From The Horse's Mouth

Hoof boots, endurance races, triathlons and mountain bike races

The last month has been one of those months that looks impossible on paper, The type of month that's hard to tackle if you don't take it one step at a time.  It's been a blur of work, boots, travel, Tevis, Xterra Mountain Championship and TransRockies. 

Tevis was an incredible experience for barefoot horses and hoof boots.  EasyCare had 20 riders in the event and a 73% finish rate.  When you compare that to a 54 year average of 53% it's a huge accomplishment.  Almost 20% greater chance of finishing if you use hoof boots! 

With the crazy month in the books its full steam ahead with boot development and hoof boot improvements.  Here is what we are working on and what you can expect in the near future.

1.  New Gaiter Design for the Easyboot Glove.  We are very close to finishing the new design and just need to make a couple tweaks.  The new design has a new pattern, new materials and better fit.

2.  Larger Size Gloves and Glue-Ons.  The #3.5 and #4 size Easyboot Glue-On and Easyboot Gloves molds are complete.  I'll be testing next week and they will be released very soon.

3.  Glue-On Cuff.  With Tevis behind us the Cuff is front and center with testing.  The Glue-On boot that can be removed at anytime.  I'll post more soon.

4.  New Gaiters design for the Easyboot Epic, Easyboot Bare, Easyboot Grip and Easyboot Edge.  As soon as the Glove design is perfected we will move forward with a similar design on the boots above. 

5.  Glue-On application, adhesives and removal.  We will continue to tweak, refine and improve our glue-on procedures and materials.  Tevis taught us a great deal and we have several new adhesives and packing materials we are testing.

Lots of good stuff in the works. 

Easyboots at Sangre Cristo Scenic two day endurance event

My mom and I headed up to the Sangre Cristo endurance event outside of Westcliff Colorado.  It rained for two days straight before the event and all the way over to the event.  After arriving at the event it rained off and on Saturday and Sunday.  I knew the conditions would be tough and great to test hoof boots.

Here is a photo of my mom and I hauling the horses over Wolf Creek Pass.  Rainy and cold.

On the first day my mom rode Cyclone and I rode Inferno.  Both horses were fitted in Easyboot Glue-Ons and they sailed through the muddy conditions with no issues.  We crossed stream after stream.  The fields were full of water, boggy conditions and deep mud. 

The trail was beautiful.  The base camp was on a private ranch over 8,500 feet in elevation.

I'll post more tomorrow about how well the Easyboot Glue-Ons worked on day one and how well the Easyboot Gloves worked in the same conditions on day two.

Lots of Easyboots were used at the event.  I saw horses in original Easyboots, Epics, Bares, Gloves and Glue-Ons. 

Carol Layton and Sqig rack up the miles in different Easyboot hoof boot models

Rob and I are very pleased with how Sqig went in his EasyCare hoof boots in this challenging 80 km ride.  The ride is in a dry and rocky part of NSW in Australia with a lot of the course resembling a dry creek bed with large rocks everywhere.  I have been riding in Easyboot Gloves and was particularly impressed at the earlier ride, Kiwarrak where we came 1st Lightweight and BC but since we didn't have dome pads for the Gloves I went back to the good ole favorites for endurance - Epics and Bares, that is before the Gloves and Edges.  I've got Edges on order so hopefully I'll be one of the lucky first ones in Australia, the first shipment is about to arrive.   Sqig has now completed 2080 km, barefoot and booted in his endurance career over 3+ years. 

It was a beautiful day for riding at Tooraweenah with a light cool breeze and clear conditions.  Now if only I can talk the photographer into heading into the more scenic part of the course.

Photo 1 - Omani Mr Sqiggle and Carol Layton, 2nd Lightweight
Photo 2  - Warrumbungle ranges, NSW Australia

Easyboot Glove, Easyboot Epic and Easyboot Bare news from Australia

News from Australian Team Easyboot Member Jenny Moncur. 

“Hi Garrett

I have some info on Bill and Franky.

Bill completed the ride in 5 hrs flat for the 80 km. He came in third overall, which is pretty good considering he weighs in all -up at 110 kg with gear.

Frank had Gloves on the front that he has been training in with no problems. We had just received the Gloves from Mike for the hind feet so had not had a chance to trial them for fit. One of them came off during the first loop and had to be refitted.

For the second loop we put on a smaller size boot on that one hind hoof and it stayed put throughout the ride. Bill says that Frank was moving very well and seems comfortable in his Gloves. Bill canters most of the time in rides - does not believe in trotting!! - so he is a good test for boots at speed.

At the end of the ride they presented for Best Conditioned judging and Frank came second with excellent vet scores, despite nearly 40 mins difference in finishing times between him and first placed rider.

Photo below shows Nadine, Zeke and Bill starting out on the ride at Toongabbie.

Now a bit on my granddaughter Nadine.  Nadine only commenced endurance riding in March 2008 and has taken to it like a natural. She has just turned 13 and has a natural balance and ability that riders twice her age would envy. Nadine has ridden my young horses Mullungdung Flora and Promise and gained qualified endurance rider status late last year.

Nadine and Flora are pictured below.

Both Flora and Promise are booted in Easyboot Epics or Easyboot Bares and Nadine has become very proficient at fitting and managing the boots. We are very excited about the Glove and Easyboot Glue-On boots as these will be even easier and more streamlined for the horses.

In Feb this year Nadine rode Mullungdung Flora in an 80 km ride at Toongabbie. It was the first ride out of Novice for both horse and rider. I had instructed them to complete the ride in about 5 and a half to 6 hours. Flora was going so well and traveling so happily in her Epics that Nadine did not have the heart to slow her down. Consequently they completed in 4 hours 49 minutes and gained equal first place Junior along with her training partner and friend Zeke Verspaandonk.

Nadine is now looking forward to her next ride on Promise in April followed by the big test of 160 km in May. Completing this will allow her to ride in the Tom Quilty ride being held later in the year at Tonimbuk in Victoria. A Quilty buckle will cap off a fantastic year for a very promising young rider."

Jenny Moncur

Easyboot Edge is ready to rock

The Easyboot Edge is ready to rock!  I did a ride tonight in the Edge and Glove.  The Edge has had a couple last tweaks and it is now ready for release.

I really like the Edge and especially like the fact that we have eliminated cables and buckles in this hoof boot design.  In the last year of testing the Edge, I have yet to have the worm clamp at the front of the Edge fail.  The improved tongue system has new materials and excellent shock absorption qualities.  

I've had many questions in the last couple weeks regarding what boot to choose.  "EasyCare has several great looking new boots.  Why would I choose an Epic or Edge over a Glove?"  "Why would I use the Glue-On instead of the Glove?" These are great questions and ones that I'll answer below.

I believe the Easyboot Glove is our best boot for several reasons.  It's close fitting, lightweight, low profile and the sleekest non glue-on hoof boot available.  In addition it's our easiest boot to apply and remove.  Best of all it has an affordable MSRP of $56.00.  If your horse has a foot that fits into the Glove these are the boots I recommend.  Your first step should be to order an EasyCare Fit Kit.  If you have success with the Fit Kit order the Easyboot Glove.

If your horse is not a candidate for the Easyboot Glove based on the results of the Fit Kit I would recommend either the Epic, Edge, or Bare.  The Epic, Edge, and Bare are more adjustable than the Glove and can accommodate feet with more challenging hoof shapes and angles. The Epic is our most tested product and has tens of thousands of successful miles.  The Epic has been and will continue to be one of best selling products because it works so well.  The Bare is also tested but a boot suited to more advanced users.  The Edge is probably the easiest to apply and I believe will have similar results to the Epic.

The Easyboot Glue-On is a great boot for the multi-day endurance riders and 100 mile events.  It's also great for people who want to put boots on for many days at a time and not mess with daily application and removal.  Great for back country pack trips.  In addition the Easyboot Glue-On has many therapy applications and can be used with impression material for extended periods.  Because it's very difficult to see if a horse is even wearing the Easyboot Glue-On it's perfect for competive trail organizations with rules that prohibit boots that extend above the hairline.  Worried about doing dressage in boots, you can't even see these boots and your horse will never move better.

Louise McCormack winning the Oberon in Easyboot Bares

Winning note from Australia.

Louise McCormack on her horse winning the Oberon 80km ride two weeks ago.  Louise used Easyboot Bares on sections of the course where she needed hoof protection. 

Team Easyboot Member rides Freeze R Burn

Team Easyboot member Todd Hezeau and his mare rode the 75 miler Freeze R Burn Ride using Easyboot Bares this past weekend.  Team Easyboot members have jumped in and gotten involved in everything from rides to shows.  Todd even made his own Team Easyboot banner to display at the ride!  Click here to see what Todd has to say about his recent ride.   

Photos provided by Jonni Jewel                                                                                                                                                                                    

 

Get your Easyboots Repaired at AERC

The AERC Convention in Reno is just around the corner (February 29 - March 1, 2008).  The EasyCare booth will be set up to make repairs.  If you are planning on attending the convention and are need of hoof boot repairs be sure email us what parts you need and we're happy to repair your Easyboot, Epic, Bare, Grip or Custom Hoof Boot (2005 and newer models) for you.  In return we ask that you make a donation to the AERC Trails Fund.  For your convenience we'll have a donation box at the repair table. 

Karen and Chief will be there along with some of the EasyCare team.  We'll be in booth # 105 & 107.  So be sure to stop on by and say hello.  We'd love to see ya!

Improved Gaiter

We have updated the design on all Easyboot Epic, Easyboot Bare, Easyboot Grip and Easyboot Edge gaiters.  The new design has elastic at the back of the gaiter instead of leather and allows the gaiter to be folded backward before application.  With the gaiter folded backward the boot is much easier to apply.  In addition to making each hoof boot design easier to fit the elastic stretches and gives to fit each horse better.

Here is a short video clip showing how the gaiter folds backward.

New Epic, Bare and Grip Gaiters

We have been working on an improved version of the gaiter on the Easyboot Epic, Easyboot Bare and Easyboot Grip for several months.  After many tweaks and miles of testing the gaiter is now complete and will be shipping on boots starting February 2008. 

Although many of the improvements below look simple they significantly improve the performance of the gaiter.  We have completed all the provisional patent work to protect the designs and manufacturing techniques.

The new gaiter design has four major improvements.

1.  The new gaiter design has no internal stitching.  All stitching on the inside of the gaiter has been removed making a softer and less abrasive surface for the horse.

2.  All edges on the gaiter are now rolled.  Top, bottom and sides.

3.  The leather on the back of the gaiter has been replaced with a two way elastic.  This two way elastic stretches and gives to accommodate different heel builds.

4.  The elastic at the back of the gaiter also makes each boot much easier to apply.  The gaiter can now be folded back over the boot out of the way during application.

We have been working on an improved version of the gaiter on the Easyboot Epic, Easyboot Bare and Easyboot Grip for several months.  After many tweaks and miles of testing the gaiter is now complete and will be shipping on boots starting February 2008. 

Although many of the improvements below look simple they significantly improve the performance of the gaiter.  We have completed all the provisional patent work to protect the designs and manufacturing techniques.

Carol Layton Easy Foams Bares on!

Carol Layton recently tested out Easy Foam.  As you can see by the photo (by Peter Jackson), Carol rides with confidence knowing her boots are secure.  Check out what she says below...

Hello from Australia.  I had a great ride over the weekend on Omani Mr Sqiggle trialling the Easy Foam with four Easyboot Bares at an endurance ride held at Windeyer, near Mudgee in NSW.  I needed to trial the foam for the Shahzada marathon in the last week of August and now I know this is the answer for us.  I am totally delighted with the result. No need to be concerned about the possibility of rubbing from the gaiters.  I mean I have been able to do 160km rides and 400km marathons with boots and not had any rubbing from gaiters, but this foam means it doesn't need to be on my mind.  I don't have to fiddle with Sportstape or vetwrap.  It was easy to mix the glue together and put the boots on, we just removed the gaiters.

Summer Video Contest- Easyboot Bares

We just received this cool entry for EasyCare's Summer Video Contest.  Check it out.  Don't forget... the contest will be running through the summer so be sure to grab your camera and submit your own video. 

Another big win in Australia wearing Epics and Bares

Big results from Australia!

Duncan McLaughlin and Rachel Reid finish first and second at the "The Rock" hundred miler. 

These were taken out on the final leg. Shar wore four Easyboot Bares the entire ride. Ginge wore two Easyboot Epics for the entire ride, four boots for the first 125km.

Duncan and Rachel crossed the line together as =1st place in a time of 10 hrs 33 mins. Ginge took out the Fittest Horse award. This was Rachel's first hundred miler - not a bad result for a first attempt.

Bare Down Under

Here are some pictures of Kylie Hutcheon and Jacky at an 80km endurance ride this past weekend in Australia.  Kylie and Jacky placed 2^nd.   Congrats!