EasyCare Customer Help Desk

"Wild Horse Annie" Inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors women who have distinguished themselves while exemplifying the pioneer spirit of the American West.

Velma B Johnston ,"Wild Horse Annie" ( March 5, 1912 -- June 27, 1977), was a tireless pioneer in establishing legislation for the protection of wild horses and burros across the United States. Her campaigns resulted in the federal legislature passing Public Law 86-234 which became known as the "Wild Horse Annie Act". This banned air and land vehicles from hunting and capturing wild horses on state land.  Her continued efforts were also instrumental in getting the 1971 Wild Horse and Burro Act passed through Congress which requires the protection, management, and control of wild free-roaming horses and burros on public lands.

On October 9, 2008 in Fort Worth Texas, Dawn Lappin accepted the award on Annie's behalf.  She and Annie worked together with WHOA (Wild Horse Organized Assistance).  Annie was nominated for induction into the Hall of Fame by the Mustang Heritage Foundation. The Foundation works closely with the Bureau of Land Management in promoting public understanding of and support for the purpose of the Act.   

You also can watch the movie made in 1973 "Running Wild" which had Wild Horse Annie depicting herself. 

Our horses today benefit from Wild Horse Annie's actions.  Various individuals are now studying the wild mustangs and learning from them the way nature intended our horses to be.  Without these wild mustangs we would not have the Mustang Roll, our own barefoot horse, and the natural trim.  We have even started to mimic their terrains in order to keep our barefoot horses sound.  These changes have been made by one individual who stepped up to save the "living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West." 

Can A Horse Have Breast Cancer?

During the month of October where Cancer awareness is recognized nation wide, we take the time to educate ourselves and our families on this dangerous disease. Many people help by donations or walking for the cure as several EasyCare employees did on October 26 in Tucson, Az. Yeah team!

We also would like to share this informative article found in the Oct/Nov Holistic Horse magazine, Issue 57 www.holistichorse.com about breast cancer in horses. Many people think it only can happen in humans but not true. Take time to read this article and learn about the signs and causes of cancer that researchers call 'a disease of civilization, it is rare in nature.'  Unlike humans the equine ability to mask illness is the greatest challenge that is faced toward diagnosing cancer in the early stages. Continuing research such as the one that is found to be one of the most exciting is being done at Virginia Tech and it's college of Veterinary Medicine. To help reduce the impact of cancer, our horses have no greater ally than their educated owners. We all hope for greater strides in the near future to help cure cancer in humans as well as in our beloved animals. 

How To Fail at Going Barefoot (Without Even Trying)

Everyone wants to tell you why going barefoot will not work.  Our friends at High Performance Hooveshave listed below some real world reasons you will fail!

1.  Don't trim your horse's hooves at 4-6 week intervals.  - Save lots of money not shoeing your horse and go barefoot.  Then don't get them trimmed.  You will never transition to barefoot.  You are basically shoeing your horse by letting the hoof get too long and lifting the sole and frog off the ground.

2.  Don't buy hoof boots.   - Without boots to help your horse when you ride over ground more rugged than their own pasture you are setting you and your horse to fail.

3.  Don't allow your horse to move. - Keep your horse in a stall 24/7.   Everyone knows barefoot horses can't move anyway.  Movement will develop your horse's feet and help heal pathologies.

4.  Keep your horse on very soft ground. - Again, barefoot horses are weak and soft.  Your horse needs pea gravel around the water tank and rocks in it's pasture.

5.  Shoe your horse when you go trail riding. - Those pussy foot barefoot horses can't go on trails.  You just cost yourself time that could have been used to develop your horse's feet and reversed much of what you are trying to accomplish.  Plus, you will never have a true barefoot trimmer as your trimmer.

6.  Save time and don't clean your stalls or paddock. - A little manure never hurt a horse.  Manure and urine will help your horse develop thrush and fungus.  That's your goal right?

7.  Feed your horse a high sugar, high trans fat diet.  It's cheap.  Horse's feet are a reflection of their diet.  They don't need sugar.  They need low sugar grass/hay, water and the minerals that are missing in their forage.

8.  Hire a shoer/trimmer. - We always have the shoes to fall back on.  Everytime a barefoot horse can't walk across a bed of nails or crush beer bottles without pain we can slap shoes on him.  Good luck with that!

9.  Stay ignorant. - The trimmer knows everything, right?  That's what you pay them for.  A knowledgable client is a barefoot client for life.  After you learn the dangers of shoeing you will never go back to shoes again.

As you can see, the ways to fail at going barefoot are all about the owner, not the horse or the color of the hooves.  Lazy, cheap owners that want to go barefoot will never make it.  It takes an owner that is willing to get involved!  Shoe your horse if you are not willing to do what it takes.

If you do want to succeed at transitioning to barefoot, EasyCare has lots of ways to help you.  Our hoof boots such as the Easyboot Epic, Easyboot  Bare and Old Mac's ,as well as our Comfort Pads are a must have. We also offer numerous articles on hoof care and transitioning to barefoot. If you have any questions on going barefoot please call us at 1-800-447-8836. We are here to help!

Tips on Grain Storage

Storing grain improperly can lead to feeding spoiled grain, which can make your horse sick. And....tossing out spoiled or molded grain will cost you extra money. With that in mind, here are a few tips to eliminate both..........

* Think "cool, dry, and bug-free".

* Buy feed from a reputable dealer.

* Clean out your feed area weekly.

* Dump opened feed into bins with tight-fitting lids. Plastic trash cans are perfect.

* Feed older feed before newer.

* Have good rodent control.

Check out the great article in Perfect Horse magazine   issue December 07/January 08 for more tips and information to help you save your horse from a bout of illness and save your pocketbook at the same time.

DAILY MOTIVATION

The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases.

-----Carl Jung

The Original SUV

Here's what we all need, the souped up version of the original cowboy SUV! What this guy needs is to sport a nice Sheepskin from EasyCare, and maybe some new hoof boots, he has plenty of choices, Easyboots, Epics, Bares, Boas, Grips, and Old Macs. Which ever one he decides on, he'll find great comfort and glad he chose natural hoof care. Happy Trails!            

Team Easyboot Members and Easyboots help to save a horse, Follow-up two months later

It has been two months now since "Team Easyboot Members and Easyboots help to save horse" was posted.  In case you had not heard about the rescued horses, please read the above blog and our September 2008 Dealer of the Month . 

Since August 1, 2008, this horse and three others were removed from their original owners care.   They named this horse "Able" because he was able to survive against all odds.  Able and the three other horses confiscated from a pair of Georgia men are now recovering at the Bitter Root Humane Association in Hamilton.

Curtis, 37, and Craig, 69, Hayden of Woodstock. Ga., have pled not guilty to charges of misdemeanor cruelty to animals. On October 9th, the first court hearing of Able's owners was done and about 50 residents attended the hearing. This is a lot for a little town and the court room cannot even hold 50 people. The trial is now set for the beginning of 2009. 

A fundraiser was done to raise the necessary funds to give all four of these horses the care they needed to get healthy again. It was called "ABLE DAYS Auction Event" and it was held October 11, 2008. This event was sponsored by Willing Servants, INC, a group formed specifically to aide horses in need.  This auction raised over $10,000 which was split between three different organizations. Willing Servants, Inc designed to stand in the gap between horse owners in “dire straights” and criminal neglect, took in $6,266.50.  The Bitter Root Humane Association received $1955.50 and the Pet Protection Program whose mission is to hire a full time Animal Control Officer with the funds raised from the Dog Licensing program, received $1657.50.

Read the full story of Able and the other horses in the Ravalli Republic Online. 

"These Boots (Old Mac's) Are Made For Walkin"

The Old Mac's 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 peace of mind about her hooves too.  Thank you so much for such a wonderful product.

Jill Chapman 

Hooves in Moist Climates = Special Challenges

In dry climates, hoof wall fungus is somewhat rare. It ususally will happen when the paddock gets flooded, the horse prefers to stand in the manure and urine pile, or when the stalls aren't kept clean. You can fix the problems by exposing the fungus to air and they will usually go away.

In moist climates, this problem can be a never ending cycle. Dawn Jenkins, a barefoot trimmer and therapeutic shoeing practitioner, works in both Southern California and Hawaii and encounters such issues. She wrote a great article that appeared in the Holistic Horse magazine, issue Oct/Nov 2008.

In this article, she discusses ways to prevent and treat hoof fungal problems in moister climates. She also mentions some facts and poses the question....Could there be a difference in the individual immune system, not just the environment?

Read this article for some really good information and education that makes quite a bit of sense. She also gives some natural remedies and general instructions for helping to eliminate some of the fungal problems that your horse may experience at the wetter times of the year. Some of the natural fixes could certainly incorporate hoof boots and soaker boots. EasyCare has many boot styles such as, Easyboots, Epics, Bares, Old Mac and Boas,  to help you keep your hooves clean and dry during the moister times. We have the Soaker boots to use for soaking with the remedies that are mentioned. Especially the Apple Cider Vinegar and water mixture, which I know works as I use this soak for my horses occasionally.

Check out the Holistic Horse magazine for several great articles on horse care and holistic answers to some of your horse's needs.

Top Ten Things about Hoof Health

TrailBlazer Magazine recently ran an article in it's September 2008 magazine "The Ultimate Guide to Trail Horse Health.  101 One Hundred Plus One Tidbits of Knowledge".  This article addressed:  Equine Skin Care, Fighting Disease, Vet Exam, Parasite Control, Vital Signs, Equine Eye, Metabolic Problems, Horse Nutrition, Hoof Care and Dental Health.  Each of these topics addressed the top ten things in this area of the Horse's Health.  This article was written by Wendy Lumbert.

Here at EasyCare Inc, we were of course drawn to the Top Ten Things about Hoof Health, and what Wendy had to say about these ten ways to ensure you get better hoof health. 

1st -- Diet.  "You are what you eat" goes hand in hand with your horse's overall health and this includes their hoof health.

2nd --  Trimming and Maintenance.  A regular trim even in the winter will help keep hooves in shape and come spring,  you are back on the trails again without hoof problems.

3rd -- Intelligent Hoof Care.  Monitor your horse's hooves to make sure that the trimming is being done correctly.  Watch for underrun heels or long toes.  These can take months or years to correct.  Change farriers if you find that the trims are not being properly done.  Use our handy Hoof Care Provider link to find one near you. 

4th -- Their Footing (Terrain).  Constant wet or soggy ground will 100% guarantee that they will develop hoof problems.  Correct their terrain as much as possible.  Read this great blog on " How to Keep your Barefoot Horses Sound". 

5th -- Grooming.  Keep the hooves picked out daily.  Not only will this let you know what kind of shape the hooves are in but also prevent stone bruises and find thrush or white line disease early.  Check out our magnetized hoof pick that will make it convenient for you to do this task every day. 

6th -- Leave room for expansion.  If you use metal shoes, make sure that they are not tight and make sure the ends of the shoes are to the end of the hoof.  If the shoes are too far towards the frog, this can lead to contracted heels.  Hoof boots allow for expansion and flexibility.    

7th -- Use Hoof Pads or hoof protective products.  There are boots and pads like our EasyCare Comfort Pads that will ensure pressure on the frogs and keep them healthy.

8th -- Use appropriate Hoof Coverings.  A horse with great feet maybe able to go barefoot almost all the time and just use hoof boots for that occasional ride.  Do what is appropriate and keeps your horse's feet in good condition.  We can always help you determine which boot would be appropriate for you.  You can contact us at any time. 

9th -- Keep Feet at proper moisture levels.  if your horse's hooves are too dry and your farrier has to take out super-sized nippers, try overflowing the water troughs a little or even use an EasySoaker.  Soaking the hooves on trimming day will make it easier for the farrier.

10th -- Address any problem quickly.  If you are out riding and hear the clink clink of a loose shoe, take care of it as soon as you possibly can.  Learn how to pull the shoes yourself and put on the hoof boot.  The Easyboot has been called the "Spare Tire" for years.

Of course you need to get the September 2008 issue of TrailBlazer magazine to be able to read this whole article.    

Let Freedom Ring

Look back on our struggle for freedom,

Trace our present day's strength to its source;

And you'll find that man's pathway to glory

Is strewn with the bones of a horse.

Anonymous

Hoof Boot Contest Updates

In the 2008 EasyCare Hoof Boot Contest it's Terri Tinkham in the lead!  Terri and her horse, Oliver are currently in first place with 1520 miles.  Trailing not far behind Terri is Natalie Herman with 1035 miles on her horses; Cheyenne and Hoanna!  Way to go Terri and Natalie!

For our 2009 Hoof Boot Contest the concept will be very similar to the 2008 contest but we are thinking of making the following changes.

1. Add an additional award for placing in each AERC region.

2. Bonus monthly payouts for each mile over 200.

3. Competitive Trail organizations will be added.

4. Bonus payouts for best condition awards.

In addition EasyCare is looking to partner with 1-2 riders in each AERC region.  We are looking for riders that plan to do 500+ yearly miles and have a good grasp of hoof boots and hoof boot fitting techniques.  We have 4 new hoof boots that will hit the market in 2009 and the selected regional riders will help EasyCare introduce the new designs in their region.  EasyCare will compensate the selected riders.  If you are interested please click here.

Daily Motivation

It's tempting to sit and wait for life to come to you. But it can't, it's too busy. Life is out there. You have to go for it!!!!

Happy Riding!

Easyboots Come to the Rescue

The many thanks we receive at EasyCare from our appreciative horse owners and riding club members just make our day. Pictured here is a youngster at MGH Arena in Talladega, Alabama riding a horse that was experiencing hoof problems. We donated Easyboots and he is now back in action! Ride em Cowboy! For more information on this facility visit their website www.mgharena.com or contact Carol Hudson, MGH Barn Manager at [email protected]

Washing Your Shear Comfort Sheepskins

It is that time of year again to get all of your tack ready for winter. Whether you still ride through the seasons, or pack it away for the winter, your Shear Comfort Sheepskins will need a thorough cleaning. They are machine washable and available in several different styles to fit almost any saddle.  But don't just throw them in the washing machine and walk away. What laundry detergent are you going to use?  Using regular laundry detergents can clean very well, however, the bad side is that they leave the wool dry without any natural lanolin oil left. This natural oil is what gives the wool its soft feel and luster. 

So your first important step would be deciding which cleaning product to use.  The next bit of important information would be on how to use your washing machine properly to avoid shrinkage and/or damage to your sheepskin. There is a great article called "Wool in the Washing Machine?" written by Anna Carner Blangiforiti. This article gives you some very good information on not only what you should use to clean your wool, but also the best way to use your washing machine to get the most out of it without doing any damage to your wool.      

If you would like to know if our Shear Comfort fits your saddle, review this previous post on:  Measurements for our EasyCare Shear Comfort Sheepskins. 

QUOTE ON LIFE

Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.

Always have a dream, follow your heart, and live life to the fullest!

Easyboot Edge Update!

Watch out - we are getting near the edge - the new Easyboot Edge that is!  The Edge is about done and will be going out to our Team Easyboot members soon for additional testing. 

The Edge "EasyKey" makes install and removal quick and easy.  Listed below are the main differences between the Epic and the Edge.

1.  Edge has no cable.  The cable on the Easyboot Epic can fray over time.

2.  The Edge buckle system is very low profile and eliminates interference.

3.  The Edge has no internal hardware.

4.  The Edge opens much further for easy application and removal.

To keep up to date on the latest developments on the Easyboot Edge, go to our blogs and click on  " From the Horse's Mouth".

Barefoot in the Press

Here are some recently published magazine issues that have many very interesting articles pertaining to barefoot and boot use.......

The March/April 2008 of HQ, South Africa's Premier Equestrian Magazine, features "Putting Your Best Foot Forward" a 3 page article about Paula Lasersohn, winner of SA's top show hunter and derby championships, who is also a huge advocate of Dr. Strasser's method of barefoot hoofcare.

The August 2008 issue of Horse & Rider Magazine included an article "New Strategies for Going Bare" with input from Pete Ramey and Garrett Ford of EasyCare, as well as an article by Joe Camp, "Horse Sense for the Soul", which tells the story behind his book.

The Sept/Oct 2008 issue of Equine Wellness Magazine featured several barefoot articles, including  "Do It Naturally! Trimming for barefoot performance horses with Jaime Jackson", a fantastic article featuring some very detailed information from Jaime.

The September 2008 issue of Equus Magazine included the article, "Strategy for Stronger Hooves," with information from Dr. Robert Bowker, and the advice to turn a young horse out and keep him barefoot!

Seminar in Tucson, AZ

EasyCare is proud to announce to all of you Horse Lover's, your chance to attend this new upcoming seminar being held in Tucson Nov 22 - 23. This seminar is geared towards how feeding, digestion, environment and hoof care affect the function of the hooves and the well being of the whole horse.

The seminar is being sponsored by The Swedish Hoof School who has already educated over 1,000 horse lovers. This seminar is for everyone, whether you are experienced or not. If you are a veterinarian or a farrier, come and see why Distal Descent is no longer a mystery.

Be sure to check out the testimonials and to register for the seminar on the "Schedule" at www.SwedishHoofSchool.com or email [email protected] for more information.   

Another Joe Camp 3 Minute Video

Here is another great video from Joe Camp on keeping your horse's as close to nature as possible.  This one is "Why our Horses Eat from the Ground".  This great video explains why it is so important for a horse to eat at ground level instead of table top level.  He really takes the time to explain clearly why a horse has evolved to eating from the ground and how it can be a health problem if you feed your horse from table top height. 

Words of Wisdom

Here is some old cowboy advice: Life's a lot simpler when you plow around the stumps!!!!

October "Pair and a Spare" Web Special

The EasyCare web special for October is purchase 3 Easyboots any size (a pair and a spare) and receive an EasyCare Gear Bag free!  The gear bag ( a $20.00 value) is perfect for holding your Easyboots as well as grooming aids, horse blankets etc.

You must add the gear bag as one of your items and enter the promo code "SPARE" on the same line as the gear bag.  This offer ends October 31, 2008, so hurry while supplies last!