EasyCare Customer Help Desk

Natural Hoof Care-Veterinary Manual

There is so much information out there on natural hoof care, that one must keep an open mind and take in a bit from all sources and use what works best for your horse. The Complete Equine Veterinary Manual has so much information from A to Z about your equine partner that may be very helpful. It has a section about Natural Hoof Care that mentions several influential names in the industry who have left their mark in several publications written, studies accomplished and continuing educational additions to the barefoot movement. The importance of understanding the mechanism and anatomy of the horse's foot, and the frequency of trimming is essential to maintain successful performance in the barefoot horse. The use of horse boots to transition from steel shoes to total barefoot and when traveling over unfamiliar terrain is necessary to accomplish success. The Easyboot has been a major player in the boot industry and success in adaptation to barefoot. You can check out the hoof care information and so much more in this book of equine medical health. There are lots of pictures to give you a great look at the body, hooves, and everything in between.

Trail Riding with Bare Hooves in Arizona's Rocks and Sand

We have been trying very hard to provide any type of educational blogs regarding being barefoot.  This is only one of the many steps you have to take to educate yourself on allowing your horse to be barefoot.   Education is learning from the experience of others, so this article is from another aspect of going barefoot.  This person is not a vet nor a farrier but can still help educate others based on her own experience for deciding to go barefoot. 

This experience comes from Julie Drown who transitioned her horses after the advice of friends, her hoof care practitioner and the educational material she was recommended to read.    After riding her gaited horse with other gaited non-shod horses, she realized that with their speed even on rough terrain, why not check it out.   Her friends recommended one of Tucson's own hoof care practitioners "Courtney Vincent".   Courtney then recommended she read a number of barefoot articles before removing her horse's shoes. 

Based on their own experience, her friends offered this advice: “If you want your horse to go barefoot, we recommend looking for a trimmer or farrier who’s been specifically trained in shoeless trimming.” They chose Courtney because she’s had extensive training and she respects the natural shape of the individual horse’s hooves rather than trimming them into a predetermined shape.   EasyCare does the search for you.  Click on our Hoof Care Provider to see if there is one in your area.

Of course after removing the shoes and doing their initial trim, Julie had Courtney help her fit some new boots for her horses.   Some of her horse's didn't need the boots for long and were ready for the Arizona rocks and sand, while others still need the boots for their ouchy toes.  Any boot that you may need can be found here at EasyCare Inc.  Your first question would most likely be: "Which boot ?" and we have the answers to that question under our Educational link.

  You really need to read her article on her own experiences for going the barefoot way.   She is really pleased with her horses' performance since she took that plunge and they are really jumping for joy at their barefoot freedom.

Oregon School of Natural Hoof Care

Today we will begin with... Doesn't that sound familiar? We will always remember those words especially from our favorite school teacher. I'm sure the students at the Oregon School of Natural Hoof Care (OSNHC) hear those friendly words as they begin their day. Set in the beautiful mountains above Jacksonville and Medford, Oregon is where the teachings of natural hoof care are taking place. The school was started in 2006 by a group of horse-women who thought it best to take care of their own horses, mules, and donkeys. They believed that good hoof care begins with the knowledge of the internal structures of the hoof and the biology that affects them, so they began studying those structures and by means of the internet they learned and shared all they could about hoof care. The staff now equipped with twelve instructors have years of research under their belts. Together with their own knowledge and personal experiences they encourage their students to base their trimming practices on many resources, rather than on a single technique advocated by one clinician. Working with many other practitioners and researchers, notably Dr. Robert Bowker of Michigan State University the school offers a world of knowledge and information on hoof care. At this time training at the school consists of two levels which last for one week. For details on the classes visit www.abchoofcare.com. The OSNHC continuously works to update techniques for faster learning, confidence and skill building in hoof care and horse landing. Together with these practices and hoof protection, they are sure to make great strides in obtaining healthy hooves. Don't miss a great opportunity to enroll in these valuable sessions. The article written by barefoot trimmer Nancy Ash, posted in The Horses Hoof Magazine Issue 31 Summer 2008. Nancy believes as everyone at EasyCare does, "If you don't know your horses hooves you don't know enough."

 

Poem of the Day

My horse's feet are as swift as rolling thunder                  
He carries me away from all my fears
And when the world threatens to fall asunder
His mane is there to wipe away my tears.

~Bonnie Lewis

Peanut In Epics

The many success stories we receive at EasyCare are always a pleasure to post. They also give a strong feeling about how much hoof protection is valued among the barefoot community. This is a story about "Peanut", who has been riding in Epic boots for nearly a year now. In the beginning, there were concerns with the cables fraying but have now been replaced by a stronger more durable material as well as the new improved gaiter . They ride in extreme rough terrain, and the fact that the boots stay on in sucking mud conditions is what amazes Peanut and his owner Lori Lyons. They heard about the Epics from their friends who also enjoy riding in these fine boots. Thank You Peanut and Lori from your friends at EasyCare!

How to use our Promotional Codes

Currently in the month of June, our web promotion is on our Nylon and Aluminum stirrups.  Click here for more details on our current web site orders only special.

July will be our 3rd month of having promotions for placing an online web order and using a specific promotional code.   Since this is new to us and maybe new to you, our new graphic designer has been working really hard on providing everyone with a detailed page on how to use our promotional codes.

First a little explanation on the different codes:

Item specific code is used for specific items that are on sale.  As you can see above, this months special is for the stirrups so our promotion code would be considered an item specific code. 

Order specific code is used when your whole order may receive a percentage off or money back.  We have not had any order specific code specials yet!!

  You would not want to miss out on any opportunity to get special discounts on our boots, accessories or even our apparel.  So watch for next month's Web Site Orders only special! Take advantage of this month's special and make sure you use the appropriate promotional code.  Click here to see where and how you need to use this code.  Shopping made easy for you!

If you are still having problems, please contact us. 

Bares Make The Difference

My story is a simple story, but I would just like to let you know that simple changes sometimes make all the difference. I have a 20 year old TWH who was lame and sore in the shoulder area. We took him in as a pasture pet and we realized what potential he still had in him.  So we got him barefoot and used EasyBoot Bares on him. After about a year, he is traveling the flat foot walk better than ever. He is a fine gentleman and is enjoying his golden years.

Brenda Wurst- Cadet, MO

EasyCare is happy for you, Brenda and for your horses' extended happy years! Happy Riding!

Hilarious Horse Laws!

                                   The  "horse" laws below are actual laws still on the books!   You might want to make sure you and your horse are not breaking any of them next time you go out riding!

• A British law states that an Englishman must not sell a horse to a Scotsman.
• In Guernee, Illinois, it is illegal for women weighing more than 200 lbs to ride a horse in shorts.
• In Raton, New Mexico, it is illegal for a woman to ride horseback down a public street with a kimono on.
• In Hartsville, Illinois, you can be arrested for riding an ugly horse.
• In Marshalltown, Iowa, it is against the law for a horse to eat a fire hydrant.
• Horses are required to wear hats in hot weather in Rosario, Argentina.
• In South Carolina, no horses are allowed in the Fountain Inn unless they are wearing pants.
• It is illegal to fish on horseback in Washington D.C., Colorado and Utah.

Trying to access some web pages and getting: HTTP 400 Bad Request

Occasionally individuals trying to purchase from our online store will receive the above response.  Unfortunately some of these users are not aware that this is not our website issue but could be another browser and/or plug-in issue. 

Our technicians have located one problem.  This problem is linked to those using Windows Explorer and have the plug-in Starlight installed.    There is currently a Starlight Forum that talks about this issue.  If you remove Starlight, you should have no further problems with  shopping on our website. 

Also some AOL users are also having issues with "pages not found" when accessing some of our web site.  You maybe able to hit the refresh (F5) button to have the page displayed or if this doesn't work, please use only IE or Netscape without AOL.

Whenever you have a problem, we would like you to contact us and let us know exactly what browser you are using, what version and anything else that would be pertinent information for our techies.   EasyCare Inc would like your shopping experience to be as easy as possible.   

It's Tevis Time!

It's that time of year again for the 54th annual Tevis Cup Ride in Auburn, CA.  This year's 100 mile-one day endurance ride is being held July 19th, 2008.  If you would like more information about this challenging ride that has been the inspiration and model for endurance rides around the world, click here. 

If you are planning on attending the ride, be sure to look for vendors selling a variety of EasyCare products.  Our EasyCare dealers will have products such as Easyboot Bares, Stowaway packs and EZ Ride Stirrups available, just to name a few.

Happy Trails! 

It is a Monday--See What Happens When You are in a Rush.

The below is just so funny.  To really get the whole picture make sure your volume is turned up. 

Moral of the story is:  Slow down and take your time.  If you don't, your elders will show you why you should have!

Meet Molly The Amazing Pony

Here she is, Molly, the beautiful speckled pony who was abandoned by her owners when Katrina hit southern Louisiana, USA. She spent weeks on her own before finally being rescued and taken to a farm where abandoned animals were stockpiled. While there, she was attacked by a pit bull terrier, and almost died. Her gnawed right front leg became infected and her Vet went to LSU for help. But LSU was overwhelmed, and this pony was a welfare case. You know how that goes. After surgeon Rustin Moore met Molly, he changed his mind. He saw how the pony was careful to lie down on different sides so she didn't seem to get sores, and how she allowed people to handle her. She protected her injured leg. She was a smart pony with a serious survival ethic. Moore agreed to remove her leg below the knee and a temporary artificial limb was built. Molly walked out of the clinic and her story really begins there. "This was the right horse and the right owner", Moore insists. Molly happened to be a one-in-a-million patient. She's tough as nails, but sweet, and she is willing to cope with pain. She made it obvious that she understood she was in trouble. The other important factor, according to Moore, is that having a truly committed and compliant owner who is dedicated to providing the daily care required over the lifetime of the horse. Molly's story turns into a parable for life in post-Katrina. The little pony gained weight, her mane felt a regular comb. A human prosthesis designer built her leg. The prosthetic has given Molly a whole new life, Allison Barca DVM, Molly's regular vet, reports. "And she asks for it, she will put her little limb out, and come to you and let you know that she wants you to put it on." "Sometimes she wants you to take it off too." And sometimes, Molly gets away from Barca. "It can be pretty bad when you can't catch a three-legged horse," she laughs. Most of all, Molly has a new job. Kay the rescue farm owner, started taking Molly to shelters, hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitaion centers, anywhere she thought people needed hope. Wherever Molly went, she showed people her pluck. She inspired people and she had a good time doing it! "It's obvious to me that Molly had a bigger role to play in life", Moore said. "She survived the hurricane, she survived a horrible injury and now she is giving hope to others. Barca concluded, "She's not back to normal, but she could be a symbol for New Orleans itself."

EasyCare wishes you the best of luck Molly and many more healthy, happy years! If you are thinking of hoof boots to wear we got 'um! Happy Trails!

Book Review - Joe Camp's "Soul of a Horse"

 

If you only have time to read one book this summer, I would suggest that you read Joe Camp's "Soul of a Horse".  This book should be the owner's manual that comes with every horse purchase.  It is hard to believe that Joe just became involved with horses less than two years ago! 

Joe really stresses in his book about keeping horses in a natural environment, modeled after the wild horses that he mentions frequently.  He talks about how a horse's entire physiology has been built over millions of years to move a minimum of 15 to 20 miles a day with bare hooves (this means not locked up in a stall, and without metal shoes nailed to their hooves). To be with a herd(again this means not alone in a stall and seperated). To spend 16-18 hours a day eating - from the ground (not from a head high feeder). To control their own thermoregulatory system, thus controlling their own internal body temperature (no blankets, heated barns etc. needed). To stand on firm fresh ground (not in the chemical remnants of their own manure and urine, nor breathing the fumes from those remnants), and get a certain amount of sleep (which can only happen when surrounded by a herd).

Joe believes that everyone should question all ideas about the way we "should" do things with our horses.  Joe says in the book that we would all still believe that the world was flat if we did not question.  He questioned why we nailed on shoes and found out that all anyone could really tell him was "That's what we have done for centuries!".  He mentions natural hoofcare and the use of boots often in his book, and quotes well know natural hoof care professionals such as Pete Ramey and Eddie Drabek. 

To read more about this amazing, heart warming book, and more reader reviews, click here.

Quote for the Day

"If you never know where you are going...you will never know when you get there."

Happy Riding!!!!

Increase the Life of Your Boa Boot Laces

The Boa boot is one of EasyCare's most versatile boots: very easy to install and remove! Here are a few helpful tips on how to add life to the laces:

**The most important thing is to keep them as clean as possible.

**Check before and after each ride by running the lace up and down and wiping away any excess dirt or mud in that area of the boot.

**If the lace hesitates add a little water to loosen it up.

**After riding in loose dirt and or sand take a small air hose and clean them thoroughly.

Another important feature on this boot is the Boa Cap. Always make sure the cap is installed and tightened properly. You don't want to use the boot without the cap as you may damage the dial and closure system without it. Happy Trails from EasyCare!

A Poem for those who do their own trimming

This is a poem recently found but the writer is anonymous.  It was written by a woman and she must really put heart and soul into her work whether rasping or writing.   

My horses are barefoot. I trim my own horse's hooves:

It seems such a simple statement, but said to other women who do the same, it initiates long discussions of a journey shared, it lights a spark of recognition, of knowledge gained, of traditional roles left far behind, of struggles overcome and of empowerment.

I trim my own horses' hooves:

I work in the summer sun and winter cold. I gladly sacrifice precious time that could be spent riding to spend it bent over, my hands working tools designed for manly hands, my face pressed close against a warm and shiny chestnut flank. I trim and the world retreats for a while as I am engrossed in this special chore.

I trim my own horses' hooves:

I watch the hooves transform under my stewardship, I am guided by shape and texture and slowly they return to the hoof form of their ancestors, I revel in this accomplishment.

I trim my own horses' hooves:

To utter this simple statement pleases me more than I can say; I have stepped back in time and learned a craft that has till now been denied me. I have learned how to move the tools over the hard hoof,  learned how to make the steel rasp bite deep and slide effortlessly;  learned how to drive the sharp knife safely, learned how to read the hoof terrain and follow closely its instructions, and watched with satisfaction as a shower of dead hoof falls across my boots.

I trim my own horses' hooves:

Because I do, I am at one with my horses.  I read the changing seasons in the architecture of their hooves.  I know secret things about my horses that I would have never discovered any other way. I  have learned patience and strength and to trust my intuition. And when the job is done I lean happily on the pasture gate and watch my horses move once more as they did when they were young, knowing in my heart that I have done something very special for them. Repaid a great debt.

I trim my own horses' hooves .......... it's such simple way to thank them for the joy they bring to me.

Easyboot Epics Save Mae the Mare's Life

I have a throughbred 4 year old mare from the race track named Mae.  Her hooves were a mess and continuously abscessing.  We feel that your boots actually saved Mae's life!

We are a registered charity and do some actual rescue work (such as Mae), though we like to focus on educating the hobbyist horse owner.  We feel that the more they know, the more likely they are to care for their horses. 

Thank you, Lily Kepmf  www.carvethfarm.com

To read a day to day diary about Mae and her life saving experience with her EasyCare Epic boots click here.

EasyCare June Website Sale

The June website sale is: 10% off the purchase of standard Aluminum or Nylon EZ-Ride Stirrups ordered through our site. (Does not include leather covered, Tapaderos or cages) Use promo code: EZRIDES for the discount on your order.

There is no quantity limit on orders, so you can buy that extra pair you have been wanting. Get your riding buddies or your friends down at the barn to put together an order and share the freight costs. This would be a great gift for that special person or family member that you just don't know what to get.

This sale is good June 1-30, 2008, so place your order and buy yourself a new pair of stirrups for this riding season and get a deal!

Happy Riding..........