The hardest thing on any hoof boot design is staying in place at high speed when the horse is traveling uphill. The torque and force applied to the rear boots is huge. Although the Easyboot Glove has been our best uphill boot yet, we can make it better.
I've been working on some support straps that go over the gaiter. The straps help absorb the force and really make boots stick, even in extreme uphill gallops. Jeremy Reynolds was one of the first to help test the straps and he was thrilled with the results.
One of EasyCare's early 2000 patent applications had a similar strap that attached and pivoted in the same way. This concept is still in the R&D stages but looking very good!
Easyboot Glove on the left and the gaiter support strap on the right
Applying the support strap
The strap in place. Ready for the hills at speed.
hmmm..intriguing! Terri loses her boots uphill now and then, cause Oli really torques.. Only concern: that loop looks like it could rip out too...I'd rather see the strap go through the rubber of the gaiter attachment...maybe just under where the stitching is? Any idea if it helps with horses that rotate boots around?
Posted by: Natalie | November 13, 2009 at 09:50 AM
Nat- I think it will help. I have several different versions but I'm trying to focus on a version where the gaiter can be used with or without it. In addition I want to make sure we don't add any width and bulk to the boot.
Posted by: Garrett Ford | November 13, 2009 at 04:36 PM
Cool. When will these be on the market? I agree with Natalie, the little loop looks very fragile.
Posted by: Ice Pony Girl | November 13, 2009 at 06:35 PM
Will it help with horses that rotate boots? If you need someone to test rotattion I have a Candidate !!!
Posted by: Phyllis Allen | November 14, 2009 at 06:33 AM
I am also curious to know if this could help with twisting/rotating. I know athletic tape can help, but I have not had a great deal of luck with it. Seems like once it gets wet that all bets are off; at least that has been my experience.
Posted by: Renee | November 16, 2009 at 09:46 AM
Renee and Phyllis, Yes it really snugs the heel in place. As soon as we have more test samples I'll get you out a pair.
Posted by: Garrett Ford | November 16, 2009 at 11:35 AM
I was wondering if it adds more support for the tendons and ligaments going uphill or on uneven terrain? Or would it put more stress on them?
Posted by: Alix | November 21, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Will this support strap help with the front boots when stepped on? Can it be used for Epics and Edges? I have had 2 Edge boot gaitors ripped when stepped on at the gallop. Once was up hill the other on the flat.
Posted by: Teresa Jessee | November 24, 2009 at 03:37 PM