EasyCare Customer Help Desk

Pop Quiz: Dinner and Drinks

True or False: A very thirsty horse will not eat, even if he is extremely hungry.

Answer: True. As a physiological drive, thirst is much stronger than hunger. A horse who is very thirsty will forgo food until he can have water. Not only does this focus his attention where it's needed, but it keeps the horse from worsening his dehydration by drawing on internal fluid reserves for digestion.

Happy Riding to All!!!!!

Olympic Equestrian Events in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is preparing for the Olympic Equestrian events that will take place in August of this year. The Olympic Games will be in Beijing, but Hong Kong will host the equestrian events because it meets international equine health and quarantine standards.

The persistently humid weather will pose several issues in August when temperatures may rise to 95 degrees with humidity as high as 80 to 90 percent.

To ready for the equine visitors, they have built air-conditioned stables and riding arena. Misting stations will be strategically located at the venue and mobile cooling units will offer water and ice. Officials are confident that the cooled facilities in Hong Kong will help Olympic horses manage the heat and humidity. The air-conditioned stables will be kept at around 73 degrees and the arena kept at 70 degrees.

Everyone is looking forward to this year's events and wish all olympians the very best of luck!

Barefoot versus Shod Horses

BellaOnline has a great article about this debate of allowing horses to go barefoot.  "Barefoot versus Shod Horses"

Darling Poor, (BellaOnline's editor) wrote this article to answer several questions. Is it working? What is the truth behind the barefoot issue? 

She not only explains the design and the purpose of the horses' hoof, but also takes a look at the horseshoe as well. What the horseshoe does to the hoof, and how the hoof functions both with and without the shoe is also explained. She does a wonderful job of keeping the article in the horse owner's world rather than in the farrier's world. 

Speaking of the farrier, she also has several links regarding hoof care practitioners and the importance of having a farrier who is very proficient in barefoot trimming. Some principles that steel shoe farriers follow, are no longer observed by barefoot trimmers. She also refers to our favorite magazine, The Horses Hoof, for more information regarding barefoot horses. EasyCare website orders this month will get a free copy of "The Horses Hoof". 

Again, transition is mentioned just like in all of the other articles and again it recommends hoof boots. EasyCare has several boots to help with various problems or to help the horse with the transition time-frame. 

Please read the article on going barefoot. If going barefoot is something that you have been thinking about doing for a long time, now is the time to do it. Before you put those metal shoes back on for another ride season, check out everything educational you can on going barefoot. Check out what Karen has recently posted as well about being barefoot on her own horses.

Horse Wellness Work Shop

We all look forward to continuing education on horse wellness. Here's a perfect opportunity to attend Freedom Farm and Sound Horse Solutions workshop. Audrey Bryant pictured here with her horse Rex, has explored and used holistic methods of health care to prevent disease and lameness in horses. Audrey is also a Certified Equine Hoof Care Professional and an authorized dealer of  EasyCare hoof boots. For more information about her barefoot trimming experience and to order EasyCare hoof boots from her, visit the hoof care page. The workshop on May 18 will be a day of hands on solutions to common and complex health issues that horse owners often encounter. There will be lots of hands on activities and coverage on numerous topics such as colic, the importance of vital signs, natural hooves, using hoof boots, dental care and many other topics. For more information and how to register click here. Register soon and Happy Trails from EasyCare!

Barefoot Across the Pond

Here at EasyCare we always keep our eyes open for interesting articles on barefoot horses, barefoot trimming, and the benefits of keeping your horse barefoot.  After reading the article "Daring To Go Barefoot" at the horseandhound.co.uk website, it is apparent to us that the barefoot movement is spreading worldwide at a fast pace.

In this article from 2004, author Kathy Carter suggests that once you determine you are ready to go barefoot, there are various specialist trims to consider.  These include:  The Strasser Method,  The High Performance Trim (HPT) and the Jamie Jackson method. 

The article suggests that published, scientific data on "going barefoot" is scarce, which is why anecdotal evidence, whether it be positive or negative, is our main source of reference when it comes to removing our horse's shoes. 

This article mentions how putting a non-cushioning plate between the horse and the ground removes most of the foot's natural shock-absorbing properties, causing concussion. Which is why it is important to use EasyCare comfort pads with your EasyCare hoofboots especially during any transition period from shod to barefoot.

To read the entire article click here.

Raffle for the Benefit of Dave Rabe

How would you like to win some great items and help Dave out also???? Dave has always been there to help out so many riders and horse people. Now is the time that we all need to pitch in and do something to benefit Dave! Go here to see all of the ride entries to pick from and help out a good cause for a good friend. Many thanks go out to Susan Favro of "Healthy as a Horse" for getting this started and put together.

EasyCare Web Images for Downloading

If you need any of our product images for your website or catalog, just go to this link to find what you need... http://www.easycareinc.com/Newsroom/advertising.aspx

Take a look at the advertising prints, charts and layouts. They are there for you to use and if you need any other product, please let us know by contacting us.

Tips for Gaiter Rubbing

Are you experiencing rubbing issues with the Easyboot gaiters ? If so here are a few helpful ideas on what you can try: 

1) Use BodyGlide all around the fetlocks.

2) Loosen gaiters if you feel they are too tight (Usually they are tightened as much as possible                                                           per the Epic instructions).

                                                   3) Use vet wrap and/or knee high nylon stockings by  starting at the hoof and going up to the fetlock joint.

                                                   4) Wrapping duct tape around the pastern has also  helped with rubbing issues.

These are a few suggestions from EasyCare that we have either heard from our users or experienced ourselves. Click here for more helpful tips from Karen.

2008 Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio

EasyCare employees, Cathie Hook and Shari Murray recently attended the 2008 Equine Affaire held in Columbus, OH on April 10 thru April 13, 2008.  The event was held at the Ohio Expo Center.  Besides the many vendors selling horse tack, saddles, clothing, feed supplements and more, there were several clinics that guests could attend.   Some of the guest speakers included Ronald Anders, DVM, CVA, Bob Blackwell, Clinton Anderson and Dan Moore, DVM.

Despite the typical Ohio weather (highs in the 40's and rainy), we had over 650 guests drop by our EasyCare booth.  Many people had questions on how to measure for boots or which boot was best for them. A lot of people just stopped by to tell us how much they loved their EasyCare products!

Some of our product dealers that attended were Action Rider Tack and Synergist Saddles so we were able to direct those customers that wanted to purchase Epics, Boas, Old Macs, Stowaway packs or EZ Ride Stirrups to their booths. 

We want to thank everyone who stopped by for their support of EasyCare products.    

Joe Camp's New Book

Joe Camp's book, "The Soul of a Horse, Life Lessons from the Herd" is about to be released on April 29th. This book is all about barefoot, natural care, and natural horsemanship. If you are a barefoot supporter and want to do something to help promote better horse care in this world, one thing that you can do right away, is to buy this book and help get it noticed! We need to get this book on the New York Times bestseller list!

You can pre-order the book for a big discounted price by visiting this page: http://www.thesoulofahorse.com/Pre-Order-Reviews.htm

Hoof Boots and the Bare Hoof

Our new article is in regards to the Hoof Boots and the Bare Hoof.  This article "Hoof Boots" comes from www.wildhooves.com and is written by Kelly.

She thoroughly explains what happens when an iron shoe is placed on a hoof  versus the natural mechanism of the bare hoof.  Expansion of the hoof during movement works in the same way the arch of the human foot works.  The arch of our feet will flatten out upon hitting the ground and this same principal also applies to the bare hoof.  However this natural way of moving stops when a metal horseshoe is applied.  Essentially, a horse with shoes cannot feel it's feet and blood flow is restricted.

When the metal shoe is removed, the horse is foot-sore.  Most people at that time think that the horse cannot go without shoes.  This is because the nerves were blocked when the blood flow stopped.  Now that the hoof can move naturally, the nerves are open and the horse has a period of "ouchiness".   

She also explains that many owners would like to ride their horse's after removing the shoes.  Her response to that is "boot him".  She doesn't mean get rid of him, she means put boots on his feet.   She recommends the Easyboot Epic and you can read her product review on the Epic.

She clearly understands that the boots can shorten transition periods, give relief from heel pain, and allow your horse to be natural.  Please read her entire article in order to get the most out of this educational article. 

EasyCare has been doing the educational research for you and we want to invite you to read our other past educational blogs by clicking here.  Sometimes a little education can go a long way for your best riding partner.   

Fill Your Truck Program Update

Here is EasyCare's latest press release for the on going exclusive "Fill Your Truck Program". For all you hoof care professionals out there, now is the time to place your orders for all your needs from boot accessories  to any one of  your boot choices. Click here for details on how to get started in this great program if you are not already one of the lucky members. For more information about hoof boots or natural hoof care please call EasyCare at 1-800-447-8836 email:[email protected] or visit our website at www.easycareinc.com

When In Arizona, Do Like the Arizonans!!!

April 10, 2008

Check out this Polar bear at the Tucson Reid Park Zoo in sunny Tucson, Arizona. He looks very happy to be in this position on a beautiful Arizona day. What a way to spend a day......you can certainly read his feelings on his face without a doubt!!!!! This could be titled " Siesta Time".

EasyCare Grip Customer Testimonial

My young mare and I competed and completed a Limited Distance ride last weekend.  It was a first in many ways.  She is my first bred foal from my first stallion.  It was her first endurance ride, and it was our first race ever on Easyboot Grips.  I had tried the Grips on her only the Thursday before for just 1/2 mile and she moved freely and easily in the mud.

It rained all Friday night; I know, I was sleeping in the back of my car.  So at 5 a.m. I got up and switched the Epics to the Grips and saddled up in drizzle, wearing two sets of rain pants and two coats.   We were greeted on our early morning start with another half hour of rain, then later a half hour of  hail.  The roads and trails were completely soaked, and I have to say she did not lose footing once nor did they come loose or unbuckled ever.  And we went fast!  I was surprised how fast she was able to stay in control on the steep, muddy roads.  So fast in fact, we top fived in a field of 31.

Thank you Fizzer Girl and thank you Easyboot Grips for a great ride!

~Nancy Reed, Mokelumne Hill, CA

photographer: Eric Forster

Conditioning the Barefoot Horse and Using Boots

Laura Seegers is an endurance barefoot rider from South Africa and has an interesting article regarding conditioning of the barefoot horse.  Her article "Some Broad guidelines to Conditioning the Barefoot Horse" gives you the following 9 basic guidelines:

Education--Be proactive in finding out all you can.  Want to read more,  EasyCare has some great educational articles as well. 

Adaptation of your horse's lifestyle--Take them out of the stable and let them be horses.  Let them live outdoors with other horses.  You can also read this other article on "How to Create All-Terrain Barefeet".

Get personally involved with their hooves.  Get an expert barefoot trimmer.  You can find one with our Hoof Care Practitioner Search.

Watch what they eat--Keep it simple and plain.  Laminitis can be brought on by obesity. 

Ride often--Frequent movement is vital for barefoot success. 

Monitor hoof wear and adjust when needed--If you need to train hard or their hooves are getting too short, use hoof boots.  They have personally tested and recommend the Easyboot Bare. 

Start slow and build up gradually--Don't be in a hurry to see results.  The hoof grows slowly.

Avoid oils and paints--Use water to moisturize the hoof.  The hoof gets hard slowly through conditioning.  Think of the money you will save on oils and paints if you just use the EasySoaker and water.

Keep photographic records--These are wonderful encouragements.  Sceptics will not take your word for how well the hooves are.

You need to read the whole article to get more out of the information it has.   Go to www.endurancehorse.co.za. 

 

Join in the Pennsylvania RIDE FOR FARMERS

There is a ride that started in the Pennsylvania area on April 2nd to benefit the farmers of that state.  The ride goes from April 2nd-21st and crosses the great state of Pennsylvania.  You can re-live Paul Revere's ride and help carry letters Pony Express style across this great farming state! The ride starts in Grove City, PA on April 2nd and ends in Lancaster County on April 21st.  There are over 35 legs on this journey - morning and afternoon rides every day.  If you are interested in signing up for your pre-noon or post-noon trail  you may contact the ride team at 610-926-0238 or e-mail them at [email protected].  So mount up and ride for our farmers!

Important Info On Poisoned Horses

Here is a must read post,  and please pass it on to other horse owners who may be experiencing problems and are at a loss on what to do. Please let your vets know this also. We must know what is in the water we provide for our horses as seen in this video. We can never be too careful when it comes to our loved ones!

In addition you may read Dr. Krooks report here

Which Boot? The Easyboot Epic or the Easyboot Bare

Very often the question asked is:  What is the difference between the Easyboot Bare and the Easyboot Epic.

First of all, let's give the similarities of the two boots: 

1. The boots fit below the hairline.
2. The sizing of the two boots are the same. 
3. Semi-aggressive treads. 
4. Used by endurance riders. 
5. Can be used for simple trail riding or over 25 miles per week or ride.
6. Have been tested in extreme conditions with over 250 miles and outwear traditional shoes 3 to 1. 
7. Come with gaiters attached.  The gaiters are adjusted to fit properly. 
8. The hardware is interchangeable and it is very easy to convert your Easyboot Epic into a Easyboot Bare or vice versa.
9. The up-buckle can be used on both boots.   
10. Now come with the low profile comfort strap.

The differences are:

• 1. Different tread patterns--The sole of the EasyBoot Bare is patterned after the barefoot horse.  It flexes and gives very much like the bare hoof.
• 2. Closure systems--The EasyBoot Epic has the standard buckle and cable system.  The EasyBoot Bare has a bungee system that applies constant pressure to the hoof.
• 3. Flexibility for the barefoot horse.--The Easyboot Bare is designed to stretch and flex, mimicking the movements of the naturally bare hoof.
• 4. Ease of application—The EasyBoot Bare is a little harder to apply than the standard EasyBoot Epic, however the EasyBoot Bare will provide a simple, close-fitting boot that constantly adjusts to the hoof.

Want a FREE EasyCare Hoof Pick?

Check out our offer for a FREE EasyCare hoof pick throughout the month of April. Go to our website, purchase any style hoof boot and receive a FREE hoof pick. This offer is limited to one hoof pick per customer (Bargain Bin items not included in this offer). To find out more info on more ways to obtain a free EasyCare Hoof Pick, click here.