Good News and Bad News from Valley of the Sun 50

I went up to the Valley of the Sun Endurance Ride Friday and participated in the 50 mile event with GE Cyclone.  Cyclone and I didn't have a great day but got through it.

Bad News First. 

I purchased GE Cyclone from Global Endurance roughly 18 months ago.  Cyclone was an accomplished endurance horse when I got him and had just come off a 4th place finish at Tevis.  I've had equally impressive results with him, as a team we have three Best Condition Awards in five starts.  He's a great horse and GE really shaped him into what he is today (if you want a horse that can compete now give Dian or Christoph a ring).

Today was a different type of day for Cyclone.  He was a bit short in the rear at the 25 mile vet check.  The vets and I both agreed it would be better to pull him from the race.  I went back to the trailer and started packing to come home and decided to take him for another walk before we departed.  He was moving very well and I couldn't see anything at a walk, trot or circles.  I rushed him back to the vets before my hour hold was over and all four vets watched as he trotted and circled.  They all agreed he looked great.  I was clear to go. 

Although he was moving well he didn't have a great second loop.  He wasn't drinking like he usually does and was just a bit out of his game.  I ran all the hills and sandy washes to lighten his load and spent extra time giving him time to drink and cool him off.  We ended up finishing 5th place (I believe) but he didn't look like the regular BC horse he is.  Just wasn't his day.  I've personally had days like this athletically and you always question if it's better to push on or continue toward your goal at a lesser pace. 

Many lessons were learned and taken from the experience.  There are many things I could have done better. 

The Good News.

The ride was beautiful and well managed. Congrats to Irene Murphy and staff.  

The first two booted horses in the 50 mile event used Easyboots (1st place and 5th place).  Sue Nance and her horse had an awesome day.  First place and best condition.  I don't know too much about the horse but I was very impressed!  That horse moves down the trail effortlessly. 

The Easyboot Glue-On Cuff finished the first 50 mile event.  The Easyboot Glue-On cuff worked awesome today!  The cuffs have been on Cyclone for 17 days now.  They have done roughly 60 miles of conditioning rides in addition to the 50 mile event today.  When I vetted Cyclone in on Friday all the vets were pretty curious about the new design.  I actually had a screw driver in my pocket and removed one of the boots right there for them.  All the vets were pretty impressed.

After the ride I pulled the four screws that hold the shell to the cuff when I got home.  Cyclone is now turned out with his buddies bare foot.  I'm gonna try and do another 50 next weekend with Cyclone and the same cuffs. 

Photos of Cyclone's front feet and the Easyboot Glue-On Cuffs after removal.  Cuff is still holding on strong and the holes in the shell are lining up well.

I used Easyboot Glue-Ons on Cyclone's back feet.  Cyclone wore a hole in both of his back Glue-On boots at the event.  The boots had roughly 60 miles of conditioning rides before the event and then did a 50 mile event today.  They didn't hold up to the toe dragging Cyclone. I actually think all hoof boots would have this issue unless they we either super thick or had a steel insert.  I prefer to keep our shell light and thin.  The toe dragging horses of the world will put holes on the toes of our light weight shells.  If I was using the cuff on the rear feet I could have just slide on some new shells.

I pulled these shells when we finished and did my final vet check in Easyboot Gloves. 

Couple photos of the rear boots with holes in the toes.  Second photo shows the wear of the sole.  As you can see Cyclone is harder on the toe area than the sole.

 

Comments

[Judy Etheridge]

Hi Garrett,

Thank you for the info on the cuffs--looks good. About the back toe rubbing--have to tell you that it could be a sign of early arthritis in the hocks/stifles especially with the stiff rear after 25 miles. Happened to my good old endurance horse when he was around 16. if this true for your horse he is still young enough to be helped.

[Lauren]

Hi Garrett,

This is the first I have read about the "cuff".
INGENIOUS!
What a great idea!! I just love how you are always thinking, tinkering and improving your designs. Can the cuff be used with the existing glue ons?

I just came back from 20 Mule Team and saw a lot of people using Easyboot glue ons. Jeremy was talking to me about some of his tips and advice which I will try. What are you using to glue the cuffs on? How much time do you estimate the cuff will able to be on before having to be removed and re-used?

Lauren

[Garrett Ford]

Judy- Not sure to tell you the truth. He's very short backed and drags his toes at a walk or trot. Fresh or tired. I tad more when tired.

Any suggestions, would love any advice you can give.

Garrett Ford

[Garrett Ford]

Lauren- Thanks. Yes, I think it's a good idea and a way to give the glue-on concept a real chance in the equine industry.

Yes, sounds like Twenty Mule Team had a good showing with Easyboot products. Did you ride? If so, how did you do?

Not sure yet on the cuff. I'm guessing 4-5 weeks. I'll confirm as soon as I take this set off. I'm gonna try and get another 50 on them.

Thanks.

Garrett Ford