EasyCare Customer Help Desk

Bernie Harberts and His First Encounter With EasyCare Easyboots

Bernie Harberts Used Easyboots for the First Time..........

From an e-mail, November 24th, 2004:

I'm riding my mule Woody and pack pony Magnolia across the United States from Oriental, NC to Southern California. I've been on the road 8 1/2 months and have covered about 2,000 miles, most of them with Easy Boots.

I sort of evolved into Easy Boots. I started with steel shoes but found the constant re-shoeing ruined my mule Woody's front feet. My pack pony Magnolia fared only slightly. She was barefoot behind and soon got tender feet. In Star, North Carolina, I dove into a dumpster, pulled out a skidder inner tube and duct-taped flaps of that to her hind hooves. They soon wore out. There had to be a better way.

In Asheville, NC I bought my first pair of Easy Boots. I put them on my mule's hind feet and rode him over the Great Smokey Mountains with that. Hey, this was better than garbage larceny. As my steel shoes wore out, I replaced them with Easy Boots. I still use the original pair.

Precisely, they've gone from Asheville, North Carolina to Alamagordo, New Mexico, across ice, snow, lava, granite railroad ballast, and of course, hundreds of miles of asphalt. That's over 1000 miles.

One un-expected benefit of Easy Boots is that my horses now go bare foot quite often. Over the last two weeks, we rode from Artesia, NM to La Luz, NM, about 100 miles. We went from 35,000 feet to 9,000 feet, over the Sacremento Mountains, and back down the other side to White Sands, mostly bare foot. We got snowed in for five days along the way and wore the Easy Boots through the ice and muddy pass by Cloudcroft.

- Bernie Harberts, Woody (The Mule) & Magnolia

Having problems with your EasyCare boots?

We have a new link where you can contact us and tell us what problems you are having.   Photos can even be submitted at the same time to help tell your story and explain it even better.  We always welcome your feedback whether negative or positive.  If a consistent problem is happening with our boots then we can solve the issue.  This link will allow you to more specifically define your problem and give us the opportunity to solve issues

This will be linked on the home page as well as other locations on our site.  This link is in addition to the regular "contact us" page. 

Because of your feedback,  check out what is happening in the new boot developments.  http://easycareinc.typepad.com/from_the_horses_mouth/

Amazing Radar

The tallest living horse, a Belgian Draft, according to Guinness Book of Records was visited by one of EasyCare's Warehouse staff members this summer. The beautiful gelding named Radar stands 19 Hands 3 1/2" , 6' 7 1/2" at the withers and weighs over 2400 pounds. Born in Iowa in 1998 he packs away 18 pounds of grain, 40 pounds of hay and 20 gallons of water daily! Wonder what size boots this guy would wear? He is sponsored by Priefert Ranch Equipment in Hutchinson, Minnesota.

EasyCare Photo Webcast Sponsor of 53rd Annual Tevis Cup

The 53rd Annual Tevis Cup is Saturday, July 28th and EasyCare is proud to be a sponsor of the photo webcast!  Entries are currently at 185 but subject to change after vetting on Friday.  Hundreds of thousands of people around the world will be tuning in to this event over the weekend.  To find out more about the 53rd Annual Tevis click on the links provided below.

http://www.foothill.net/tevis/signups07.htm

http://foothill.net/tevis/webcast07/photo_main.htmlhttp

http://foothill.net/tevis/webcast07/photo_main.html

"Every Good Pony Needs a Kid - and some ponies need an Epic or two"

Batchelor is a Welsh Mountain pony who was well bred and a winner at shows like the Sydney Royal. Unfortunately after coming home from one show, he had massive hair loss and foundered. He went on for a couple of years with foundered feet, and was suffering badly.

His owner was told by vets that his only options were to keep the horse on bute or put him down. At this stage the owner did some research of his own and decided to look at the alternative solution of physiologically correct trimming.

He contacted John Gorman and the horse was moved to John's property at Collector to begin his rehabilitation. Batchelor had trouble even walking fifty metres from the horse transport to the paddock. After a couple of years, Batchelors feet are good enough that he can walk trot and canter. However he will never be as good as he was, because of the damage done to his feet while foundered.

His owner was very attached to the horse and does not want to sell him, so Batchelor is now being used by young riders to gain some confidence before moving on to another horse. The kids are told before they start riding him, that when their riding gets to a level that they need to go on to a new horse, Batchelor has to go back to Gormans and then on to the next new rider.

He is perfect for the job because of his lovely nature - a real little sweety. He loves the attention and the kids love to be with him. A day out at pony club is just a bit too much for him though, and so he was fitted with some size 1 EasyBoot Epics. With the boots, Batchelor can stay with each kid longer, because they can do more with him and even do some low jumps without him pulling up sore.

The Easyboots enable Batchelor to handle those long hard days at pony club and help provide those prize ribbons and big smiles on the kids faces. Attached is a photo of Batchelors latest Kid riding bareback at the recent Kambah (suburb of Canberra, Australia) Pony Club Gymkhana.

-Anna Macauliffe

Testimonial- Using EasyCare Old Mac Horse Boots

Great testimonial on using Old Mac boots...

The Old Macs are the best boots I've tried. We have yet to go on a really tough ride, but so far, these boots really are made for walking. They have not slipped, fallen off, been stepped off or caused any pain for my gelding. He is so happy to go out and ride now. Rocks are no longer a problem for him. He is a horse who has been foundered in the past that has left him sound, but tender footed. These boots have made both my husband and I very happy to take him out riding. We no longer worry about the horse hurting himself trying to avoid things he thinks will hurt his feet. I will be ordering a pair for my mare so I can have that extra piece of mind about her hooves. Thank you so much for a wonderful product.

Jill Chapman

Weekly EasyCare Special

WEEKLY SPECIAL

July 22-31, 2007.  To celebrate the 53rd annual Tevis Cup 100 Mile Endurance  ride, all website orders over $100.00 (freight not included) will receive a FREE EasyCare Gear Bag!  The Gear Bags will be added automatically to every qualifying order.  Additional freight charges may apply.

This EasyCare Gear Bag is fantastic for holding EasyCare hoof boots!  It's also perfect for carrying all of your grooming aids, or using for horse blanket storage. Measures 20"L x 15" H x 8" W.  Has breathable mesh sides for ventilation. Made with a tough 600D Cordura Nylon with PVC backing making it water resistant. Heavy duty zipper and nylon webbed handles for easy access and travel. Available in Navy only.

EasyCare, Inc. Announces Scholarship Program for the Equine Sciences Academy

Tucson, Az July 16, 2007 EasyCare, Inc. and the Equine Sciences Academy are pleased to announce that EasyCare will be offering a total of eight term scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to the Equine Sciences Academy. Four scholarships will be awarded to the Fall 2007 class, and four to Spring 2008 class.  For complete information click  here

Touching New Easyboot Bare Customer Testimonial

A day in the life of horse rescue:

I work with at risk teens rescuing hard case horses from death. One day a call came in from a lady who was very distraught. The vet recommended putting her 9 year old Arabian mare down by humane euthanasia because of chronic founder. A sound decision really. When we went over to see her we found a morbidly obsese horse that couldn't stand. Her feet were elfin in shape and she was barely able to ambulate when we did get her on her feet. Upon further inspection during one of her many laying down episodes we found the coffin bone starting to protrude from the bottom of the soles on the two front. She was foundered on all four feet! 

I called my local barefoot trimmer to come out immediately and he started her healing process. After the initial trim on one side it was very apparent that without pads and sneakers (as we affectionately call them), she would not be able to stand at all. The process took a year. She owes her life to those Easyboot Bares... I owe my gratitude to Easycare for the product that allows my at risk teens to ride her. They have learned to believe in the impossible. 

They ride on wings of eagles, flying proud on that breathtaking Arabian mare. It was a great life lesson to the kids and adults alike that would have given up. It took a year but she is healed and in full service. Thank you for the continued advancements in these products. I solidly endorse this product as does Foxy. Honey, a navicular mare just got her first pair. I anticipate great things.

-Jan Chipman

Woodburn, Oregon

Shopping for EasyCare Horse Boots....USA or International

Shopping for EasyCare Boots.......whether you are in the USA or International.....

If you are a shopper like me, you will want to see, touch and check out your new purchase first hand. First, go to our EasyCare website to check out our different boot styles and all of the great info on using horse boots, sizing for boots, which boots are right for your horse, and lots of barefoot information.....and....a new exciting article written by Dr. Tomas Teskey, a very knowledgeable veterinarian who promotes barefoot because he knows firsthand what the positive benefits are.

Then, check out our EasyCare dealer locator to find someone close to you. If you have a favorite tack shop close by, go in and speak to them about carrying our boots and accessories so that your shopping needs can be met quickly for you and your horse. You will be helping out your local businesses by having them stock items that you and your riding buddies will be more likely to purchase.

If you are an International consumer, please check out our EasyCare dealer locator to buy your product locally or closer to you. Buying local will save you shipping costs and customs fees, taxes or duties (we can not quote fees,etc.). You also can have your local shops carry our product line by having them contact us for all information on becoming an EasyCare dealer.

Make sure that you know the return policy of wherever you purchase your items from. Our product warranty can be found at our website by going to any boot selection and clicking on the warranty tab, and you may also contact EasyCare direct if you have any questions.

EasyCare relies on and promotes all dealers, whether Domestic or International, to supply consumers in the horse world with their booting needs.

Happy Trails !!!!!

EasyCare Upcoming Weekly Sales Special

Starting Sunday July 15th thru Saturday July 21st, EasyCare will be having a new weekly special on our black 6 and 12mm Comfort Pads.

Two for One - Buy a pair of EasyCare Comfort Pads and get your 2nd pair for free.   Offer is limited to 6 and 12 mm black Comfort Pads only.  Comfort Pad system is not included in this offer .  Offer is limited to ten purchased pairs per customer and is only available thru our Online Store.  Free Pads will be added when web order is processed and additional freight charges may apply. 

There is still time and Gear Bags left to take advantage of this weeks special which is available thru Saturday July 14th.

WEEKLY SPECIAL - July 8-14, 2007.  To celebrate the 53rd annual Tevis Cup 100 Mile Endurance ride the next 53 website orders over $53 will receive a FREE EasyCare Gear Bag!  Gear bags will automatically be added to all qualifying orders. 

This EasyCare Gear Bag is fantastic for holding EasyCare hoof boots!  It's also perfect for carrying all of your grooming aids, or using for horse blanket storage. Measures 20"L x 15" H x 8" W.  Has breathable mesh sides for ventilation. Made with a tough 600D Cordura Nylon with PVC backing making it water resistant. Heavy duty zipper and nylon webbed handles for easy access and travel. Available in Navy only.

Starting Sunday July 15th thru Saturday July 21st, EasyCare will be having a new weekly special on our black 6 and 12mm Comfort Pads.

Two for One - Buy a pair of EasyCare Comfort Pads and get your 2nd pair for free.   Offer is limited to 6 and 12 mm black Comfort Pads only.  Comfort Pad system is not included in this offer .  Offer is limited to ten purchased pairs per customer and is only available thru our Online Store.  Free Pads will be added when web order is processed and additional freight charges may apply. 

There is still time and Gear Bags left to take advantage of this weeks special which is available thru Saturday July 14th.

WEEKLY SPECIAL - July 8-14, 2007.  To celebrate the 53rd annual Tevis Cup 100 Mile Endurance ride the next 53 website orders over $53 will receive a FREE EasyCare Gear Bag!  Gear bags will automatically be added to all qualifying orders. 

This EasyCare Gear Bag is fantastic for holding EasyCare hoof boots!  It's also perfect for carrying all of your grooming aids, or using for horse blanket storage. Measures 20"L x 15" H x 8" W.  Has breathable mesh sides for ventilation. Made with a tough 600D Cordura Nylon with PVC backing making it water resistant. Heavy duty zipper and nylon webbed handles for easy access and travel. Available in Navy only.

Bernie's EasyCare Boot Travels

  Here's Bernie and Polly on their adventures across America, using Easy Care Easyboots for much needed hoof protection. Become a pro like Bernie and check out the tips on Easyboot techniques.

EasyCare Easyboot Bare Testimonial

Below is another wonderful testimonial from one of our customers.  We would love to hear from you about your success with any of our products.  Just click here for the link to send your testimonial to EasyCare.

A decade ago I was introduced to the barefoot movement. I read everything I could, attended clinics, talked to vets and researched using my horses as "guinea pigs". I became a firm believer in the benefits of a horse going barefoot. The only problem was that my type of riding (endurance) was not going together very well with barefeet. After trying for a few years and experimenting with various methods I ended up putting shoes back on my horses.

Fast forward to 2005. I was introduced to new and improved Easyboots with gaiters. There was my answer! I have never looked back. My favorite boots are the "custom" ordered boots and I order Bare boots with the new UP Buckle. I love the bare tread and boot. I also love the simplicity and ease of the use of the Up Buckle. The boots are EASY to put on and EASY to take off. The buckle is thicker and easier to snap and the "up" configuration prevents the buckle from opening up when hitting rocks or other trail obstacles.

My mare, who has never had shoes on, also LOVES the boots. She moves out better in the boots than barefoot. I get compliments all the time while trotting on trail on "what a nice mover" my horse is. Easyboots let my horse go over ANY type of terrain for miles and miles. When I'm done and the boots are off, my mare then reaps the benefits of going barefoot. We can now enjoy the best of both worlds: Barefoot and going over challenging trails and terrain at speed.

Lauren Horn

San Juan Capistrano, CA

Meaningful Quotes for Today......

*We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit.*

**You cannot get what you've never had, unless you're willing to do what you've never done**

Happy Trails to All..............

New Web Page

New to Hoof Boots?

Check out our new web page.

Here you will learn how to take the correct measurements, read the sizing chart, and decide which boot is best for your needs. 

Easyboot Bares on the Rocks

Check out this great video on our Bare Boots, doing their job! The great reviews we receive at EasyCare are always fun to share.

EasyCare on RFD-TV

EasyCare is happy to let everyone know that we will have a television ad on RFD-TV !!!!! This is a first for EasyCare and very exciting. Our ad will air at different times on Dish TV channel 231, and Direct TV channel 379 on several different dates in July. Check us out at these times.....

July 4th   4:30 pm EST and 10:30 pm EST

July 5th  8:30 am EST and July 7th  1:30 pm EST

Have a very Safe and Happy 4th of July from all of us here at EASYCARE.....

EASYCARE MISSION STATEMENT

EasyCare Mission, Vision, and Values

Our mission is to provide the equestrian community with the best and most innovative hoof boot designs and alternative hoof care products. Our goal is to be the leader in alternative hoof care products and to provide a high level of consumer education which will empower equestrians to improve the lives of their animals. Our vision and values guide our actions and, taken together with our actions, reveal who we are. They include:

Customers. Customers are the lifeblood of our business. Our highest priority is quality customer service and ensuring total customer satisfaction.

Authenticity. We are committed to being authentic in all that we do. We strive to be open and honest with others and to “keep it real” when it comes to our products and our communications. Being authentic builds trust. It demands integrity.

Courage. It takes courage to be innovative in alternative hoof care, and in our lives. We encourage those who are driven to attempt new things and move in new directions.

Empathy. We care deeply about those who may use our products. Our primary goal is to help equestrians improve the lives of their animals. We must be attentive, patient, supportive and caring in our relationships with them.

Learning. We believe in continuous learning. An environment committed to continuous learning is focused on innovation, invention, imagination and improvement. It is centered on the search for truth. It expects mistakes, learns from them, and keeps moving forward. Continuous learning strengthens our team, improves our services, and builds community.

Respect. We believe in treating our customers and team members with respect. This is consistent with a search for truth and with helping others. It is the basis for relationships based on caring and trust.

Teamwork. Our employees are the most valued assets of our company, they are essential participants with shared responsibilities in fulfilling our mission. We recognize that the quality, motivation and performance of our employees are key factors in achieving our success. We want our organizational structure and culture to promote employee involvement, open communication, teamwork and cooperation.

Consistency. The fulfillment of our commitment to our customers and to ourselves requires that we strive for consistency in all that we do.