stride again----everyone said she needed to be shod and we said NO!!! We don't sleep in our boots; why should our horses sleep or live in metal shoes---GOD did not intend that to be the way they live.

Our quarter horse gelding has generally had better hoof walls but has always been prone to stone bruising. No longer a problem---he loves his easy boot bares---if he could put them on without our help, he would.

Our Arabian gelding has always had great feet and never seemed to complain. We still notice a marked difference when he wears his boots---his willingness and stride is better than it ever was.

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!! We can't wait to try the new "tracker" or "trekker" boot designed for mud----hopefully, it will work for snow as well.

Keep up the great work! Your website has been most helpful for our clients. And, the booklet on bare foot horses is wonderful.

Sincerely,

Carlton R. Kibbee, DVM

Paula J. Fitzpatrick, HHP

ANIMALFITNESS.com

Hoof Care Smarts

Pete Ramey Clinic

Debbie Schwiebert

Greetings everyone!

I have just returned from the Pete Ramey clinic in beautiful Carbondale, Colorado, hosted by AANHCP, Cindy Meyer. It was two full days loaded with fantastic information. I can’t wait to hear him again when EasyCare hosts Pete and Dr. Bowker for a clinic here in Tucson January 20th-24th along with a half day of boot training and fitting from your friends here at EasyCare. So take a break from winter and head on down to Tucson for some great weather and take your hoof care knowledge to the next level!