EasyCare Customer Help Desk

Cowan Horse Adventures

Here's a great way to spend an evening or a day out in our beautiful Arizona desert! It's a family run carriage and horse back riding operation in Southwest Tucson, Arizona, run by Brad and Caroline Cowan.

Click on to their website www.cowanhorseadventures.com and learn all about it. You can head out with family or  friends and take time to see those spectacular views on horseback, or in a horse drawn all terrain carriage. Leave the driving to someone else and enjoy! You pick the start time and also choose from a variety of trails, easy and flat to mountainous and challenging. A variety of gentle horses are offered. Mount selection is based on your skill level and size. Here are a couple of pictures of Caroline and Honey sporting Easyboots and Brad on Lt Go For the Gusto. Where's your boots Brad? The weather  is great folks, so call (520) 883-5529 and make your appointment to get out on those great Sonoran Desert trails with the Cowans! Happy Trails everyone from EasyCare!

  

 

EasyCare's on Facebook

EasyCare has recently joined the Facebook and Twitter world.  Just do a search for "Easyboot" to find us!  It's still a work in progress, but be sure to check it out.  This is another great place to stay up to date with all the EasyCare happenings.

Pete loves his Old Mac G2's and Easyboot Epics!

My wife Brenda and I added "Pete" a 16 year old Appy to our family in November 2008. He had probably been in shoes all his life as evidenced by his small hooves. They were really contracted at the heal as well as the walls.

Within a week of getting Pete home he dropped a shoe and that allowed us to get started on his transition to barefoot. We contacted High Desert Hoof Care's, Leslie Carrig and she pulled the remaining shoes off Pete's hooves. She commented on how small his hooves were and how it was going to be a long process to get his hooves anywhere near normal.

Pete was very tender, especially in the front feet, so Leslie fitted Pete with a pair of Old Mac G2's. She is a master fitter and has a truck load or all types of EasyBoots on her truck.  When she left Pete was sporting the new Old Mac G2's with pads inside and was walking nicely.

During this past 10 months, Leslie has come to our house every 4 weeks to trim and check on Pete (and our other 2 horses). Pete's hooves are now spreading and have almost grown all new hoof. We ride in EasyBoot Epic's with pads now and we are looking forward to Fall and Winter riding.

By this time next year Pete should have grown out an all new hoof again and with the help of EasyCare we will ride anywhere and on any terrain you throw at us.

Thanks EasyCare and High Desert Hoof Care!

This photo is Pete and I at Washoe Lake in Nevada. Pete is wearing his EasyBoot Epic's.

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 !

Hillshire Farms Uses Easyboots!

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

Old Faithful Easyboots

What an amazing story from Clarissa and Sonny, sporting the same pair of Easyboots for 7 years!

Quotes Clarissa, ' These boots wore very, very well as they were used alot. I always spoke favorably of them to people who always paid too much to shoe their horses every 6-8 weeks. Imagine the savings by going barefoot not to mention how much better it is for your horse!'

Check out Sonny soaking his hooves in preparation of trimming.

They lasted through my HQ Stallions ridden life then I used them on his daughter for a few years. All up about 7 years. How great is that Clarissa! Thank You from EasyCare! 

Boots & Pads Tips

Below is an article from our July newsletter by Maria Siebrand of the Thoughtful Horseman.  Maria has a website, a newsletter and a blog.  Here are some tips from her about booting.  The EasyCare newsletter has many helpful tips and informative articles like this every month. If you have not yet subscribed to the EasyCare newsletter you can click here to sign up now so you do not miss anything!

Boots & Pads

With a very rare exception, I will fit your horse with boots and pads the day I pull your shoes.  You may find that you never need to use them, or you may find that they are a necessary part of the shod-to-barefoot transition.

At any time, if the horse moves more comfortably with the boots and comfort pads than without them, you should use them.  It is critical that the pads are used with the boots; without the pads, the hard, flat surface of the inside of the boot acts as a peripheral loading device, and only the hoof wall carries the weight of the horse, much like a horse shoe.  Pressure and release to the sole of the foot and the frog are essential to proper hoof function, and therefore pads are essential.

Keeping boots clean, fresh and in good operating condition prevents rubbing and prolongs the life of the boots and pads.

Boots and pads can be hosed off in the washrack.  Be sure to take the pads out of the boots and thoroughly clean both the inside of the boot and the pad.  Let both dry thoroughly before using.

Once dry, sprinkle the inside of the boot with a little Gold Bond Foot Powder to freshen the boot, discourage bacteria and fungus, and also to help the boot slip easily over the heel bulbs.

To keep the wires in Epics sliding freely, spray the "loop" ends inside the boot with a little WD40.

It's a good idea to buy a spare set of pads; when one pair looks very flattened, pull them out and put in the new ones, but don't throw away the old ones just yet!  Put them aside for a few days, and they regain their sponginess.  If the pads become torn or have holes in them, they do need to be replaced.  Cleaning sand, dirt and grit out of the boots after every use preserves the life of the pads.

Most of the parts on the Easyboot, Epic, Bare, and Edge boots are replaceable and inexpensive.  The neoprene and velcro gaiters are usually the first thing to succumb to 1200 lbs of horse, but don't despair; they can be replaced.

Preventing rubbing to the hoof wall or heel bulbs 

If the tongue of the boot (plastic piece that comes up across the toe/dorsal wall on an Easyboot, Epic or Bare boot) comes up too close to the coronary band, it can be trimmed back with a pair of scissors.  Likewise, if the tongue rubs the wall excessively.

Heel bulb rubbing/irritation can be mitigated several ways.  Try a single layer of vet wrap around the affected area, zinc oxide ointment (diaper ointment), or slide a tube sock or a ladie's knee high stocking over the hoof before putting the boot on.

Amiee and Pi Love Their EasyCare Hoof Boots!

Pi (13 year old Appendix) has been barefoot for about 5 years now and he loves his Easyboots!  We've been using Bares since we initially pulled his shoes and he hacks out on the trails like a champ... whether it's on the rocky trails around us in Massachusetts or climbing the forever up-and-down beautiful hills of Vermont or moving right along on a hunter pace.  We are often asked by other riders what his boots are for, and my answer is often quickly followed up with, 'Isn't he too big to go barefoot?'  Pi doesn't think so!

 Lately we've been doing a lot more jumping and with all the rain in the Northeast this Spring, I realized Pi would benefit from a bit more traction, especially when we're soaring over fences in a field.  I decided to try the Grips and we haven't looked back!  They grab the ground and provide us with a secure landing without sticking too much -- and Pi loves them. 

Thanks for helping us keep on jumping barefoot -- despite the weather!

 Aimee and Pi

Neal Glass Original Easyboots!

                                                                                                                                                                     Look at these old Easyboots!  These pictures are from Randy Winter of Max Tack, an EasyCare dealer in Longmont, Colorado.  The mother of a friend of Randy's said she had some really old Easyboots and was nice enough to give them to him.  Turns out, these boots are originals from Neal Glass.  Boy, Easyboots and EasyCare have sure come a long way!

Thanks Randy for the great pictures!

Cornerstone Assisted Riding & Equitherapy

A few months ago EasyCare had the opportunity to donate some slightly used Easyboots to our friends at Cornerstone Assisted Riding & Equitherapy (CARE).  These hoof boots went to help some very special therapy horses named Dancer, Ike, Monty, Mr. Quickers, and Gabi. "They are each very special because they have the temperament to do the very challenging job of providing equine assisted therapy to our clients with special physical and emotional needs", says Wendee Walker of Cornerstone Equestrian Center.  Once the boots arrived Hoof Care Practitioner Jessica Armstrong stopped by to trim the horses and set them up in their new boots.  Thanks Jessica for making sure our equine pals were comfortable!

Cornerstone is completely run by volunteers and has been providing Equitherapy since 1985. They are located in American Canyon, CA.  Click here to learn more about their program.

      

Cowboy Cisco Rides Again

Here's a great photo of Cisco and Karen Reeves sporting Epics on a cattle drive. Karen says Cisco wore his Epics and went through it with out a hitch. There were three other clients there and their horses also did well in their boots. Karen mentioned there was one shod horse who lost a shoe out on the range. Hope he had a spare Easyboot with him! It's nice to see the horses performing so well out in the work world with a few extra minutes that it takes to apply boots instead of being shod. Good Job you two, we at EasyCare wish we were out there with you!  

EasyCare Bargain Bin!

   

Looking for a deal?  Check out the EasyCare Bargain Bin!  The items in the bin are brand new, discontinued items.  All items are 1/2 off of the original price and are not returnable or exchangeable, so make sure you measure first!

We currently have Easyboot Grips (with old gaiter style), Easyboots, Easyboot Bares (with old gaiter style), Boa boots and EZ Ride Tapadero stirrups.  Not all sizes available in all items.  To find out what we have available, go to "Cool Stuff" on our website or you can just click here.

Hurry before they are all gone!

EasyCare Epic Boots for Daatje, the Friesian Mare

  Daatje is an 8 year old Friesian mare whom I've owned since she was six months old. It has always been important to me to keep my horses barefoot as I like the way their hooves respond to being kept naturally.

As Daatje matured and her work load increased, I was faced with the decision to shoe or boot. Her hooves are tough, but the amount of riding I was doing was wearing them down much faster than they could grow back!

I tried several of EasyCare Inc's boots (Boa, Old Mac G2, Easyboot) before settling on the Epic as the boot that best performed for our type of work and her hoof shape.

I use them most for foxhunting and conditioning on the road. The benefit of reduced wear on my horse's hooves is combined with their unique shock absorbing properties! Especially when using your EVA foam pads, which I absolutely love.

Once I got the fit perfected, the Epics have performed with outstanding reliability and I am thrilled to have a high performance boot as an alternative to shoes! :)

Sarah Isherwood

PS: As much as I like the Epics, I'm still dying to try the Gloves. :)

     

Hoof Boots and Georgie Girl

Here's a picture of me on my Missouri Foxtrotter gaited horse (I'm the one in the back with a helmet) at big Creek Trail Ride in Hartshorn, Missouri. The lady on the paint Foxtrotter is my riding buddy. She uses Easyboots for spare tires when she looses a shoe.

 

My horse, Georgie Girl, is a coming 9 year old Black Missouri Foxtrotter that I have had since she was 4. I bought her from Valley Springs Foxtrotter Ranch in Black, Missouri.

Georgie Girl was always very sensitive to rocks, even in shoes. One day I was looking at my riding buddy's horses hooves and then Georgie's, and noticed that Georgie had big slits in her frog and in to the bulb area. I started researching it on the internet and found several barefoot horse sites that talked about it being caused from thrush and the only way to get it healed was to remove the shoes. I had been trying with no success for a year with shoes on Georgie.  After my last camping ride in 2005, I had Georgie's shoes pulled. I worked for the next 3 years, trying everything to get those big slits healed. Finally, I was told about Clean Trax  deep hoof cleanser soak to heal the Thrush and White Line disease. I had one Easy Soaker boot from Easycare that I used to do each foot one at a time. After that ordeal, I bought more and soaked them all at one time and finally got the hooves to heal. Hallelujah!

During the time after I had Georgie's shoes pulled, I began the journey of learning how to measure, order and use Easyboots. I have tried them all. I now use Easyboot Bare's on the front and Easyboot Epic's on the back. But, next time I have my horse trimmed, I'm going to measure for the Easyboot Glove. It's been a learning process and at times, an expensive proposition. I tried other brands of boots along the way, and they either didn't hold up or caused Georgie to have swollen legs at the end of the ride. One of the other brands wore through after only 3 hours on the Missouri rock. Thus, I have found the Easyboot Bare's to work best for my gaited horse. I do struggle at times to get them on but ONLY when I don't put them in the sun to warm or put them in hot water. One of the lessons I had to learn along the way.

Along my journey, I even learned to perform the natural trim on my Georgie, but I still do have a trimmer that I use. When Georgie gets her fresh spring trim,I hope to measure her for the Easyboot Glove. I love your products! Keep up the innovative work! I can't wait to see how Georgie does with the Easyboot Gloves! By the way, Georgie gaits better than ever now that her feet are healed!

Candy Pazurek

Hillsboro, Missouri

Easyboot Tracks Find the Missing Horse

Here is an experience sent to us by Laura Frerking, who was one of our winners in our 2008 Hoof Boot Contest.

" It was a rather cold night, down to about 20 degrees in Nevada, during an endurance ride. As we were eating dinner by the campfire, it was so bliss, just did my first 50 miles that day, looking forward to the second day. My friend asked me where my horse was. I thought she was joking, but he had gotten loose and had disappeared from camp. Our camp was a rocks throw from Hiway 50, a well traveled road, and we were in high desert with wild horses all around. My horse, Tin Man, a gelding, had on a blanket and his Easyboots.... a sitting duck for a wild stallion. We searched for hours with no luck. When I returned to camp, I realized that I had not taken off his Easyboots and started to track him by the hoofprints left behind.

I lost his trail, it was dark, but in the morning I was able to track him to where someone had him stabled. What a great relief to see him in the stall across the road. Without the Easyboot tracks, I could not have found him, as I had to find his hoofprints over the top of 50 other horses."

Thank you for your great product.

Sincere,

Laura Frerking

Thank you Laura for sharing your experience with us. EasyCare is so happy that our product that is meant to protect your horses's hooves, actually also helped to find him in such a scary situation. We wish you and Tin Man many more happy miles together.

Happy Trails!

 

News from The Horse Corral

Published recently in "The Reflector" newspaper in Battle Ground Washington, is a great article on hoof rehabilitation. It's written about Jerry Huntsinger, owner of JC Farrier Service and all his great work on our four legged friends!

Jerry is passionate about his work, not only is he a farrier but also a hoof rehab specialist. Jerry has been in the business for over a decade, since early childhood he watched his grandfather do similar work and followed in his foot steps. Jerry's work takes him throughout central Oregon and southwest Washington.

Shortly after becoming his own boss, Jerry took notice of many lame horses in the area. He met many people who were unsure of what the future held for their horses's health. Knowing that they needed special help, Jerry went to work! Traditionally a farrier will address a horse's ailment with shoes, Jerry feels that only masks the true problem, much like medications addressing symptoms rather than the root problem. At this point, Jerry dove into research from universities around the world. The results in his studies was learning all about natural hoof care  methods. Testing the new form of hoof trimming on his own horses, Jerry purchased hoof boots that featured a comfort pad inside, allowing the horse to use their feet properly. This way the horse has time to develop a callous on their feet and establish correct body mechanics. While gradually decreasing the amount of time the horse wore the boots, he trimmed the hooves twice a month. He also made sure that they ate an impeccably consistent nutritious diet. He could see the more he followed the natural care steps, the better his horses performed! He could see that his horses were able to regrow a hoof from the hairline to the ground in less than six months, where usually they take twice as long to grow a new hoof.

JC Farrier Service charts the animals progress in a computer system. If a horse owner is willing to give the horse time to go through rehab they will succeed every time. Jerry continues to research and build upon the work of other equine experts such as Jamie Jackson and Pete Ramey, Dr. Robert Bowker and Dr. James Rooney. Also, Jerry teaches his techniques at the Oregon School of Natural Care in Jacksonville, Oregon. 

Jerry adds" Have the hooves trimmed by a professional. People think it's easy, but a farrier performs incredibly detailed work." If you're in need of help call JC's at (360) 521-1679 or (360) 687-4698.  Jerry does make appointments outside regular business hours and works one Saturday a month.

"Thank You Jerry", from EasyCare for a job well done!

   

EasyCare Epic Boot Testimonial

Last Dec I bought the basic EasyBoots for our QH who's still a little picky over rocks.
In soft turf, they wouldn't stay on,  so I returned 'em.   You recommended the EasyBoot Epic.   WOW!   Those boots are the BOMB!    Easy to apply and they don't slide off. 
Gelding doesn't throw his weight to the hind on gravelly surfaces when front feet are in his boots; he therefore is nicely balanced on all surfaces and bruise-free.
 

                    Thanks much !   Our precious horse is happy, as are we.

                                                - Mathisen family -

1996 David Letterman Show

Below is a little video showing "Sterling Silver" bobbing for  apples.   What makes this so great and special, is that you can clearly see our Easyboots on Silver.  Just imagine this was over 10 years ago and Easyboots are still in action today.   And what were you doing in 1996?

Hoof Boot Upgrade Time

Need some Christmas gift ideas for that special friend or family member ? Now is the time  to get started with EasyCare's great program offered for upgrading your old boots to a new different model for one-half price. The hoof boot upgrade program began close to two years ago and has been so successful that we are continuing the program indefinitely. So get your list going and select from the Easyboots, Epics, Bares, Soakers, Grips, Old Mac's, Old Mac's G2 or Boa Boots. Christmas is right around the corner so get your order in right away! We will be shipping through December 17, but we must have your trade in boots by December 15, 2008 in order to get them shipped out for you.   

Have a very Merry Christmas  and Happy New Year from all of us at EasyCare!

Several Tips for Your Barefoot Transition

Most newly de-shod horses do fine in a pasture, arena, and on soft trails. How well they handle challenging footing, and how long it takes them to be comfortable on moderately challenging surfaces, depends on their feet, general health, living environment, diet, exercise level, the terrain you ride on, the competence of your trimmer, and the regularity of the trims.

People who choose to take their horses barefoot tend to be proactive about their long term health and welfare and to form interactive, supportive online communities that share a wealth of information. Horses getting good low carb diets, living on challenging terrain, and getting lots of exercise, usually do fine barefoot on all types of terrain year round.

Linda Cowles, wrote a great article in "Equine Wellness" magazine that is excellent to review and learn several good tips.

There are four things to incorporate into a successful transition:

1. Boots and pads......boots give horses the advantages of metal shoes without the concussion, nail holes and peripheral loading, while allowing them to continue normal work. Boots can be padded with cushioned insoles that encourage the horse to use his feet correctly and athletically, thereby accelerating redevelopment of internal hoof structure. This correct heel-first landing movement results in stronger, straighter and wider heels, and the increased blood flow builds tougher, stronger feet.

EasyCare has a complete line of various styles to accomodate many hoof sizes, such as Epics, Bares, Grips, Easyboots,Boa's , Old Mac Originals and G-2's.

2. The correct trim.....Getting the horse transitioned is easier when you have an experienced barefoot hoofcare provider and the trimming is done on a consistent timely schedule.

3.  The right diet......all that most horses need to perform athletically are:

               a. Balanced nutrients

               b. Good water

               c. Good low NSC (non structural arbohydrate) grass hay

               d. Low NSC pature for movement

4.  Get rid of the hoof infections.......most people don't recognize the signs of thrush, and few people appreciate how painful it can be. A successful transition depends on eliminating frog infections.

Going barefoot can require a leap of faith, and the initial results may be alarming  for some riders. Keep an open mind, think positive, and expect great things from your horse's transition.

Winter Hoof Care

Yes, that time of the year has already shown itself and is approaching upon us. Whatever your current temperature is, you still need to look ahead to "Winter Hoof Care".

The November 2008 edition of Horse Illustrated has an article by Nancy S. Loving, DVM, on how to "Winterize Your Horse". Part of this article is in regards to winter hoof care.

The article indicates that it is beneficial to let your horse go barefoot for at least a couple of months during the year, and winter is the time to do this. Also, barefoot reduces hazards like balling of the snow, since the hoof is better able to shed ice and snow.

Horses that have been barefoot or only barefoot for the winter will still need a regular trim. A visit from your hoof care practitioner every six to eight weeks will keep the hooves ready for spring riding.

She even recommends hoof boots for winter riding. "If you still plan on riding during the winter, consider a hoof boot rather than leaving the shoes on".   The Easyboot Grip is specifically designed for use in the snow. Winter… snowballs and ice are great for sport… except when they’re under your horse’s feet! Even the Boa Horse Boot’s polyurethane surface eliminates snow balling up on the bottom of the boot as it would on the sole of a horse wearing standard shoes. In fact, any of EasyCare's hoof boots would eliminate snow balling.

EasyCare Inc has optional titanium-coated boot studs for gripping sheet ice. Long wearing studs (4 per boot) can be easily attached to any Boa Horse Boot, Old Mac's, Old Mac's G2, Easyboot Bare and up to a size four in our Easyboot and Easyboot Epics to provide traction on asphalt, ice or other hard or slippery surfaces. The studs may be removed when their application is no longer necessary, and replaced as needed. Larger studs are now available for the Easyboot and Easyboot Epic from size five and up.

Dr. Loving also says studs can be used in shoes just like on the boots. While traction is extremely important, very aggressive traction can inhibit a horse’s natural way of going and can increase stress on joints, tendons and upper extremities. The ground may not always be slippery, so your horse's foot may "stick" with a traction device, resulting in injury. This kind of injury happens suddenly and you may not even realize it until lameness becomes apparent.

This is just one of the things you need to get done to "winterize your horse" per Nancy Loving, DVM. Hooves are part of the winter care for your horse, but you need to read the rest of the article for the rest of the story. Also, while you are out riding the trails, don’t be surprised if you see a new kind of hoofprint in the snow. Look at it carefully; you may be the first in the group to identify the elusive EasyCare's Easyboot Grip print.

Barefoot Vs. Shod

Throughout the years of the ongoing points and counter points of shoeing vs. barefoot, we continue to support the pro's and con's of each side. The most important thing to remember is, what is right for one horse may not be the very best for another. One of the most interesting articles on this subject is found in the August 2008 issue of  "The Horse Magazine". The article was written by Marcia King, an award winning -freelance writer, who specializes in equine, canine, and feline veterinary topics. She's schooled in hunt seat, dressage, and Western pleasure.

Present at the seminar held for farriers and veterinarians were Robert Cook, FRCVS, PhD, Professor of Surgery Emeritus at Tuft University and developer of the Bitless Bridle, and Patrick Reilly, Chief of Farrier Services at New Bolton Center. Patrick is researching on the development of a protocol for the use of an in-shoe force measuring system.  These two gentlemen went head to head with questions from "The Horse". In many cases they agreed. For instance,  when it comes to certain disciplines, terrain, climate or horsekeeping conditions, or whether a horse should be shod or unshod can be influenced either way. Many horses live comfortably without shoes no matter what the environment or use is. The structure of the horse's hoof is a result of all of the environmental factors. 

As discussed, a barefoot program is not just about trimming, it is a total management program. A horse owner takes on responsibility to provide and manage conditions that are not harmful to his horse.  During the transition period hoof boots can be worn to protect the hoof and to prevent excessive wear of a hoof with poor horn growth that has not completely recovered from having been shod.  EasyCare can provide seven different models, the Easyboot, Epic, Bare, Grip,  Old Mac Original, Old Mac G2 and Boa Boot.

Also mentioned in the article is the study and continuous research of Dr. Robert J. Bowker who believes that barefoot conditions are better and that one can have the same effects of a shoe in barefooted conditions, dependent on how the hoof is trimmed. If you remove plenty of sole and cut back the bars, trim the frog then you have acquired a peripherally loaded foot that is similar to a shod horse. 

It is an excellent article you shouldn't miss reading. Happy Trails from EasyCare! 

 

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!

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.