EasyCare Customer Help Desk

Hump Day Humor

  A good rider can hear his horse speak to him.

  A great rider can hear his horse whisper.

  But a bad rider won't hear his horse even if it screams at him!

EasyCare's 2009 Hoof Boot Contest Update

EasyCare's 2009 Hoof Boot Contest has hit 15,585 miles and counting!  Click here to check out the current standings.  A variety of riders have been seen riding their equine friends sporting their favorite EasyCare hoof boots, including the new Easyboot Glove and Easyboot Glue On!  It's not too late to enter the contest.  Click here for more information.

Happy Riding!

Hoof Boot Upgrade Program

There's still some great riding time left before winter gets here. Trade in your old boots now and get a new upgraded style for 1/2 price. It's the ongoing Hoof Boot Upgrade Program and still going strong. It's simple, fill out the form, pack your old boots up and send them to EasyCare. You can do this once a year per customer. Upgrade to any one of our riding boots, Epics, Bares, Grips, Old Macs, Old Mac G2's, Gloves, Glue-Ons, Boas and Edge's We have all the boots for any of your riding needs!  

See you on the trail!  

New Shipment of Easyboot Gloves Has Arrived!

 EasyCare has just received a huge new shipment in of our  hot new boot the  Easyboot Glove!  We currently have all sizes in stock.  For all of you that have tried to order and they have been on backorder - they are here now.  We also have the power straps in assorted colors back in inventory as well.   Place your order now by calling us at 1-800-447-8836 or go to our on-line store to order.  Get 'em before they're gone, they are flying off the shelf!

The Fall Season is Upon Us

Today is the first day of the fall season..... cooler temperatures, leaves changing colors, time to think about getting out there and getting in some really good rides! 

Send us some pictures  of you and your horses in your part of the country and share the changing of this beautiful season. Send a testimonial about your EasyCare hoof boots with your pictures and get a free gift from EasyCare!

Technical Difficulties...

We're having some technical issues with our Customer Help desk blog, but hope to have them resolved shortly. Thanks for your patience! In the meantime, check out our new videos section.

Therapeutic Saddle Pads

Open any equine catalog and there are numerous pages of saddle pads and blankets, each one offering benefits to the horse and rider. How do you choose?????

Check out the August/September 2009 issue of Holistic Horse for a great article by Theresa Gagnon about choosing the right pad.

Saddle pads and blankets used to come in only a few varieties. There were fleece types, wool or synthetic, quilted cotton, or the woven blanket type. The main purpose for a pad or blanket was to keep the saddle clean. Now the choices can be mind boggling.

When deciding on a saddle pad, your first consideration should be your specific needs.

* Are you trying to change or correct the fit of your saddle?

* Does your horse have sore spots or back problems you are trying to address?

* Are you looking for a specific design or look?

* What are the needs of the specific discipline you're involved in?

Saddle fit can only be corrected with a pad if the tree is too wide or the horse has uneven muscling. If the tree is too narrow, a new saddle is in order. Adding more padding to a too narrow tree is like trying to correct a pair of shoes that are too small by adding another pair of socks---it only serves to make them tighter.

Other issues to consider are back problems, a slippery saddle, saddle or riding style, chosen discipline, and then materials and technology out there today. Go to www.holistichorse.com to read the entire article or subscribe.

Remember......a happy horse means a happy ride for you!!!!   

EasyCare Bargain Bin Update

It's time to shop for a great deal!  EasyCare has added several items to the Bargain Bin so be sure to check it out. There may be something in the bin for that special friend or family member for the upcoming holiday! We offer great prices on discontinued items here

EasyCare will list seconds and discontinued product  at reduced prices. All product will be listed at 1/2 price and will not be covered by the standard EasyCare warranty. Note: Bargain Bin items are NEVER included in any of our sales. All sales are final, no returns. All bargain bin items have a permanent marking. Please note, all items are in new, unused condition. Bargain bin items are available through the website only. All the EasyBoots and EasyBoot Epics listed were manufactured after 2005. Sizing has changed from the pre-2005 model boots and you must remeasure.

Need Help With Boot Fitting?

If you live in Arizona or are planning a trip here this winter......come see us for a free boot fitting. We are here to help you with the correct fit and boot style for your horse. Just give us a call and set up an appointment and we will help you with a boot selection. Call us at 800-447-8836 or local 297-1900.

We have a portable panel area set up and you can unload and then we will measure and try boots on. Once we find the correct fit and style, we will then show you how to install and remove your boots AND then have you do the install/removal so you can be comfortable and knowledgeable when you are at home or on your ride.

Don't forget to bring your old boots to trade in and utilize the Upgrade program while you are purchasing boots from us.

Give us a call and we will get you set for a visit and boot fitting here at EasyCare. We love to meet our customers and their horses!!!!!!

Happy Trails !

Boa Boot Tip

If you have ever lost a Boa boot cap while riding, you need to read this!  Many people have a difficult time determining if the Boa Front Shield Cap is tight.  If the cap is not tight it can come off.  When tightened properly the cap will stay in place and protect the Boa Dial.  Below is a quick and easy way to install the cap.

1.  Start with the cap showing the "BOA lettering straight up and down or perpendicular to the ground.  The cap will actually only go on in this position.

2.  Twist the cap clockwise.  You will hear a series of clicks and the cap will be in the tightest position when the "BOA" lettering is straight or parallel to the ground. (see picture)

If you follow these simple instructions you should never lose a cap again (unless it falls out of your pocket!)

Happy Trails!

Easyboot Gloves

Check out these two horses enjoying life......what better way to spend a day....Easyboot Gloves, fresh grass and beautiful scenery!

Winston and partner sharing the good eats.

EasyCare Testimonials

Sharing your hoof boot success with us just got a little easier! 

You can now submit your testimonial along with photos right from our website!  Just click on the link by the featured testimonial on the home page.  Make sure you include a photo showing your horse sporting his/her hoof boots.

We can't wait to hear from you!

Arizona QH Association Trail Ride

Thank You Carol, from EasyCare, for sharing this information with us!

Arizona Quarter Horse Association Proudly presents RIDE ARIZONA Oct 16, 17 & 18 2009

a three-day trail adventure into history and fun. Be a guest of the Sorrells Family and the Arizona Quarter Horse Association as you go back in time on a ranch that was created under the “Homestead Act” in the early 1900’s. With roots in the cattle and goat business, at one time supporting over 4000 goats.

Riders can arrive on Friday morning to pick out campsites and then gather around the campfire Friday evening to share potluck dinner and good music. Saturday’s events will include breakfast, followed by a trail ride and then lunch. In the afternoon, everyone is invited to attend the Ben Balow Horsemanship clinic, to be held at the corrals at the ranch. Saturday evening will host several well-known cowboy poets and singers, while we all sit around the campfire for dinner.  Sunday will start with a pancake breakfast to be followed by a short trail ride and lunch. All riders are included in a drawing for fantastic “horsy” prizes, join Arizona Quarter Horse Association and be eligible for a Special Drawing” for new members only.  Also included will be sponsor booths, driving demonstrations, product information, and a first aid clinic for your trail horse. Bring your own chairs and plenty of water. There will be a veterinarian and farrier present at ranch. Don’t miss this exclusive event and the opportunity to ride on a ranch that is closed to the public.

Cost of three-day week $125 per person; includes 5 meals, Ben Balow Horsemanship Clinic and many many extras. 

To insure that all riders/participants have a great time, the following rules shall apply

·     No stallions

·     No dogs on trail - all dogs MUST remain on leash at campsite

·     No Firearms

·     No smoking on trail

It is strongly suggested that all horses be shod and conditioned.

A complete list of suggestions and rules will be sent when application is received along with directions to the Sorrells Ranch off highway 89 north of Peeples Valley

Application deadline October 11, 2009

Name_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address_______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone___________________________________________e-mail________________________________________________

Number of people attending ____ $125 per person

Total enclosed________________________    Please fill out application form for each person attending  

Make Checks Payable to AzQHA  (Arizona Quarter Horse Association)

Send application to:    

Carol Belmore    

P.O. Box 217

Skull Valley, AZ 86338

  

Questions?

Carol Belmore   928 442 3843   e-mail: [email protected]

Super Sized Burros

In Oatman, Arizona, burros wander around the town and are a major draw for the half-million tourists that visit the tiny town annually, but it is the tourists that are making the burros - chubby!  The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has asked the tourists to kindly refrain from feeding carrots and other goodies to the portly beasts as reported by MSNBC recently.  The BLM is hoping that a reduction in the "all-you-can-eat" lifestyle will encourage the critters to return to their natural habitat and a healthier diet in the desert.

Jerry Love, of the Oatman Chamber of Commerce says, "It's a matter of educating the public, but it is not going to happen overnight".  The BLM's efforts include asking storeowners to stop providing treats, telling tourists not to feed the animals, and putting up signs like "Give Burros Care, Not Carrots."

Store owner Jolene Brown said the burros aren't taking kindly to their new weight-loss regimen--some of the grumpy burros kicked in the door of her shop and chewed on some of her books.  "I'm sure they can learn to forage, but people come from the entire world to feed the burros," Brown told the AP.

To the Rescue

Advisory Board member Carol Grubb wrote an article for the Equine Voices Rescue newsletter...

There  is exciting news at the National level for rescued horses. The Humane Society of the United States, and Natural Horsemanship trainers Pat and Linda Parelli, have joined forces to spotlight not only the ;light, but the potential of horses who have ended up in rescue organizations across the country.

"Many horses who end up at rescues are not there because they are "bad" or broken, but because their owners did not have the knowledge or resources to build a successful relationship with them. The Parelli Natural Horsemanship methods of training teaches how to communicate effectively with horses, setting the stage for a long, successful relationship," said Keith Dane, director of equine protection for The Humane Society of the United States." Pat Parelli said, "Our greatest initiative in the horse industry is to help people have more successful relationships with horses and to not treat them as disposable items. Too many people get out of horses because they get frustrated or afraid, and too many horses suffer as a result...together we can change that."

Check out the rest of this article at Equine Voices website  www.equinevoices.org  This is a local  and another rescue that can use your help via donations or volunteer work.

Inspirational Quote

If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never truly be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.

Lao Tzu

Hillshire Farms Uses Easyboots!

Check out this fun commercial from Hillshire Farms.  Notice the cute pony is sporting his Easyboots!

How a Horse's Hoof Grows

Hoof growth is one of the most important considerations in hoof physiology. Hoof growth occurs from the coronary band down toward the toe. The average hoof grows 1/4 to 3/8 inch per month. Since the average hoof is 3 to 4 inches in length, the horse grows a new hoof every year.

Rapidly growing hooves are considered to be higher quality and easier to keep properly trimmed and shod. Factors that effect hoof growth are age, season, irritation or injury of sensitive structures, and nutrition.

Age

Hoof growth rate seems to be highly correlated to heart rate. Young horses have a higher heart rate than that of older horses. Similarly, young horses have a faster hoof growth rate than older horses. Hoof growth rate decreases as the horse ages. The hooves of horses under 1 year of age grow about twice as fast as those of horses more than 12 years of age. Highly conditioned horses have a lower heart rate than idle horses, but their hoof growth is faster. It appears that the exercise they receive offsets the effect of the slower heart rate.

Summary of the effect of age on horse hoof growth rate.

Class of Horse	(mm per day)	(mm per mo.)	(in. per mo.)
Foals	0.50	15.0	0.60
Yearlings	0.40	12.0	0.50
Mature	0.30	9.0	0.33
Aged	0.20	6.0	0.25

Taken from Principles of Horseshoeing II. Bulter, D. K. 1985. Butler Publishing

Hind hooves grow 12 percent faster than front hooves in foals and approximately 7 percent faster in weanlings. Differences between hind and front hoof growth diminish as horses age, with no difference apparent by the time they are yearlings. Hoof size has no effect on hoof growth rate. Hoof size except is a function of age.

Season

A horse’s hoof grows faster in the spring of the year than other seasons. This growth rate may be influenced by climate. Hoof growth slows during the winter months.

Sensitive

Structures Stimulation of the sensitive structures by strong counter-irritant products or massage is thought to increase hoof growth. However, research indicates that these products do not significantly affect hoof growth. Systemic fever or injury of the sensitive structures results in rapid hoof growth.

Nutrition

Level of nutrient intake has been shown to affect hoof growth. Proper nutrient intake stimulates maximum hoof growth. Biotin supplementation is suggested to improve hoof growth and integrity over time. After several months of feeding biotin, some horses show increased hoof integrity and quality. However, not all horses respond to biotin supplementation. Hoof quality and growth is most affected by proper nutrition, which involves feeding a properly balanced ration.

Happy Labor Day Weekend

Happy Labor Day from EasyCare!  EasyCare will be closed on Monday, September 7th for the Labor Day holiday.  For all you riders needing spare parts or maybe some new Epics or Old Mac's, it is not too late to give us a call.  We do have next day shipping available for all your last minute accessory or hoof boot needs!

Happy Trails!