EasyCare Customer Help Desk

EasyCare's Great Bare Boot

A happy EasyCare customer writes, I am very pleased with the new Bares, as I can fix them easily myself at home without having to ship boots back for repairs. Keeping spare boot accessories on hand is very helpful. I have camped with my horse in very rugged terrain in many states (NY, CT, PA, MA. DE). Wherever I ride I point out the virtures of your product. I absolutely love your boots. Without them I wouldn't be able to leave my horse barefoot, which is my preference. Please feel free to post my letter in your testimonials as I am a very happy customer.

Kay Intemann

Ridge, NY

New Summer/Fall Issue of "The Horse's Hoof"

If you have not had a chance to read the new Summer/Fall edition of "The Horse's Hoof" you should beg, borrow or steal a copy!  It is the ultimate barefoot hoofcare magazine and features many interesting articles on barefoot trimming, barefoot health and barefoot education as well as an article called "Choosing the Right Hoofboot" which features EasyCare's own Easyboot Epics, Easyboot Bares, Old Mac's G2's and our Boa boot.  EasyCare will be including a copy of "The Horse's Hoof" in every order we ship until our supplies are depleted.

If you would like a subscription, you may contact them at www.TheHorsesHoof.com 

Horse Vision

The area's around #1 shows where a horse has monocular vision.

The area around #2 shows where a horse has binocular vision. Most of the time, a horse has "monocular" vision. This means a different image is seen by each eye so that a horse is seeing two different pictures at the same time. A horse can also have "binocular" vision. Binocular vision is when both eyes work together to see one picture (humans have binocular vision). A horse only has binocular vision when it is looking down its nose. A horse has a wide range of vision. A horse can see completely around its entire body except for small blind spots directly in front of its face, underneath its head, and directly behind itself. This is why it's very important not to walk up right behind a horse - you are in its blind spot and if you startle it you may get kicked.

• Most of the time, wherever a horse's ear points is where the horse is looking. If the ears are pointing in different directions, the horse is looking at two different things at the same time. There are exceptions to this. For example, if a horse has its ears pinned back against its neck in anger, this does not mean it is looking backwards with both eyes.
• A horse can see better at night than a human. However, it takes a horse's eyes longer to adjust from light to dark and from dark to light than a human's.

To learn more interesting and fun horse facts click here. 

Tips On Boot Fitting

Success with hoof boots depends largely on proper fit. The number one reason that horses experience rubs is because of improper sizing. Usually the boot is too big- either too long in length, or too wide. But, horses can also get chafed by a hard part of the boot touching soft tissue.

Once you have measured and have looked at the size chart you can determine what size the horse will fit into as it relates to the bottom measurement of the foot. But, we know that a horse’s foot is three dimensional, and the bottom of the foot doesn’t tell the whole story, does it?

After putting on an Easyboot, Epic, or Bare you should look to see how close the boot is to the coronary band. If the boot touches soft tissue at all, or is close (1/8”) do not use the boot. This seems to occur more often in the smaller-size boots, but can happen in the larger sizes as well. The new boots are much lower profile than they used to be, but some short-footed horses just don’t do well in these types of boots. The only solution to this problem, if you are in a dire situation, is to insert a HARD, flat piece of material into the boot that will raise the hoof, but this is still not the ideal situation. Do not insert anything that is soft and will squish down with wear, thus putting your horse at risk for a rub.

The second place to check fit is at the heel strap. On an Easyboot you can SEE if the heel strap is touching soft tissue.  The strap should not come in contact with the soft bulb of the heel and should stay SNUG against the hard portion of the hoof. Because of the gaiter on an Epic or Bare you will have to run your finger inside the back of the boot or pull the gaiter out of the way to make sure the heel strap isn’t touching soft tissue. If your horse has a low or underrun heel you can cut the strap down and cover it with vet wrap.

Most importantly, don’t forget to remove the PULL STRAP that you used to set the heel strap (see the photo above if you don't know what the pull strap is.) If you leave it in, the horse is in danger of stepping on it or getting a bad heel rub!

Go to our website for more information on fitting and sizing Easyboots, Epics and Bares. 

Once you have measured and have looked at the size chart you can determine what size the horse will fit into as it relates to the bottom measurement of the foot. But, we know that a horse’s foot is three dimensional, and the bottom of the foot doesn’t tell the whole story, does it?

After putting on an Easyboot, Epic, or Bare you should look to see how close the boot is to the coronary band. If the boot touches soft tissue at all, or is close (1/8”) do not use the boot. This seems to occur more often in the smaller-size boots, but can happen in the larger sizes as well. The new boots are much lower profile than they used to be, but some short-footed horses just don’t do well in these types of boots. The only solution to this problem, if you are in a dire situation, is to insert a HARD, flat piece of material into the boot that will raise the hoof, but this is still not the ideal situation. Do not insert anything that is soft and will squish down with wear, thus putting your horse at risk for a rub.

The second place to check fit is at the heel strap. On an Easyboot you can SEE if the heel strap is touching soft tissue.  The strap should not come in contact with the soft bulb of the heel and should stay SNUG against the hard portion of the hoof. Because of the gaiter on an Epic or Bare you will have to run your finger inside the back of the boot or pull the gaiter out of the way to make sure the heel strap isn’t touching soft tissue. If your horse has a low or underrun heel you can cut the strap down and cover it with vet wrap.

Most importantly, don’t forget to remove the PULL STRAP that you used to set the heel strap (see the photo above if you don't know what the pull strap is.) If you leave it in, the horse is in danger of stepping on it or getting a bad heel rub!

Go to our website for more information on fitting and sizing Easyboots, Epics and Bares. 

Carry an Easyboot or get a sense of Humor.

This was one of Easyboots slogans when it came to losing a shoe, however, it still applies today.  Be sure to pack an extra Easyboot whenever you go riding. 

A lot of rider's miss out on finishing a trail or even starting their ride due to a lost shoe.  Having to wait for someone to come and nail the shoe back on can be frustrating as well as expensive.   Carrying an Easyboot prevents frustrations over losing a shoe and could help prevent lameness or health issues with your horse.

Wouldn't you want to make sure that your transportation, whether one horse power or your 166 horse power gas vehicle had a spare tire?  You can always carry your spare tire conveniently as well in our Horse Boot Stowaway.   

P.S.  Enjoy this graphic from our own Jessica.   

EasyCare's Website Graphic Update

Check out the new graphic done by our artist Jessica on EasyCare's home page. New to boots? or having trouble deciding which boot is right for you.... click here for all the info you may need. For additional questions or concerns contact us at EasyCare. Happy Trails!

New EasyCare Distributor in Germany

EasyCare has just named Hufshop.de as our new exclusive distributor in Germany.  You can view the new distributor's shop here at www.hufshop.de

EasyCare welcomes  Hufshop.de to our family of distributors!

Testimonial for EasyCare Bare Boots

"My husband Jack and I rode our two horses at the Cross Country Trail Ride on an organized ride. This was located in the Eminence, Missouri Ozarks with all types of rugged rocky terrain.

We have gaited foxtrotters, and had our Bare Boots on. We seemed to be the only folks with boots on. Everyone marveled at how those boots stayed on during the ride as we gaited with the best of them. Others had shoes, and many padded ones at that. Our horses negotiated the steep hills, muddy bogs (as it had rained recently) , and crossed the Current river several times (which was at times up to our horses shoulder), all in our Bares.

We never missed a step or slipped in the fast current of the river as our horses negotiated over the rocks in the river. The one picture is of my husband and I taken by the professional photographer we bought our picture from, and the other one by a friend on the ride just after we crossed one of the river crossings on the trail.

After our ride we had lots of questions on our boots and how we use them with our natural barefoot horses. The economics of our barefoot/Bare booted horses was only outweighed by the benefits of our horses' healthier hooves we were able to show them over their horses' feet with shoes on. "

                                    

                                                       

          

EasyCare August Website Sale......

Hurry to our website to get in on our August sale of Easyboot accessories............. 

August Special: Two for one Easyboot parts. Limit of four free items per customer. Website orders only. Simply place your order online (Aug 1-31st) for each part you need and we will match your ordered part (up to 4 free). Parts are for the Easyboot and include standard buckles (up-buckle not eligible), cables, and heelstraps.

 

Use these tips when adjusting your Easyboot Bare Bungee.

Are you frustrated when trying to adjust your Easyboot Bare Bungee?  Check out the below tips and it might make the job a lot easier and less frustrating.

Below the tips is a short video that may also help you visualize it.

1. Do one side at a time.
2. Loosen the farthest forward screw without pulling it out of the gaiter.
3. Keep the end of the screwdriver in the head of the screw.
4. Move the end of the screw at an angle into the tighter hole on the bungee.
5. Use the screw as a lever to pull everything together.
6. Line everything up and tighten.
7. Repeat on the other side.

This is only one of the Easyboot Bare Educational Videos we have available for you.  We try hard to make your booting experience a lot easier and make more ride time for you.   Also check out the Easyboot Bare tips page on additional information you may find useful as well.

EasyCare Hoof Boot Exchange Program

Got boots you want to trade in? The Hoof Boot Exchange Program is still running great at EasyCare! We have had such great responses from our customers that we are continuing the program indefinitely. So trade in your old Easyboots, Boas, Epics, Bares, Grips, Old Mac's original or Old Mac's G2 for an upgrade at one-half the price! We accept any type of riding boots manufactured by EasyCare or any other competitor's riding boots. Happy Trails!

EasyCare Hands-On Employee Training

EasyCare had a productive hoof boot hands- on meeting last Wednesday.  These meetings allow all the EasyCare customer service, sales and warehouse teams to personally fit each boot or watch another team member fit each boot.  These hands on sessions help EasyCare service our customers better.

In addition to fitting and removing each EasyCare hoof boot we also demonstrated various boot repairs. 

 

EasyCare had a productive hoof boot hands- on meeting last Wednesday.  These meetings allow all the EasyCare customer service, sales and warehouse teams to personally fit each boot or watch another team member fit each boot.  These hands on sessions help EasyCare service our customers better.

In addition to fitting and removing each EasyCare hoof boot we also demonstrated various boot repairs. 

 

Getting Your Horses Correct Hoof Measurements

Confused on how to get your horses correct hoof measurements?  Watch this video and see how it's done!

After you get your measurements, go here to choose the style and size that is best for you and your horse. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 1-800-447-8836 and one of our friendly, educated customer service representative's will be very happy to assist you.

EasyCare Dome Pads Have Arrived..........

EasyCare now has size medium in stock for sale. We will have sizes small and large available in the near future.

These pads have proven to be very popular with a variety of users including trail riders, endurance riders and hoofcare professionals.
Please use the pads so that the concave (dome) part of the pad fits into the concave area on your horses hoof. We recommend that you work with your veterinarian or hoof care practitioner when treating any type of hoof ailment. Please discontinue use of this product if your horse shows any signs of discomfort. For a dealer list or list of hoof care practitioners please visit: http://www.easycareinc.com/Search/Practitioner.aspx

The EasyCare Dome pads are sold in pairs.

Visit our website to place your order or give us a call.....

1-800-447-8836.

EasyCare Name the New Horse Boot Contest

Entries to name this new boot started on August 1st and the contest will end on September 15th.  You have no limit to the number of name suggestions, however, there can only be one winner.

Check this link on how many names and what names have been submitted so far in this contest. 

This new boot is a lower profile version of the Easyboot Epic.  The totally new design will feature a lower fitting shell, a new fastening system and a low profile flexible gaiter that will conform to the heel area. 

All name entries will be reviewed from the end of the contest to the 30th of September.  The winner and new name will be announced on October 1st. 

To submit your entry for the new boot name, please send an email to:  [email protected].   In the subject line, please put "New Boot Name Suggestion". 

This new hoof boot design was based on customer feedback and do you have feedback on any of our EasyCare hoof boots designs?  Ideas to make a product better?  Problems you are seeing or things that are working well for you?  We would love to have your feedback both pro and con.  Feedback from customers is what is helping EasyCare improve our products.

If you have feedback please click here. 

EasyCare Boa Boot Tips

Here's a great tip for horse boot users regarding our EasyCare Boa Boots - Have two pair! I wash my boots out each time I ride mostly because we ride in quite a bit of mud. They don't get a chance to thoroughly dry so I alternate. That gives each pair a chance to dry and get a coat of leather conditioner applied. I've used these boots for over two years and they are as good as new with this method. Another helpful tip is to spray paint the Boa Cap cover with a florescent paint in case you lose one it is easier to find. Happy Riding!

EasyCare August Web Special!

A new month brings a new special for EasyCare website orders!  Shop online August 1-31, 2007 and you can get Two for One Easyboot Parts!  Now that's a great deal!  Note that there is a four item limit per customer.  Happy shopping!!!

Old Mac Saves the Day

I have been using Old Macs for years now. It has saved me from having to retire my 23 year old Arab/Saddlebred cross, who foundered about 3 years ago. I love these boots and tell everyone about them. My Daughter is in the 4-H Equestrian Drill Team and they do all of the local parades.

I watched this family unload their horse and noticed how lame he was. He was limping so bad on the cement. I asked them what was wrong with him and the said he had been lame on and off for a while now and he had just been trimmed. I offered my Old Mac’s to them to use in the parade and they said he had never had them on before and didn't know if it was a good idea. I said it would only take him a few minutes to get used to them and they agreed. I put them on him and told them to walk him around to get used to them.

The kids lined up for the parade and I went and found a spot to watch the parade. As I see them coming down the street I could not believe what I was seeing. The horse was prancing down the street and having a great time in the parade, the family came up to me and said thank you so much, I can't believe he is pain free and not limping at all. The little girl riding the horse was so happy that she got to ride in the parade and did not have to turn around and go home. I saw them at the next meeting and they had gone out and bought the horse his own pair of Old Macs!!! Riding boots to the rescue again. I will never put shoes on any of my horses ever again.

Phyllis Mattox

Georgie Porgie Loves His EasyCare Old Mac G-2 Horse Boots

After our phone conversation today, I wanted to send you a picture of my pony in his new Old Mac G-2's. Georgie Porgie is a 23 yo Welsh pony who foundered about 3 months ago.

After the initial dramatic hoof trimming and bandaging, he was extremely tenderfooted and walked slowly and gingerly on his soles, head down, examining every potential bump in his path--not a happy camper. We got our new Old Mac G-2 hoof boots with gaiters, and some frog support inserts, and within about 3 steps, Georgie realized that he could travel pretty much pain free. The head came up, ears were forward, and he walked off with a mission. He even pranced to the field. The boots went on easily, were true fit to the measuring guide, and have not chafed any areas on the foot, even with 14 hrs a day wear.

I'm thankful to EasyCare for offering such a wonderful product that literally got my pony back on his feet and on the road to growing a new foot. The Hoof Boot Upgrade program is a great incentive that makes them very affordable. Your sales representatives were most helpful in helping me choose the right boot and their advice to use Gold Bond powder in the boot before wearing sure keeps the foot clean and dry.

I can highly recommend these boots based on the experience I have had and will spread the word......

Thanks again!

Toni Stevens and Georgie Porgie

Brenham, Tx

"Georgie Porgie"

EasyCare has EZ Ride Stirrups in the Bargain Bin. Limited supply so act fast.

Do you do a lot of riding in rough terrain or just some good ol' fashion hard work?  These stirrups would be excellent for these types of situations and you would not have to worry about chipped paint.  With the shock absorbing top-bar, you could be more comfortable when riding.

These powder painted stirrups are from third party vendors and were damaged at their facility.  The pads were not glued on by EasyCare and there are visible chips and scratches.  There are limited top bar sizes but you could always purchase the top bar separately in the correct size at $7.50 each. 

Other than what is indicated above, there is nothing wrong with these stirrups.  They are 5" wide and 4" deep from toe to heel and these dimensions allow for the best possible weight distribution.  The pad provides comfort for the knees and back and helps prevent overall fatigue. 

They are sold as a pair at a great bargain of $33.00.  Check out our Bargain Bin for these stirrups as well as boots.  Want some more information on the boots in the Bargain Bin, check this blog out from March of this year. 

EasyCare's Video Contest

Don't forget to send in your videos for a chance to win some really cool prizes! August is a beautiful month everywhere. Here in Arizona we have been getting our summer monsoon rains and the desert is absolutely gorgeous!!!!! Have fun riding, take some video and share it with us, and you will be entered for a chance to win.  Here is some info..........

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.

Go to our website at  www.easycareinc.com to get the whole scoop!!!!

EasyCare's Karen Chaton in Top 10 National AERC Mileage Standings

Karen Chaton, endurance rider and EasyCare employee is in the top ten national AERC milage standings with her horse Chief!  Karen and Chief are one of three in the top ten who are riding bare-booted horses.  The other two are Dave Rabe and his horse Lightning and Sarah Martin and her horse Sierra.  Karen is using Easyboot Epics and Easyboot Bares on Chief.  Congratulations Karen!