EasyCare Customer Help Desk

Common Hoof Problems

Many problems can occur with the horse hoof. This interesting article addresses some common hoof problems including abscesses, cracks, sole bruises and corns.

Abscess

Abscess is an infection of the sensitive tissue of the foot. Abscesses result in varying degrees of lameness, depending on the severity of the abscess. Symptoms include the hoof being hot and an increased pulse. The abscess will take the path of least resistance and migrate up the hoof and break out at the coronary band. Once the abscess begins to drain, lameness usually subsides.

Abscesses can be located with hoof testers. Paring the area of the sole identified by the hoof testers is the quickest way to relieve pain and lameness. The sole will have a dryer, harder texture below the site of the infection. As the sole is thinned over the site of the abscess, it will become softer and spongy. Once the pus pocket is reached and drainage is initiated, pain subsides. Once drainage is established, flush the abscess with hydrogen peroxide or other suitable solutions. Irrigate the abscess with a germicide (iodine) and pack with a drawing agent (ichthammol). In persistent cases, a salve poultice applied directly on the hoof or soaking with epsom salts is required to draw the abscess to the surface.

Avoid cutting a large hole in the hoof when pairing or opening the abscess. In most cases, the less hoof removed, the quicker the horse can recover and return to active use.

Cracks

A crack is a visible vertical crack in the hoof wall. Cracks are referred to by location, such as toe, quarter, heel, or bar crack. Cracks run parallel to the tubules of the hoof. Cracks can be superficial to the hoof wall or can deeply penetrate the sensitive structures of the hoof. Dry and brittle hooves crack more easily than healthy hooves.

Treatment consists mainly of immobilizing the hoof crack, thus permitting sound hoof wall to grow down from the coronary band. Stabilizing cracking may involve side clips, burning the top of the crack, applying an acrylic, or rasping a half moon shape under the crack to remove the pressure that occurs when weight is applied on the hoof.

Sole Bruises

Sole bruises appear as red spots or specks on the sole and frog. They vary in size due to the extent of the blood vessels affected in the sensitive structures. The white line or the hoof wall also may be red. Sole bruises are caused by trauma from a sharp object or excessive weight-bearing of the sole on rocky ground. Barefoot horses should be trimmed so they walk on the hoof wall. Hooves that are trimmed too short are easily bruised on any ground. A bruised sole can be protected by shoeing with a pad and a flat concave shoe. Sole bruises rarely cause lameness unless they are severe. However, horses walking on hard surfaces may have tender hooves for a day or so due to a sole bruise.

Corns

Corns can be classified as dry or moist. Corns start out as bruises of the sensitive sole in the angle formed by the hoof wall and bars. This angle, where the wall and bars meet, is the seat area where corns originate. A dry corn is a red bruise in the seat of the corn area. The redness is caused by the horn tubular filling with blood from a ruptured vessel. A moist corn is yellow, with serum present.

Corns are caused by unequal pressure and concussion created by a conformational fault or faulty trimming. Corns can be caused by overtrimming the heels, heel calks (heel shoes that have small cleats on the end of the shoes), short-heeled shoes, unlevel shoes (shoes that have not been leveled properly after being shaped to fit the hoof but are simply nailed on the hoof), or leaving the shoes on too long.

Corns can be prevented by eliminating the causes. Pressure on the corn seat also may be relieved by trimming the sole between the bars and the hoof wall so that it is 1/8 inch lower than the wall.

Pete Ramey's Next DVD is Available

Pete is doing a series of DVD's called "That's My Horse". Great material for everyone that wants to learn more about the hooves and see what makes things better for our equine partners.

Go to this link

http://www.hoofrehab.com/ThatsMyHorse2.htm

 

 

Horse Anatomy Fun

With 205 bones and 700 muscles the horse is a challenging animal for anatomy students to study.  That was until champion rider Gillian Higgins came up with the novel idea of showing people how it all works.  Rather than bog them down with dusty diagrams and skeletal sketches, she hit upon the idea of painting the inner workings of the horse on the horse itself.

Now veterinary students, race horse trainers, eventers, pony club members and dressage judges are flocking to her lectures to see the horse painting in action.  Ms. Higgins uses water-based hypoallergenic paints which are easy to wash off afterwards.  She takes four hours to apply the equine make-up painting the skeletal structure on one side and the multi-colored musculature on the other.

"Painting the skeleton and musculature on the other side of the horse really helps to bring the subject to life," she says.  "You discover how to get the best of your horse by seeing exactly what happens as it moves."

Normally her models are her 12 year old eventer Freddie Fox or six year old Henry- although if she travels further from home she relies on schools and colleges to provide a horse for her.  Greys are best because the colors show up more clearly.  Click here to learn more.

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 [email protected] , 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 [email protected]  for more information!

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

Happy Trails from EasyCare!

Hands on Wellness Lameness Prevention Clinic

The Worthy Horse

equine bodywork

with

Taraba Equine Sports Medicine Inc.

&

Heart ‘n Sole Hoof Care

Present

“Hands-on Wellness: Lameness Prevention”

November 15^th 2009, 9:30 am – 4 pm RAIN OR SHINE

Howlett Park Equestrian Center, Rolling Hills Estates California

Contact Susie Lytal at 310-488-4389 for Pre-Registration & Lab Schedule

Lecture 9:30 am - noon

• Equine bodywork and application of techniques
• Natural horse/hoof care
• Introduction to lameness, how they occur, how they can be detected & treated

Labs 1 pm - 4 pm

• Physical assessment- hands on bodywork, learn on your own horse!
• Palpation Techniques of your horse's limbs
• Transitioning the barefoot horse (hoof boot application)
• Saddle Swap, call for details!

Speakers and Presenters

Keith Taraba, DVM- Equine veterinarian specializing in sports medicine and surgery

Susie Lytal MS, CMT, CESMT- Equine bodyworker, equine biomechanist & skeletal balancing

Vanessa Taraba, MS- Equine exercise physiologist specializing in stress response

Jennifer Reinke- Natural hoof care Practitioner, Founding member of Pacific Hoof Care Professionals

 

Observers: Pre-Registration $40, On-site Registration $45

Attend all lectures, includes workbook

Lab Participants* includes lunch: Participate in one, two or all of them!

ALL LABS WITH YOUR HORSE, LECTURE, WORKBOOK & LUNCH $225

Lab space is VERY limited to ensure your satisfaction!

• $75 Bodywork & Saddle-fit lab with your horse, $25 without horse
• $65 “Hoof Boots Demystified” lab with your horse, $25 without horse
• $95 Veterinary lab with your horse, $30 without horse

*Lab participants must register for morning session.

We will be unable to accept participants or horses without pre-registration.

Stalls available for $20, to be paid in advance

                  

Barefoot Hoof Care Clinic with High Performance Hooves

Jay and Q DeHart from High Performance Hooves will be hosting a lecture and hands on cadaver hoof trimming clinic on Saturday, November 14th 2009 in Florence, Montana.   This clinic will provide a rare opportunity to trim and dissect a cadaver hoof and learn how your trimming affects the internal structures of the hoof.  Participants will also learn how nutrition, proper trimming, good pasture management can help your horse grow a healthy hoof.

Topics to be Covered:

Equine Nutrition, Pasture Care, Hoof Boots, Barefoot Trimming.  They will also cover Safe Horse Handling by Ethan & Lorri Zimmerman, 1* Certified Parelli Natural Horseman Instructors.

Cost:  $90.00 per participant - hands on class is limited.   Auditors are welcome - the cost is $40.00.

Location:  The Natural Horse LLC, Florence

Date:  Saturday, November 14, 2009

Time:  9 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

If interested in attending please contact Jay and Q DeHart for more information at 406-777-1256.

Please Note:  Dress appropriately for handling and trimming cadaver hooves.  Required tools; rasp, hoof knife, hoof pick and gloves.  Recommended tools; nippers and trimming chaps.

Holistic Hoof Care - Hands on Feet Clinic

Hands on Feet

One-day Clinic on Natural Hoof Care Trimming

Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25 2009

Holistic Hoof Care presents an all-day clinic to learn the basics of natural hoof care and maintenance hoof trimming for the horse owner (or anyone wanting to learn more about the what and how of barefoot hoof management). This clinic will focus on how to interpret aspects of the hoof form and health and get hands-on instruction and coaching on how to do basic hoof rasping. 

 

For a detailed schedule please click here.  The clinic fee is $160.00 and is due by October 16,2009.

Please send registration to:  Holistic Hoof Care - 939 Wawaset Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

Space is limited to 10 participants – please call or email to reserve your spot!

 

Clinic will be held at the Holistic Hoof Care barn at 626 N. Walnut Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348.  Please call for directions if needed. 484-868-3715 or go to [email protected]

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.

 

  

  

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!

 

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.

Herbs: Medicine or Food?

Did you know Alfalfa is a nutrient herb? Aloe Vera and Slippery Elm can be considered medicinal-nutrients, while Valerian is a medicinal herb.

Here is some "Herb Blurb" from Madalyn Ward of Holistic Horsekeeping.......

Herbs are included in many horse supplements, so it is important to understand what actions they may have. Are they a medication or simply a food supplement?

Most horse owners understand why glucosamine or MSM would be included in their horse's supplements, but what about milk thistle, slippery elm, or uvi ursi?

Accoding to medical definition, a medicine is anything that enters the body and alters its structure or function. Using that definition, all herbs could be considered medicines. In fact, many herbs are both foods and medicines. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration classifies herbs as foods when no claims are made that the herb will cure, treat, mitigate, or prevent any disease. If a company makes health claims about an herb, then that herb would automatically have to be regulated.

Most herbs are therefore sold as foods but used as medicines.

Herbs differ from conventional medicines or drugs in how they act in the body. Most drug classifications begin with the prefix "anti." We have antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and anti-toxins. The prefix "anti" means that these drugs act against a negative substance or process in the body.

Herbs, on the other hand, tend to increase good substances and support healthy processes in the body. In herbal therapy, the practitioner views disease as a general imbalance in the body. In the case of a kidney infection, instead of immediately reaching for antibiotics, an herbalist might give herbs that would prevent toxins from being absorbed from the bowel. These herbs would also tonify and build the kidney as well as increase the discharge of toxins through the urinary tract and other eliminative organs.

Herbs are generally divided into three main categories:

* Nutrient

* Medicinal-nutrient

* Medicinal

Herbs in the nutrient category are not considered to act on any specific condition but they do support health through their nutritional makeup by providing vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Nutritional herbs can be used freely with no concern about toxicity.

Herbs in the medicinal/nutritional category are more targeted to address certain conditions or organ systems. They are still quite safe but would not generally be used on a continuous basis.

Herbs in the medicinal category have strong action and could be toxic if used inappropriately. Medicinal herbs should be used short-term in most cases.

For more "Herb Blurbs", go to www.holistichorsekeeping.com .

Are Your Pastures Safe?

Not everything growing in a pasture is safe for a horse to eat.  Noxious and invasive plants are not only taking control of hundreds of acres of public lands but individual pastures where horse owners turn horses out for what looks like lush green grasses to graze. 

 Knowing what is noxious, what is invasive and what is unsafe grazing for one's horse can be a challenge.  What is a noxious plant?  An invasive weed?  What do the plants look for?  Where do they grow?  And just how can this or that plant affect a horse who has grazed some of it?

According to Bonnie Davis, respected clinician and freelance writer, who has worked with the National Park Service and California Department of Food and Agriculture on noxious and invasive plants, "A noxious plant is one that will build up toxic levels in a horse's system  which can seriously injury or kill the horse.  Invasive plants are those that as they grow push out the normal or native plants which horses like to graze.  Both plants are classified as weeds and often can be found not only in pastures but as landscape plants around homes, barns, buildings and even along fence lines.

"Every horse owner should have a basic knowledge of these plants.  Anyone who is planning to landscape, involved with pasture management or just allowing a few hours each day for a horse to graze should be capable of recognizing individual plants.  Even landscapers often don't know which plants to avoid around a barn or even a driveway where fallen leaves can be blown into pastures.  The best way for the horse owner to protect equine stock is to understand the various plants themselves,"  Davis stated.

 "Horse Owner's Field Guide to Toxic Plants" includes the 100 most common and toxic plants found in pastures, backyards, around barns and even along trails.  Each plant has a full color photo of leaves or flowers, description, geographic distribution and locations.  Not only are trees, shrubs and bushes included but vines, ferns, palms and wildflowers.  Researched and compiled by Sandra Burger, Dr. A.P. Knight, leading horse poisonings expert, lent his expertise on how to recognize poisoning symptoms and what steps you or your vet should take if one suspects a horse has eaten a toxic plant.  

 

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 [email protected] 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.

Boa Boots to the Rescue

 

My mare picked up a LONG nail, almost 4 inches...and she was never lame. But, we ended up taking her to the Arizona Equine Hospital in Gilbert, AZ. Here's the x-rays of her foot. The nail was in the groove of the frog and totally buried in there. It was basically sticking out against the skin in her pastern. The first vet had us remove the nail which was the wrong thing to do. If this happens to you, LEAVE the nail in there, get the horse to a vet and have it x-rayed so they can see the path. It was diffcult to totally see the final path on my horse because the heel bulb had blown out at this point.

I had to keep a bandage on the hoof for two weeks after the vet cut out the hoof where the nail had gone. I used a "one size too big" Boa boot and a  diaper along with a small amount of vet tape around the pastern so the boot wouldn't rub. I found using the Boa was great as it was easy to get on over the diaper, she never got any rub sores at all and never lost the diaper. Here she is two months later on a trail ride at the North Rim ( Grand Canyon ) wearing her Easyboot Epics. Didn't have a lame step and was glad to be out and about again (so was I)! I don't know where I'd be without my Epics and Boas.

Letha Simmons

Arizona

Knowledge Your Horse Expects From You

The more we learn, the more we can help our horses live a "close to natural" life style in our world. You need to attend the two day seminar by Ove Lind of the Swedish Hoof School. What you will learn will change a bit of your thinking on your feeding regime and how you look at your horses' hooves and your trimming methods.

I have taken on doing the trimming of my horses hooves for almost 2 years now. Although not perfect, I am constantly learning and searching for information to make me better at this. Well, sometimes I guess we over-think and over-do what nature can take care of with just a bit of help from us. We just need to set up our domestic environment to simulate what the horse needs. Give them the movement needed and much of the hoof issues will disappear. Give them natural feeding and the whole horse will improve.

I had concerns and questions about my heel and bar trimming  methods and learned some very basic knowledge from this seminar that has changed how I look at those now. Everything that I learned at this seminar just makes sense. The videos that are presented show how these work correctly with the proper trimming by use of a cadaver hoof dissected so that you can see the mechanism working as if in the now. They even show by means of the cadaver hoof exactly how the EasyCare Comfort Pad Frog Pressure pad works. You will absolutely understand the whole purpose of the pad after this segment. Very eye opening information was learned and is being used now. I absolutely plan to attend once again when another seminar can be scheduled in our area.

For those of you who are wanting to learn to do hoof maintenance or are doing your hoof trimming, I highly suggest that you add this seminar to your list and check out the schedule of dates. You can attend or....you can host one in your area. They are small and very informal so that each person can participate and learn everything they want to.

What you learn will make you want to be a better steward and caretaker for your horse to make his/her life as close to natural as you can. You owe it to your equine partner to learn as much as you can to make your partnership be the best you can make it. In these times when we are all seeing the equine industry change to some really great natural lifestyles , like barefoot, pasture paradise, tack fitting, and many more changes, get on the band wagon and add this seminar to your list of educational to do's.

The Swedish Hoof School is going to produce some take home videos later this year also so that you can take this valuable educational information home with you to view and review as much as you need to. If you really want to take charge of your horse's hoof care needs, get signed up now for one of these seminars. Send them an email at [email protected]  and host one for your friends, your barn or your group/club. You will be amazed at what you will learn and take home with you.....your horse will thank you!

"That's My Horse #1" New from Pete Ramey

Here's everyone's opportunity to place their order for Pete's latest DVD "That's My Horse #1" available here http://www.hoofrehab.com/ThatsMyHorse1.htm . Order your 3 disc set now for only $90.00. In this series you will be able to watch each step in the process as Pete tries to help horses grow functional feet. You will see how trimming changes over time. 

You will also see:

1. Application of Equicasts with Comfort Pads

2. Application of Equicasts with Equethane CS

3. Cast Removal

4. Fitting Easyboots Epics with Comfort Pads

5. Fitting Easyboot Gloves

6. Lecture sessions on reversing distal descent of P3, deaing with extreme quarter flares, spotting and dealing with lamellar wedge using radiographs and external landmarks.

Don't miss out, place your orders today you'll be glad you did!

Happy Trails from EasyCare!

Swedish Hoof School Seminar-Tucson, Arizona

You have only 3 days left to purchase pre-event tickets at a savings compared to the door price on the day of the event. Go to this link to purchase your tickets, http://swedishhoofschool.com/ .

The seminar will be Saturday, June 27th and Sunday, June 28th. Ove Lind is traveling all over the United States putting on his seminars for the good of the horse.

You need to sign up and don't miss this opportunity for more knowledge about barefoot and horse health than you can imagine.  Hope to see you there!!!!!!

The Recreational Trails Program Needs Your Help

Don't Lose Your Trails..........

The American Horse Council is working to preserve the Federal Highway Administration's Recreational Trails program. If Congress does not take action this year, this program could no longer be available to riders. The AHC urges recreational riders to contact their members of Congress to voice support for this program TODAY!

The RTP provides funding directly to the States for recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. It was created in 1991 and is about to expire.

Since its' inception, the RTP has provided approximately $677 million for thousands of State and local trail projects across the country, including many that  benefit equestrians. RTP projects consist of construction, maintenance and restoration of trails and trail related facilities as well as the acquisition of easements or property for trails. Although each State manages its' own program, 30% of RTP funds must be spent on non-motorized projects like equestrian trails, 30% on motorized, and 40% on multi-use projects.

"The RTP is one of the few sources for Federal funding of trail projects that are not on Federal land. The program is a great resource for equestrians to fund projects in their State and local parks," said AHC Legislative Director Ben Pendergrass.

Record Keeping for Your Horse

While reading through the April 2009 issue of  "The Horse" magazine, I came across a very good article by Les Sellnow. It is titled " Competent Caring".

Les explains a multitude of things that we need to do concerning record keeping, paying attention to details-and keeping a log of those details- will help you manage your horse better. It can be overwhelming, but with proper kept records, you will instantly know what your horse's history is in case the Vet is needed, when your trimmer is due out, your worming schedule, etc.. Keep a clipboard/pen  handy at your stall or barn or in your trailer, so that you can stay on top of the latest info needing documentation.

He explains that one single area where most neglect arises is hoof care. The solution is regular hoof care by keeping records of trimmer visits and making sure the care is kept up on.

He sends out a message to all: Horse care is an ongoing endeavor, but if we pay close attention to our horse's needs on a year-round basis, both owner and horse will be happier and the better for it. Go to   www.TheHorse.comto find out how to get a copy of this issue, or subscribe so that you can read the many great and beneficial articles each month.

Hoof care is very important, just like the old saying goes, "no hoof, no horse".

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

Epics for Rosa the Mule

  

Who said boots are not for Mules? Wrong, says Rosa shown here sporting her Epic boots. Rosa belongs to Karen Reeves, a hoof care practitioner. Mules typically have longer feet than horses, as measured from the toe to the heel buttress. In addition, they also have steeper angles and larger heel bulbs. The three biggest challenges that you will face when booting are: 1) sizing the boot, 2) getting the gaiter to fit over the heel bulbs, and 2) determining what you can and cannot adjust to get the boots to fit. Of all the boots we offer, Epics and Bares work the best. We have heard success stories with Old Mac’s (that have inserts), but not to the extent of the other two boots. Below is some general info from EasyCare.

1. Proper fit, of course, is of utmost importance. (We will talk about the gaiter later. Later, gaiter. ) Know how to measure and do it twice right after a fresh trim.
2. Look carefully at the size chart. The upper end of the measurement on the chart is the actual physical dimension of the inside of the boot. For example, a size 1 Epic boot is 4 7/8” wide 5 1/8” long. The boot will be too wide if your length exceeds the width by more than one size.  If this is the case for your mule we don't recommend the boots. 
3.  It is best if the width and length are in the same size range. If, on the length, you are only slightly over the range (1/8” or so) try the smaller size. If you think that mule might be just a tad too large you can remove the back strap which will give you an extra 1/8”. While lots of people ride without the back strap, it sometimes affects hoof stability in the boot. The hoof is more secure with the back strap, which keeps the toe pushed forward. If you remove the strap, you will have to replace it with tapers to keep the gaiter screws from rubbing the hoof wall.  
4. With mules you have to be especially careful that the boot doesn’t twist. Read up on how to tighten your boot (available in the brochure or on our website.) If you can turn the boot even the slightest bit with the adjustment as tight as you can get it, the boot is not a good fit. Except for the Old Mac’s G-2’s which have inserts, there isn’t a way to shim a boot that is too wide. It will twist.
5. With some mules, the gaiter that comes with the boot will be too small to fit over the heel bulbs. It is possible to install a larger gaiter, with modifications. Karen Reeves, a hoof care practitioner who boots a lot of mules, gives suggestions on her website here. Keep in mind that if you modify your boot you won’t be able to return it.
6. Boots must be snug! If they go on really easy, they’ll come off really easy!
7. You may have a mule that just won’t fit into our boots. Mules with narrow hooves or very large heel bulbs often cannot wear anything in our current line. At this time we are not planning to make a boot specifically for mules, but there might be something in our 2009 boot line up that will accommodate them better. Keep checking in!
8. For more tips on measuring, click here.
9. Fitting tips are listed separately under each boot.

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!

   

Navicular - Approach to Natural Healing

 In the December 2008 issue of Equus Magazine there is a fascinating article on Navicular syndrome. Take time to read the article in it's entirety and learn about the research and the pros and cons of ways for treating this hoof problem. As part of that effort, some experts have been investigating whether natural hoof care which stresses the importance of trimming and a natural lifestyle versus shoeing can alleviate the pain suffered with navicular. Natural hoof care advocates stress that rather than using egg-bar shoes or other types of corrective shoeing, trimming the hoof in order to return the hoof to it's natural state is the best solution. No one treatment will work for all horses, because of all the different variables in each case. What is certain is that if the only way to treat the syndrome is the conventional way, there would be no interest in trying the natural way to begin with. When it comes down to bare facts, the aim of both traditional shoeing and barefoot trimming is to alleviate the pain in and around the navicular bone. Therapeutic shoeing is done by increasing the angulation of the foot by raising the heels. This is in attempt to decrease pressure on the navicular bone from the deep flexor tendon and to protect the rear third of the hoof from loading pressure. This may provide temporary relief think natural hoof advocates, but will make things worse in the long run. It is believed that lowering the heel is crucial, distributing load bearing across the frog, bars and sole which will encourage the horse to stride normally with the heel hitting ground first.

It is the belief of Dr. Robert J. Bowker, a reknown barefoot advocate that barefoot is the way to go in the treatment of navicular. Dr. Bowker has spent years researching into the physiology and biochemics of the equine foot. He believes that when you raise the heel you have shifted the focal point of the load to a new area but it is only a matter of time when the new area becomes inflamed and then the horse eventually goes down hill again. Even distribution is believed to be of utmost importance, a hoof with a barefoot trim, the frog, bars and sole all share in weight bearing. It is also recommended that the horses be kept on a surface that has enough give to conform to the sole of the foot, but enough firmness to provide beneficial pressure and stimulation to the frog, bars and internal structures. Pea gravel is very suitable to this purpose.

Also in addition in this issue is the story of "Joey" from the Houston Mounted Patrol whose career was nearly ended with his episode of navicular. After the physiological trim he received he returned to soundness and to his duties sometimes wearing hoof boots for protection and cushioning of his still sensitive hooves. He continued to serve the force and today is still sound loving life, retired at a local stable. EasyCare agrees!

Hoof Boots: Crutch or Tool?

The following article written by Thorsten Kaiser,Institute for Barefoot Equine Management is in the current Winter issue of the Horse's Hoofmagazine.    If you would like to read the other informative articles available in this issue, click here to subscribe!

On the Barefoot journey with our horse, many of us have asked the question:  Are we still Barefoot if we use hoofboots?  The answer is not a simple yes or no, however.  This article will clarify the different aspects to consider.

When we look around and see the hooves of successful barefoot horses, we see tough hooves that have nice concavity, tough frogs, no white-line issues, and strong hoof walls-they just look great.  Those horses seem to be confident and sure-footed over any terrain, without any hoof protection.  However, in many cases those hooves have not always been so healthy.  In order to get where they are now, they had to go through two phases:  Transitioning and Conditioning.

In the Transitioning phase, the unhealthy hoof, stimulated through movement and a style of trimming that restores hoof function, will change to a healthy situation and grow stronger.The photos to the right show the comparison of a hoof at the beginning and end of transition.  At the start, the hooves display flare in the hoof wall, underslung heels, bars that are long and pushed forward over the sole, distorted/curved coronet, thin soles, poor concavity, and contracted heels.  All these symptoms are the result of incorrect lever forces acting on the hoof, causing distortion and reduced horn quality and quantity.  Simply applying a hoof boot to this situation without addressing the underlying problems will not lead to long-term success.  While correct trimming aims to remove those lever forces, the horse needs time to heal and grow a healthy hoof.  In response, the horse moves carefully and sensitively over slightly rough or lumpy terrain.  The horse, in order to control the impact and loading of the sensitive parts of the hoof, often chooses a toe-first landing over the desired heel-first landing of a sound horse.

Properly fitted hoof boots create a firm but yielding environment with no lumps and bumps that can cause excess pressure to the transitioning hoof.  The horse quickly gains confidence in putting the foot down and using it correctly.  As a result, you get a happier horse that moves more correctly, and therefore transitions to a healthier hoof a lot faster.  You also get a happier horse owner who now will ride the horse more often, and the increased movement will also speed up the Transition to Barefoot.  At the end of the Transitioning phase we have a horse that has developed healthy hooves and is sound on the terrain it lives on.

In order to get the horse sound over gravel roads, rocky tracks, riverbeds, etc. it now has to go through the Conditioning phase.  This means gradual and consistent exposure to these types of grounds, so the hooves have a chance to get tougher.  Ultimately, the goal is to ride your horse over a variety of terrain without any hoof protection.  However, depending on where you live and how much time you have for riding, it may not be possible to truly condition the hooves properly for the rougher terrain.  In this case, the use of hoof boots will allow you to access more challenging terrain, without compromising the important heel-first landing.

Hoof boots, when used in conjunction with trimming that restores proper hoof function, can be a helpful tool to speed along the Transitioning phase and can be essential to keeping healthy hooves moving over rougher terrain when Conditioning is not possible.