EasyCare Customer Help Desk

Mystic Vision and Epics

    

Here is a customer testimonial about another happy horse!  This was sent to EasyCare  by Gayle and her horse Mystic Vision in his Easyboot Epics. Gayle is especially thankful for her wonderful trimmer - Pat Burton from Hoof Pros who suggested EasyCare hoofboots instead of shoes.  Thank you Gayle and Pat!

"Pat has been our farrier for about 16 years.  He was first recommended to us by our veterinarian when my daughter's 10 year old show gelding foundered.  Pat put heart bar shoes on him and kept him showing and going for 14 more years.  Taj's life and usefulness was greatly extended by Pat's care.  We recently had a stallion founder and Pat came to the rescue, this time with pads, boots and sole spray.  Even though the gelding did very well with shoes, the boots and pads are a dramatic improvement.  I had to make sure I had bute on hand every time Taj was shod to ease the pain of pounding on his feet.  The stallion is not subjected to that painful procedure.  There was a dramatic improvement after the first week of being treated with the boots as he progressed from nearly crawling to walking soundly, barefooted.  After only a few more months of treatment, he now trots, canters, bucks, and kicks like he used to - only barefooted!  We are all most appreciative, especially Mystic Vision, and consider it a privilege to have Pat care for our horses."

Equine Affaire 2009 in Springfield, MA.

If you're in W. Springfield, Massachusetts  this week, be sure to stop in at the 12th annual Equine Affaire www.equineaffaire.com  and visit with our EasyCare Representatives, Chris Freeman, Debbie Schwiebert, and Miriam Rezine. They will be happy to answer any questions and/or demonstrate our hoof boot line for you. Stop in at the Better Living Building Nov12 through Nov15, you will find EasyCare set up in Booth #508. 

There will be a host of clinics, seminars, and demonstrations to cover subjects as wide ranging as natural and alternative therapies, stable management, nutrition, and first aid techniques. Don't miss this great affaire!  

Terra Firma Equine Center

Gail Snyder gailsnyder@netzero.net , Certified Trimmer and Instructor is holding a Natural Hoof Care Clinic  Saturday, November 14, in Sedalia Colorado. Gail is also an instructor for www.abchoofcare.com out of Jacksonville, Oregon and hosts many informative clinics that your horse will Thank You for attending! 

Listing of Topics: 

• Natural Hoofcare & Trimming
• Hoof Anatomy & Mapping Techniques
• Whole Horse Health Rehabilitation
• Lameness Rehabilitation Strategy
• Hoof Assessment, Balance, and Correction
• Learn How You Can Trim Your Own Horse

Date: Saturday November 14, 2009 

Time: 1-5 PM.

Location: 1772 South Perry Park Road, Sedalia, Colorado 80135

Clinic Fee: $35.00 for materials, reservations payable in advance

Please make check Payable to: Hoof Squad, Inc.

Mail to: Gail Snyder, 3134 Winnebago Drive, Sedalia, CO 80135

Email gailsnyder@netzero.net  for more information!

Seating is limited so call now, it's fun and informative!

Happy Trails from EasyCare!

EZ Rides All The Way

   
Lainie Ray has been riding in E-Z Ride Stirrups for quite a long time. She loves the stirrups almost as much as she loves her 11 year old Endurance Mare Shataan Park Sybella.  All the way from Australia comes this great photo of these two! There are several types of stirrups available at EasyCare, Standard Aluminum, Nylon, Leather and the beautiful Tapaderos. They come with the shock absorbing comfort top bars in half sizes from 1" to 3" and are available in brown or black. Thank You Lainie and Shataan from your friends at  EasyCare!

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.

Barefoot and Boots

Leslie McDougall from Troy, Montana sent us a few pictures of her ride in the Bob Marshall Wilderness....................

"I thought you'd like to see that we made it in to the Chinese Wall in the Bob Marshall Wilderness with Easyboot Epics. My one mare fits well in the size ones and we rode the whole way without losing a boot, even though we went through one real nasty bog hole. Here's a couple pictures....

 

 

I've had great luck with barefoot and boots, especially once I get the right size and type of boot for the horse"

Hoof Clinic with Ove Lind of The Swedish Hoof School

 

Ove Lind from the Swedish Hoof School in Sweden has been making his way across the United States bringing his knowledge to horse owners, vets and practitioners through his clinics and consultations.  On September 30^th,  Ove made his way to the Central Coast of California where hoof care practitioner Sarah Wiebe of Bare Hoof Trim, Paso Robles, CA hosted him for some one on one consultations with local horse owners. 

Hoof Care Practitioner, Dealer Rep, Debbie Schwiebert from EasyCare attended a full day of watching Ove trim and critique each horse.  Ove had an eager crowd taking in his ideas and comments.  Each horse appeared quite pleased with their trims, moving off happily when done!   It was a great day of discussion and learning.  To find out more about Ove and the Swedish Hoof School be sure to visit his website.

 

  

  

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.

Tipey-Toed Foals With Contracted Tendons

Here is an interesting article found in Equine Network for all you out there with a new foal! If you see your mare's newborn filly prancing around the stall like it is wearing invisible high-heels, you might be a little concerned that your foal is dreaming of being a ballerina instead of a barrel racer or hunter jumper. But don't worry; one of the most common deformities that equine veterinarians deal with in newborns is contracted digital flexor tendons. This may cause foals to walk on the toes of their front hooves instead of being flat footed.

Dr. Eric Carlson, equine surgery resident at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, explains that there are several suspected reasons why this malformation may occur, though there is little hard scientific proof. "One reason contracted tendons might happen is due to intrauterine malpositioning, in which a mare may be carrying a foal that is a bit too large relative to its size," he explains. Other culprits may be ingestion of locoweed and hybrid Sudan grass during pregnancy, goiter, or a dominant gene mutation in the sire.

No matter what the cause, the end result is the same: a tendon that is too tight or too short for the foal's legs. Anatomically speaking, all horses have two major tendons that run directly behind their cannon bone (the large bone between the horse's knee and fetlock). They are fittingly named the superficial and the deep digital flexor tendon. Since the deep tendon attaches to a bone inside the horse's hoof, if it were to be contracted or shortened, it would cause the horse's leg to curl up beneath itself--which is exactly what happens in a case of contracted tendons.

Veterinarians can correct the deformity in many ways, but each case requires individualized treatment. Fortunately, "the prognosis for a foal born with contracted tendons is good," says Dr. Carlson. While some minor cases may not need any treatment, more severe deformities require intervention.

One of the treatment options veterinarians can try is an intravenous antibiotic. While the thought of using an antibiotic for a problem other than an infection may sound perplexing, "it is thought that the drug prevents the influx of calcium ions into the muscle fibers and brings about relaxation," explains Dr. Carlson. And relaxation is exactly what the doctor calls for if tendons are pulled so tightly that the hoof cannot touch the ground appropriately.

Other options include using toe extensions that help to change the break over point of the hoof and stretch the tendons, as well as splints or casts. In a few rare cases surgery is needed to correct the problem, but that is usually more common with the acquired deformities, not the congenital ones.

It is important to note that if a newborn foal has a difficult time walking, it will need human assistance every few hours around the clock to stand and nurse. Although Dr. Carlson knows all too well that sleeping on a straw-floored stall for a few nights with a newborn foal may not be the most comfortable bed, the reward is priceless. Watching what was once a crippled filly take her first few steps to nurse without human assistance is worth the wait--even if it does happen at two in the morning. 

Next thing you know he or she will be kicking up those bare hooves wanting to try on some new boots. Try EasyCare, we have a great selection to choose from!

 

Boots in Action

Easyboot Bare hoof boots

 
    
These horses are wearing Easyboot Bare boots and Easyboot Epics on their journey down the road. If you do cart driving, here is some pictures of horses successfully using boots and being barefoot and lovin' it!!!!!

Easyboot Epic hoof boots. 

Recent Horse Health Fair in Cottonwood, California

Several Hoof Care Practitioners set up a booth at this recent fair and shared some pictures with us.

As told to us by Jennifer Borchard.......

"Thought I would share some pics with you from the Horse Health Fair that Tonya Durden, Sue Laurente, Alicia Mosher and I did on September 12.

Although the turnout was low, the response to our hoofcare presentation and booth was great. We all chose a different aspect of hoofcare to talk about:

Sue talked about the components in a good hoof.

Alica talked about components of a poor hoof.

Tonya talked about boots and when and why to boot.

I talked on diet and lifestyle.

Our booth proudly displayed our Pacific Hoof Care Practitioners banner and the EasyCare banner. Our table had printouts on hoof health and care, specimens of P1, P2, P3 and navicular bone, as well as a Brumby foot. Brochures on the Nibble Nets, info on slow down feeders and Paddock Paradise, lots of books as well as several different types of EasyCare boots and brochures. People liked being able to check out those boots! We kept our info very simple and tried to present a non- denominational look at hoof and horse care with the thought that people are coming to search out info and when they are ready for what we do, they will know that we are available to help them."

     
 
 
 
  
 
  

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!

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 !

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: tontomtn@hughes.net

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! 

Healthy Traveling Tips for Horses

EasyCare shares tips from Lynn Palm on how to keep your horse happy and healthy while traveling.

When I travel with my horses for six or more hours, I am sure they are prepared for the trip by mixing a hot bran mash with mineral oil at least six hours before the trip.  By adding half his grain ration with two cups of bran, one cup of mineral oil and enough warm water to saturate the mix, each horse is getting a  treat and I have some insurance that things will continue to move smoothly as we travel.

"I will also add ½ teaspoon of table salt to each feeding about three days prior to the trip.  The salt should encourage the horse to drink.  Electrolytes may also be used. I give my horses free choice hay throughout the trip and offer them fresh water at each stop. I am always conscious of the ventilation in the trailer. I am sure that the horses are not too hot or too cold so as not to add any additional stress."

When I stop for fuel, I check my horse’s hay intake, water intake, body temperature, and manure/urinating. I am sure that my stops are at least 30 minutes so my horse can rest.

Thank You Lynn, Happy Trails!

Easyboot Gloves on the Wagon Train

 These pictures were sent in by Kelley Jo Locke, she and her dad, Danny have been riding for 16 years with the Mader Method Wagon Train.  Here's what they have to say about the EasyCare Glove.

"Check out Zoe in her kick'n new Glove boots!  We loved them.  They really kept those tiny rocks from invading her wall separation.  Of course my goal is to not have any wall separation at all, but until then the boots are a real life saver.  Some of the guys in the wagon train are really old school cowboys and they were all really watching these boots, seeing how long it took to boot her up, if they would even stay on, and if they rubbed her raw or caused her to trip at all.  I am very proud of my dad for being the first one not to have his mules and horses shod for the ride." 

We will be riding this Tuesday with the Hispanic Water Coalition in the "Walk for Water" from Mendota to San Luis Reservior and I will try to get Zoe with her boots on national TV!  Look for us...

Kelley Jo

Natural Hoof Care Clinic In Cave Creek, AZ.

Whether you're new to horses or had them all of your life, this one day clinic is for you! The special presentation will be done by Dr. Tomas G. Teskey, D.V.M.,  Leading Veterinary Authority on the Equine Hoof and Barefoot Horses. The presentation will feature:

• Hoof anatomy and physiology  

• How to evaluate the characteristics of your horse's feet

• How hoof structures are affected by the domesticated lifestyle

• Prevention and rehabilitation of hoof pathologies

• Trimming theory and practices

• Transition to barefoot

• Barefoot performance horses 

In the afternoon session Dr. Teskey will perform a hoof dissection on a cadaver limb giving you a better perspective and understanding of the anatomy of the horse's feet that you can't obtain from an X-Ray or text book pictures.  

When: Saturday August 15, 2009

Where: American Legion Post 34, 6272 E. Cave Creek Rd.

Time: 9am - 4pm

Cost $75.00

Contact: Kristen Walker (602) 818-4996

EMail Kristenwalker@aol.com to receive your registration form

Seating is limited, secure you attendance as soon as possible.  This will be a great presentation as many of us from EasyCare have been fortunate enough to attend similar presentations by Dr. Teskey.

Old Macs for Andrea

Here's some good words from Andrea Blyler on the Old Mac G2's  that she just loves............

I must say I could be a spokes person for the Old Mac Boots. I have used them in the most extreme trail conditions and at the end of the ride I slip the boot off and my horse's hooves are in perfect condition, you wouldn't even know I rode in deep mud, across streams, over jumps, up rocky steep hills, down sleek muddy hills, galloped across grassy fields, all in one day! That is what riding is about for me and knowing my horse is safe while wearing your boots. Thank You EasyCare for a great product!

Thank You Andrea, looks like you've done it all in the Old Macs!

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.

Third Sound Horse Conference Planning Underway

EasyCare has just received the following press release for all interested parties.

Representatives from Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH) the Walking Horse Owners' Association (WHOA), the National Walking Horse Association (NWHA), the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders & Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA) and the Western International Walking Horse Association (WIWHA) met to discuss and develop the preliminary agenda and topics to be presented at the third Sound Horse Conference. The purpose of the conference is to bring together a wide complement of experts, research and resources to address solutions to end abuse of soring gaited horses.

The 2010 Conference program will include Walking Horse breed history, gait biomechanics and physiology, and recognition and honoring individuals and organizations that have made a change for the improved welfare of Tennessee Walking Horses.   

Topics and speakers are continuing to be developed, and gaited horse owners and interested parties are encouraged to visit www.soundhorseconference.com to submit their ideas and view the proceedings and presentations from past conferences.

The conference is being held November 5 and 6, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Sound Horse Conference is a gathering of concerned individuals and organizations working to end soring of gaited horses through education, information sharing and promotion of sound horses.