EasyCare Customer Help Desk

EasyCare Hoof Boot Exchange Program

Yes, it's back! Until further notice we will be re-instating the hoof boot exchange program at EasyCare as originally done for the month of March. The program was such a great success that we have decided to bring it back in. Beginning June 1, you can send in any style of boots (limit 2 per customer),  they must be riding boots, in exchange for a different style of boots. You can trade in any hoof boot for 1/2 price on any of our other style of boots, Epics, Bares, Old Macs, Grips and Boas. We will be donating the used boots to rescue organizations. If you know of a rescue or rehab organization that could benefit from a donation of hoof boots, please refer them to the donations request form on our website. If you are thinking of trying out a different hoof boot and have another brand or style of boot, you'll know if you trade them in through the EasyCare Upgrade Program that they will be put to good use. The exchange process is simple, you can print out the order form, fill it out and return it with your boots. Exchange boots must be returned with this form. Exchange boots sent to EasyCare without this form completely filled out will be returned to the sender at the sender's expense so please be sure to include your form. Happy Riding Everyone!

 

EasyCare Boa Boot User Tip

Below is a helpful tip sent in by one of EasyCare’s customers who use our Boa Boots.

 

“I wish I’d known how helpful Gold Bond foot powder is in getting the Boa boots on and off.  It also clears up thrush and keeps the boots from rubbing the pasterns on horses who need to wear them continually."

 

Jean Whipple

Riverwind Equine Boarding, Inc.

Columbus, OH

Using Epics In Australia

I have only recently started competing in Endurance riding, and from the outset have been a fan of doing it unshod.  I have seen many good horses ruined through bad shoeing and from injuries relating to the use of shoes, and I didn't want to do this to my horse, too.

Starting out young with me, I have a Waler Gelding, Wattagain Macpherson, (the kind that the Aussies took to the wars all those many years ago!) and he is hardy and has incredibly good feet, so I thought I'd take the plunge and try barefooting.  This proved to be a far greater challenge because I was doing it in a region where non-traditional methods of horse management, such as booting or bare-footing, are still rather frowned upon, and because I had little or no experience in the matter.  Careful research quickly showed me that not only was booting the way to go, but it was a booming trend in the Southern Areas of Australia, which gave me the ability to find out more about it.  Easyboot Epics were quickly highlighted as the most economical, effective and user-friendly boots to try.  These have since been replaced by the Easy Boot bares, but I am still waiting for my trusty Epics to wear out!

Not only do they fit perfectly to his feet, but the Epics are easy to get on and off and have withstood many arduous conditions thus far, including the rocky gold mining country in which we do the majority of our rides.  I live in the wet tropics, so much of the year Mac's poor feet are quite soft, but it also means my training terrain is soft.  I get to have the joy of training him barefoot and know that when we compete not only will his boots offer him perfect protection, but better than shoes, they protect the sole AND provide cushioning from shock impact.  My success so far has also encouraged two of my friends to try the boots (luckily I had some spare ones, because I once ordered the wrong size!).  So now there are three of us giving the Epics a go!

Thank you EasyCare for making something so user friendly that you don't have to be qualified to operate it, and for helping me to keep my horse happy and protected while still doing something we love!  I can't wait to finally wear out these boots (which I think is going to take a long time) so that we can maybe upgrade to the Bares. but then again, if you have a good thing, why not stick to it!!

Jeanette Norman,
Cairns, FNQ

photographer: Lachlan Murrary

Hoof Care Professionals and Product Dealers

Are you looking to find a Hoof Care Professional to take care of your horse's trimming needs???? Go to our website at www.easycareinc.com and you will find the HCP search to help you find someone in your area or close to your area by using your zipcode. EasyCare has incorporated this search at our site so that you can make the decision needed in obtaining someone who can guide you on this path to "barefoot".  We also have a search to locate a dealer in your area or close to you to make your boot purchasing needs easier. If you have a favorite tack store and would like them to handle our products, let them know we would be very happy to speak with them. Make certain that you have done your homework......measuring the hooves and deciding what boot is right for your horse and your riding style. Then you will be on the "natural hoof path" to many happy hours of riding!       Happy Trails !

Dancing Horse -- A YouTube video with over 3 million views

This video was sent to me by a friend and I can only pass it on and share it with you.  Blue Hors Matin is a dressage horse and it seems like a Waltz instead of dressage.  It is 6 and 1/2 minutes long but the video is very enthralling.  It must be to have over 3 million views.  This video is the WEG2006 Freestyle Dressage Final performance of ANDREAS HELGSTRAND on BLUE HORS MATIN.

Barrel Racing in Easyboot Epics

All of us at EasyCare  were so excited to receive this testimonial, pictures and video of the performance of Epics used in barrel racing!  Click here to check out the video!

Here are the pictures of C.J. Holdren and her horse "Chuck" at a Barrel Racers of Texas ( BRAT) race held in Alvarado, Tx on April 22, 2007. I pulled "Chuck's" shoes and fitted him in Easycare Epics about a month before this race. C.J. did her part by continuing to ride and train and gain confidence in his new boots. This race was won by Kassie Mowery with a time of 15.426 seconds (Kassie is a former NFR qualifier). C.J. placed 5th in the 3rd division with a time of 16.514 seconds. My wife Liz won 1st in 3rd division with a time of 16.432 on her barefoot horse "Cranberry". My trimming was well represented at this race with 1 in the top 15 and two horses in the money.

The pictures are as follows: #1 is C.J. and Chuck immediately after their run, #2 is a closer view of the boots immediately after their run.

Congratulations C.J. and Chuck!

 

Check out EasyCare's Custom Boot System!

Have you seen EasyCare's new custom boot system now available on the web?  It's easy, you select the fastening system, pick the tread pattern, determine the backstrap system and with your fresh trim measurements designate the size to create the boot that is perfect for you and your horse!

Custom boots are covered by the standard EasyCare warranty but are not returnable/exchangeable.

The custom boot program is currently available on the web only and available to USA customers only.

Go to this link and check it out!

EasyCare 2007 Hoof Boot Video Contest

EasyCare 2007 Hoof Boot Video Contest 

  

Tucson, AZ May 22, 2007

This fun new EasyCare, Inc. contest offers entrants the opportunity to submit their own “booting tips or commercials” to EasyCare via YouTube.com™ that depicts or illustrates how to use EasyCare Hoof Boots, or showing EasyCare Hoof Boots in action. Winners will be chosen on a number of subjective factors, including video and story creativity, uniqueness, suitability, etc.

The Contest begins at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (“PST”) on June 1, 2007 and ends at 11:59 p.m. PST on August 31, 2007. A total of ten prizes will be awarded and are as follows:

1st place: $500.00 EasyCare Gift Certificate
2nd place: $250.00 EasyCare Gift Certificate
3rd place: Hoofjack valued at $170.00
4th place: Shear Comfort Sheepskin cover of choice, value to $155.00
5th place: $100.00 EasyCare Gift Certificate
6th place: Pair of EZ Ride Stirrups, value to $115.
7th place: Stowaway Pack of choice, value to $57.00
8th place: Clinton Anderson Correcting Problems on the Trail DVD valued at $89.99
9th place: Bare is Better Hat and T-shirt, valued at $21.00
10th place: Clinton Anderson Natural Hoofcare Show #127 valued at $19.99

Click here for official rules and information.

Natural Hoof Care Product Addition

NITRILE TOUGH EASYCARE GLOVES 

Nitrile Tough. Fits like a second skin. Wears like Iron! These gloves are the result of years of research and development; ergonomically shaped, knitted without seams, flexible, durable, and comfortable. A breathable nylon liner coated with a tough Nitrile layer gives you all the protection you need! Machine washable. Unisex Sizes S-XL. Color: Black      Only $5.95 per pair !

EasyCare has added a new item to our natural hoof care product line......gloves. Protect your hands during your daily horse care chores. Excellent for use during hoof trimming or hoof cleaning duties. They will become your favorite piece of gear to have with you at all times. Buy an extra pair or two to carry in your saddle pack, or to keep in your trailer and in the barn, so you are never without them !!!!

Western, English and Endurance saddles. The best one is yours when you participate in our Contest.

EasyCare has a contest going on and this is just not for the boots.  You can send us your testimonial on any EasyCare product.  Today, let's find anyone out there who uses the Easy Care Stowaways.

Take a picture of your saddle with your Stowaway attached and send it to us.   Make sure you let us know which saddle you are using.  Someone might have the same saddle and you could show yours off with a Stowaway attached.  Tell us why the Stowaway works for you.  Have helpful tips on how to make sure you get that no-bounce?  Go ahead and include that as well.

We'll send you a free Get A Grip T-shirt if you are one of the first 25 responses.  Make sure to include a valid E-mail address and your photo.    Submit your Stowaway testimonial at this link. 

EasyCare $10,000 Hoof Boot Contest Update

Tucson, AZ - May 16, 2007. EasyCare announced today that there are 120 riders entered in their $10,000 Hoof Boot Contest. Riders to date have completed more than 7,300 miles in American Endurance Ride (AERC) or Australian Endurance Rider’s Association (AERA) sanctioned endurance rides. In order for the mileage to count, riders must complete rides in distances of 50 miles or more, using two or four EasyCare hoof boots.

Two riders in the contest recently placed first and second at “The Rock”, a one day 100 mile endurance ride in Australia with one of their horses taking the Fittest Horse Award. Their ride time was 10:33. The EasyCare hoof boots used were Easyboot Epics and Easyboot Bares. Rachel Reid was extremely happy with how well the boots performed for her horse and commented: "I didn't have to get off the horse for anything boot related. Which was great, as I didn't carry spares (why tempt fate!)" Rachel used Bares on the fronts and Epics on the hind hooves on her horse. She reports this about using the Epics: “I put Epics on the back feet and did the entire 160km's with only the two and no problems at all (not even rubbing) I was very very happy!”

Rules and additional details on the Hoof Boot Contest can be found at this link: http://www.easycareinc.com/Cool_Stuff/Contest.aspx

Current results and rider standings can be found at this link: http://www.easycareinc.com/Cool_Stuff/2007_Results.aspx

The response to the contest this year has been amazing. “We have more than five times the number of riders than we had last year”, states EasyCare’s Marketing Director Karen Chaton. She adds “it’s really great to see the trend towards giving our horses a barefoot lifestyle while adding hoof protection only while needed grow at such a phenomenal rate”.

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 April Testimonial Contest - Winner of Epic's Announced!

Congratulations to Ashley Wingert of Gilbert, Arizona!  She is our winner for submitting the best testimonial during the month of April.  You can read her complete testimonial below.  Don't forget to send EasyCare your testimonial for a chance to win a free pair of Epics!

"When I first started distance riding 6 years ago, my POA mare, Skip Me Gold, better known as Mimi, had a lot of hoof problems due to some incorrect farrier work.  My current farrier was able to turn her around and recommended letting her go barefoot.  I agreed, because at this point, I didn't have much to lose.  Nothing we were doing was having much success at keeping her sound.

She seemed to be riding better barefoot, but I knew I wouldn't be able to keep riding and training in the sand and rocks of Arizona and have her feet stay in good shape.  I started using Easyboots off and on, intermixed with different shoeing experiments.  Mimi's clear preference was boots.

When th 2005 Easyboots and Epics came out, we switched over to the boots permanently, and haven't been back to shoes since.  The Epics made training easier and I glued on Easyboots for use in NATRC competition.

When the Bares came out, I switched over to using them, and Mimi and I are both thrilled with them.  We still glue Easyboots on for NATRC, but use Bares for training and for AERC rides.

I'm amazed with how well the Bares have held up to the tough conditions I ride in - a lot of sand and rock.  My first pair of Bares lasted for a little over 10 months, 3 LD endurance rides in AZ, and close to 750 miles!

Thank you EasyCare for coming out with such great products, and for constantly adapting and fine tuning the boots to keep making them even better!"

- Ashley Wingert 

Gilbert, Arizona

The Barefoot Horse

Here at Easycare we are dedicated to the health of equines all over the world. Our business is manufacturing and distributing proven equine products that will enhance performance, provide protection, and increase comfort.

We invite you to explore the benefits of the Barefoot Horse and Hoof Boots.

Please enjoy the journey into the Barefoot movement.

Sincerely,

Easycare, Inc.

Follow these links to begin:

Dr. Bowker, VMD, PhD

Dr. Teskey, DVM

Pete Ramey

Boots and Pads, A True Breakthrough in Healing

Tough Transitions

EasyCare Boots, Clinton Anderson/Pete Ramey Video and Hoofjack Equals Natural Hoof Care !

EasyCare has added some excellent quality products with our line of horse boots. These products compliment our great boots and add to the must have items every horse owner should own  ! The Clinton Anderson video features Pete Ramey discussing and showing the natual hoof trim. The Hoofjack is a real handy item to have, especially if you have a bad back, bad knees, or anything that would restrict you from handling your horses' hooves. Even if you don't trim hooves yourself, you could be teaching your horse to stand still when using the Hoofjack and make your hoof trimmer enjoy coming to your place because your horse is accustomed to the process. You do the training, spend quality time with your horse and end up with a happy trimmer that can concentrate on your horse's hooves, not a training issue ! Visit our website to see the special offering in the month of May on the Hoofjack. Get one while stock is available !!!!!

Here are 10 quick links

In addition to exciting new products in 2007, we have made improvements to our website.  Check out our site and here are a few links to some of the features available on our website. 

1. Find a dealer in your area:  http://www.easycareinc.com/Search/Dealer.aspx
2. Find a Hoof Care Professional in your area:  http://www.easycareinc.com/Search/Practitioner.aspx
3. Trade in your competitor boots at the Hoof Boot Upgrade Program:  http://www.easycareinc.com/Cool_Stuff/Upgrades.aspx
4. Check out our new Interactive Catalog:  http://www.easycareinc.com/Cool_Stuff/catalog.aspx
5. Design your own Easyboot Custom:  http://www.easycareinc.com/custom.aspx
6. Purchase a Hoofjack in May and get a $25 credit on your next order:  http://www.easycareinc.com/Other_Products/hoofjack.aspx
7. Learn about Natural Hoof Care with Clinton  Anderson's DVD:  http://www.easycareinc.com/education/videos.aspx
8. Check out our contests and promotions:  http://www.easycareinc.com/cool_stuff/promotions.aspx
9. Subscribe to our free monthly e-newsletter and be the first to know what specials are on:  http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1101276542797
10. Get discount prices at our Bargain Bin:  http://www.easycareinc.com/externallink.asp?C=XBAR   

Western States Horse Expo

Be sure to attend the Western States Horse Expo June 8-10 2007  held in Sacramento, Ca. It is the largest and most comprehensive equestrian exposition in North America. A complete variety of our hoof care products will be available for viewing. Look for our EasyCare representatives Debbie Schwiebert and Chris Freeman at this location. Hope to see you all there!

Quote of the Day

"Riding is a partnership.  The horse lends you his strength, speed and grace, which are greater than yours.  For your part you give him your guidance, intelligence and understanding, which are greater than his.  Together you can achieve a richness that alone neither can."

                                                                                                Lucy Rees

EasyBoots!

I recently returned from a great camping trip with my rehabilitated navicular horse, and am writing you about the success I have had with your Easyboots. As his shoes were not working for him, I had converted him to barefoot and tried a number of boots which always rubbed his hairline or bulbs. Finally I tried the Easyboot. So simple, yet so successful. I have taken him many miles in central Texas on hard, rocky ground, through muddy ponds, and jumping over anything we can find. Our last trip included getting lost in a prickly, vine covered thicket with unpredictable boggy spots and the boots were completely fine. Not only is he fine on trails, I have found him to be much more comfortable in the arena too. After getting pads for his boots, his self carriage and length of stride has greatly improved, and he stands more comfortably with his feet grounded under him. It is obvious that his heel pain is reduced, and he continues to move better out in the field even when he doesn't have the boots on. I am completely pleased with the results I have had on his very challenging feet!

Thanks!

-Nicole Winstead

Meet the EasyCare Team - Maria and Socorro

Hi, we are the sewing team at EasyCare.  Our names are Socorro (left) and Maria (right). We have been working at EasyCare for seven years now.  We are sisters, so everyone calls us the "YaYa's".

We make all of the inhouse made EasyCare products. We make all of the Shear Comfort sheepskin items, EasyIce boots, sponge bags, etc.  We have learned to make repairs (if possible) to some of our boot styles to accommodate our customers needs.  We also help out in the warehouse with other projects as needed.  We enjoy being a part of the EasyCare family, producing some high quality horse products.

Socorro has one son, Jovanny, and her evenings are spent taking care of their mother.  They have a backyard garden, two turtles, a cat and one dog named Polar (po-lar).  Maria and her husband Estevan, have two children, Estevan Jr. and Diana and one dog named Rufus.  She spends alot of time with her grandson, Kenny Jr, and also helps her sister with the care of their mother.

Meet the EasyCare Team -Roger

Hi, my name is Roger. Better known as "Mr. Roger" at EasyCare ! I have been with EasyCare since 1995. Garrett ( the owner) only has me beat by 1 year! (He purchased the company in 1994).

My main position at EasyCare is to make and assemble the EZ- Ride Stirrups. I also help out in the shipping department when I can and do all kinds of helpful tasks for the gals in the office when asked.

My wonderful, lovely wife of many years, Joanne, occasionally babysits for Garrett and Lisa's new daughter Alyxx. I have two sons, Marc and Steve who live back east. Joanne and I have started to enjoy going on cruise ship vacations. They are fun!           Tre Bien !

Meet the EasyCare Team -Mike

Hello, my name is Mike. I work in the warehouse at EasyCare, and some of my duties include, shipping/receiving, repairs, and any other little odd job that may come up.  If you have repair questions about your boots, either myself or Russ (our other repair person) will be happy to assist you.

I am originally from the Midwest, so I understand  a lot of the weather back there.  I have been married 27 years and we just added a new daughter-in-law to our family last year.  We are doing a lot of shipping this year, so it looks like it will be a busy ride season.  I hope you all enjoy the ride and the scenery.

Meet the EasyCare Team - Russ

Hello, my name is Russ.  I will have been with the company three years this June.  Most of my day is spent in the shipping area, where  I am kept busy shipping packages to places all over the world.  The rest of my busy day, is spent re-plenishing stock, re-conditioning boots, and doing repairs for customers.

My family consists of my wife, Chris, who also works for EasyCare in International sales and purchasing.  I also have two daughters, Elizabeth and Anna.  My pets include two dogs... Abby and Lola,  and two cats... Emma and Phyl.  One of my hobbies is my love of cactus gardening.  We moved here from Minnesota four years ago.  From snow to heat!

What is Cushing's Disease?

What is Equine Cushing's Disease?

Equine Pergolide Action is previously posted on our blogs and it pertains to a medication for Equine Cushing's Disease.  In order to understand why Pergolide is very important, you should understand the disease. 

What is Cushing's disease?  This disease is caused by a small non-malignant tumor located in the marble sized gland at the base of the brain.  This gland (pituitary gland) is responsible for regulation of hormones and other chemicals to control body functions. 

A horse with Cushing's disease usually develops this condition in the mid to late years of life; however it has been sometimes diagnosed in horses as young as seven. 

What are the symptoms?  The most common symptoms are:  (1) Sudden and extreme thirst.  The horse may drink 4 times more water a day then an average horse.  (2) Abnormal hair growth and shedding.  The hair may be heavy, coarse, and curly and does not shed in the summer.  (3) Swayback stance and a pot belly.  (4) Chronic laminitis. (5) Lethargic, sweat easily and tend to run high temperatures.

Owners of Cushing’s horses have a wealth of information and support at their fingertips. One such resource is the Equine Cushing’s discussion forum at Yahoo Groups. Topics include diet balancing, special nutritional needs, medication sources, laminitis (prevention, diagnosis and treatment) and research studies to benefit Cushing’s horses.

Equine Pergolide Action

This information was sent to EasyCare from Patti Kuvik in Vail, Arizona. We hope that anyone who has horses suffering from Cushing's disease finds this helpful.

Several of us have worked over the weekend to consolidate the most current information on the pergolide crisis into one place that is accessible with a single link,
http://pergolideaction.blogspot.com
It includes summaries of the current situation from Dr. Eleanor Kellon (who has been spending countless hours working on this) with her posts that are most important for veterinarians tagged separately.
There are links to the major government players and examples of some of the letters which have been sent, and a link to the Save Pergolide petition which currently has over 3500 signatures - we still need a lot more. The signature spreadsheets are being sent to government officials, state pharmacy boards and others every few days.
If you only have time to send one letter, send it to the addresses shown on the FDA/CVM contact link. If you have time to send more - every letter, email or fax counts.
The debilitating side effects of Cushing's Disease if not controlled may kill more horses than West Nile, Eastern and Western Encephalitis and other diseases combined. Pergolide is currently the only medication which effectively controls this disease - supplies are dwindling and the FDA is dragging its feet. 

Please share the link with any groups you belong to and encourage your friends and veterinarian to sign the Save Pergolide petition. The AAEP is on board recognizing this is a crisis - we need to encourage other groups and individuals to push the FDA to a speedy resolution before horses are lost.

 

May Retail Special - $25.00 Account Credit with Hoofjack Purchase!

During the month of May, every customer who purchases one of our new Hoofjacks will receive a $25.00 account credit good towards their next EasyCare purchase!  This Hoofjack is a must have item for every barefoot horse owner.   To learn more about the Hoofjack, click here: natural hoof care.