From The Horse's Mouth

Off to WESA

Four of the EasyCare team members are leaving for WESA in the morning.  WESA is our first trade show of the year and will give EasyCare the opportunity to show our dealers the 2007 product line.  The first show of the year is always a sigh of relief because it means brochures, products, manuals, instructions, websites and dealer packets are complete.

Come see us at WESA booth number EB 901.  We would love to discuss the 2007 product line in detail with you.

What can you expect in 2007?

Easyboot Custom.  This new system allows you to custom design a horse hoof boot. Select your choice of fastening system, pick the tread pattern, pick the back strap system and pick the size. The custom boots will be delivered in three weeks.

Easyboot Grip.  Brand new for 2007. The Easyboot Grip is designed to increase the traction of a horse in soft muddy conditions, wet grass, snow or other soft surfaces requiring extra traction. The Easyboot Grip is essentially the Easyboot Epic with an aggressive sole and traction tread pattern. Available in sizes 0,1,2, and 3 only. This boot is not recommended for use on ice.

Comfort Pad System.  The Comfort Pad System comes with three different pad styles molded in three different densities. The system allows for many padding combinations.Comfort Pads Now available in 12mm and 6mm thicknesses.

Easyboot.  The Easyboot is fitted with an improved cast buckle system
for 2007.

Easyboot Epic.  The Easyboot Epic is now fitted with the low profile Comfort Strap. In addition, the Easyboot Epic is fitted with an improved cast buckle system and an improved gaiter.

Easyboot Bare. The Easyboot Bare is now fitted with the low profile Comfort Strap. The “Bare” is now manufactured with a thicker bungee and improved bungee rivets, and has the new improved gaiter as well.

EasyUp Buckle.  The EasyUp buckle is the Easyboot buckle of the future. It fastens in the “UP” position, offering many cable adjustments and stays secure after fastening. Upgrade your boots to the EasyUp Buckle System. Either install yourself, or ship your Easyboot or Epic back to us for installation.

E-Z Ride Stirrups.  The stirrup pad has been updated for 2007. A new molded pad provides better cushioning and holds up better to long hours in the saddle.

See you at WESA

BCS National Championship Game with FedEx

FedEx has invited EasyCare to attend the BCS National Championship Game in Glendale Arizona.  EasyCare was one of a select group of companies to join the festivities at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale.  The weekend includes accommodations, golf activities, spa activities, FedEx tail gate party and tickets to the BCS National Championship game. 

EasyCare and FedEx have been working on a couple new programs that will help us ship from our manufacturing facilities in China direct to our dealers and distributors around the world.  The program between FedEx and EasyCare will help reduce costs, shorten shipping times and reduce inventory costs at EasyCare.  We are excited about the new program and the opportunities it will give EasyCare and our customers.

We plan to introduce the new FedEx shipping program with the release of the Easyboot Custom in late January.

2007 Catalog is complete

The 2007 EasyCare catalogs are complete and have been mailed to our dealer network.  We are very excited about our 2007 product range and the different marketing programs that will be implemented for the new year.

I'm especially excited about our new Easyboot Custom program that will be introduced in the next couple weeks.  The Easyboot Custom program will allow consumers to design their own Easyboot Custom from scratch. 

1. Pick the tread pattern.  Pick between the original tread pattern, the Bare tread pattern and the Grip tread pattern.

2.  Pick the fastening system.  Pick between the new cast buckle, the new EasyUp buckle or the Bungee system.

3.  Pick the heelstrap.  Pick between the original back strap, the new Comfort Strap or the Taper.

4.  Pick the Size.

5.  Gaiters will be added to all custom boots.

The Custom boots will then be built and delivered to the consumer.  The cost for each Easyboot Custom will be $75.00 regardless of the custom selections.

EasyCare joins Equine Quality Alliance

"We were honored to be asked to join the Equine Quality Alliance and are proud to be a new member.  The EQA is a conglomerate of small companies who work together to promote high-quality products in the equine industry.  Goals include marketing with integrity, manufacturing with gold standards in mind, and educating the public about product use.

 

We will be sharing booth space with other EQA members during various events in 2007.  Being part of the EQA means we will have a larger presence at retails shows such as Equine Affaire and dealer shows such as AETA in Richmond January 26-28, 2007.  At the retail shows, EasyCare will not be selling product direct to the public, but will be there to educate and send consumers to our dealers.

Other members of the EQA include: Leather Therapy, makers of fine leather conditioners and protectors; Healing Tree, complete solutions for wound and skin care treatments; Equissentials, manufacturers of fine equestrian apparel for all sizes, all seasons, all disciplines; Tally Ho Products, producers of quality equestrian bags, cases and genuine sheepskin products; IceHorse, products to ice and cool the equine athlete; Grand Meadows, making a complete line of the finest quality vitamins and supplements, and Ringer, makers of saddle racks, blanket holder and bucket rings.

New Easyboot Packaging

We will be updating all packaging for the Easyboot line of hoofboots.  The Easyboot, Easyboot Epic, Easyboot Grip, Easyboot Bare and Easyboot Custom will all have new packaging for 2007.  The new packaging will help EasyCare retail dealers display the boots better for the upcoming season.

Here are a couple shots of some of the new boxes.

EasyCare Hoof Boot Contest Winners Announced

EasyCare, Inc. announces Winners in the 2006 $10,000 Hoof Boot Contest!     

 

Tucson, AZ – December 21, 2006.  We are pleased to announce the list of winners in the 2006 EasyCare $10,000.00 Hoof Boot Contest which ended on November 30, 2006.  These riders did a great job and worked really hard to achieve their successes and we're really proud of them. They completed rides ranging from the Tevis Cup, the NSW State Championship 100 and 5 day 250 mile multiday rides like Bryce, Grand Canyon and Shahzada.

Place   Name                   Mileage            Amount Won
1        Dave Rabe             1,715               $4,000.00

2        Becky Hackworth      875                $2,000.00

3        Sue Benson              575                 $1,000.00

4        Carol Layton            500                  $750.00

5        Joyce Stoffey           375                  $650.00

6       Terry Banister           365                  $550.00

7       Duncan McLaughlin    350                   $450.00

8       Kerry Greear              310                   $350.00

9       Corry Clinton             275                    $150.00

10     Marilyn Weise            220                    $100.00

Dave Rabe finished first in the contest two years in a row and has this to say about using boots on his now barefoot horses:  "The Easyboot Epics and Bares that I used this year worked better than I ever imagined possible. They were excellent and worked really well for my horses. I had my shoer trim my horses every few weeks. This was way better for my horses, their hoof walls are stronger. The boots were a lot easier to use than I thought they would be and they held up extremely well. I never had any problem with the gaiters all year.

I thought the Bares were awesome, no worry about buckles. My horses travel just as well in the boots as they do with shoes on and they are much better off being barefoot. My horses are kept in a 10 acre pasture with some rocks and they do just as well barefoot as they did with shoes on. Thanks EasyCare for having the hoof boot contest! I think your boots are the best thing on the market by far and haven't seen anything even close."

Information on the 2007 Contest: EasyCare will award a total of $10,000 to the riders who complete the most American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) or Australian Endurance Rider Association (AERA) miles during the 2007 AERC ride season (Dec. 1-Nov. 30) using two or four EasyCare hoof boots. Throughout the year special promotions and discounts will be made available to those participating in the EasyCare Hoof Boot Contest.  Entry forms and more information can be obtained at this link.

 

New Horse Barn

Tucson summers are very hot and make trail riding and boot testing difficult.  A couple years ago we started to look for a summer testing location that was less than a days drive from Tucson.  After a bunch of looking we settled on Durango Colorado because of the weather, location and wonderful trail system.

We purchased a 35 area horse property and started working on a barn and guest house.  Construction is now complete and we are spending a couple days checking things over and developing a punch list.

I'm excited about all the cool features of the barn and especially like the stall system we purchased from Classic Equine.  We ordered the L4000 series custom sized for our barn.  The system came ready to install and bolted into place. We also did a custom wash area plumbed with hot and cold water.  We lined the walls with sheet metal for easy cleaning and added a slopped floor for quick draining. 

We have a bunch more to do in order to get it horse ready but it will come together quickly now that the buildings are complete.

The Durango location has already helped EasyCare a great deal with R&D.  The Easyboot Bare and Old Mac's G2 were both developed and tested in Durango.

Hoof Boot Tracks

Over the years I have become an expert in hoof boot tracks.  I spend a bunch of time on the trails and always enjoy looking at tracks.  I personally do a great deal of trail riding, trail running, mountain biking and hiking outdoors.  For some reason I have gotten into the habit of looking at horse tracks.  It's fun to see if the tracks are from a barefoot horse, shod horse or a booted horse.  Are three feet shod and is one now barefoot?  Is the horse booted up front and bare in the back?  It's fun to figure these things out as I'm running, riding or mountain biking over my favorite trails.

I always love testing out a brand new hoof boot tread pattern and looking over my shoulder to see what it looks like.  I think to myself is the the first of what may be millions of tracks around the world? 

I had a cool experience this past weekend.  I went to Nashville Tennessee to visit Tractor Supply.  I went to see their buyer and discuss the possibility of adding our hoof boot line to their 650 retail locations.  The meeting went very well and I believe we will start to see EasyCare hoof boots in Tractor Supply soon.  After the meeting I had some time and did a little trail run.  On the run I found a little trail system and quickly started to pick up Old Mac's tracks.  Old Mac's in Nashville.

I flew back to Tucson the next day and ending up taking a trail run on our local trail system.  Half way through the run I started to pick up Easyboot Bare and Easyboot tracks.  Easyboot Bares and Easyboots in Arizona. 

It's fun knowing EasyCare is making a product that is helping horses and being used by more and more horse people. 

Hoof Boots on Netflix?

Have you seen the new NetFlix advertisement on TV?  I don't watch much TV but every time I see the advertisement I think I see hoof boots on both horses in the advertisement.

Take a look at this NetFlix advert and see what you think.  Click here.

Do you think the horse is wearing Boa Horse Boots, Old Mac's, Easyboot Epics?  It's hard to tell but I think the horse at the beginning and end are both using hoof boots.  Does anyone have a way to slow it down and take a close look?

Holiday Schedule

EasyCare will be closed from December 20th-January 2nd.  We will be back in the office ready to go on January 3rd.

EasyCare has been closing the office for the past several years over the holidays.  This break gives everyone at EasyCare the time to spend with family, friends and horses.  The two weeks is a wonderful break and lets us start the new year rested and refreshed.

Have a wonderful holiday from everyone at EasyCare!

Easyboot Custom Program

EasyCare will have the new Easyboot Custom Program ready to roll in January or February of 2007.  The new Easyboot Custom Program will allow consumers to develop a hoof boot for their horse and their trail riding conditions.

This exciting new hoof boot system allows anyone to custom design a horse boot to fit any specific need.  Choose the fastening system, pick the tread pattern, determine the back strap system and designate the size to create the boot that’s right for your horse.  The Easyboot Custom program will be available through the EasyCare website only.

Please allow three weeks for delivery.  All custom boots will be shipped FedEx directly from our manufacturing partner in Asia.  Each Easyboot Custom will be $75.00 regardless of size or custom selections.

As the Easyboot Custom program develops we expect to add choices of color for the shell, Gaiter, Backstrap and buckle components.

More info will be available after the first of the year.

Easyboot Epic Testimonial

I love to hear testimonials from endurance riders.  If our boots can work for a 93K endurance event they can sure work for a weekend trail ride.  We often get the question of how boots manufactured by EasyCare compare to others.  EasyCare hoof boots are being used at the toughest endurance events around the globe on a weekly basis.  Ask the others how many endurance miles their boots have completed.  Some of our competitors don't even recommend their boots be used for endurance events.

Here is a great testimonial we just received from Kylie Hutcheon.

Dear EasyCare,

This past weekend I competed in the 93km Tasmanian State Championships in Australia.

Due to this being my and my horses qualifying endurance ride (his third ride only) it was an important one to me. I had never booted all four feet before so wasn’t 100% sure how he would go but he absolutely flew over everything and his stride was beautiful. (I had only used hind boots for 2 or 3 rides in training to test them out.)

After 93 km and boots on for 8 hours there was not one sign of rubbing or friction. The ride unfortunately had a low completion rate so I was wrapped to vet through with good marks and come in 4^th middleweight and had no swelling or any signs of concussion the following day.

He pulled like a freight train and was much faster than normal and showed no signs of his usual fatigue in the 2^nd and 3rd legs that I had expected, and no puffiness in any legs at all afterwards.  Next season I am swapping to the Bares to give them ago as well.

Thank you for your product and continually trying to improve it as well.

Kylie Hutcheon

Director of Sales

EasyCare has hired a Director of Sales.  Filling this position before the busy trade show season will give EasyCare a huge boost going into 2007.  Full press release and details will be posted soon.

Big News from Australia

I just saw this on the Barefoot Australia Chat Group.  The post was made by Cynthia Cooper from Natural Horse World. 

Marg Richardson won the 90km lightweight division at the Tasmania State Champs today wearing Easyboot Bares.  She rode with Jen Clingly who came first across the line with Marg but was unfortunately vetted out with Zamir experiencing some hindquarter stiffness - his first vet out in 25 rides, not a bad record.  Over 50% of the riders vetted out today so congratulations again to Marg.

Congratulations also to Kylie who successfully completed the 90km TAS State Champs ride in Easyboot Epics.  Kylie Hutcheon and her QH/Th'bred palomino finished 4th middleweight.  Kylie sent me a personal e-mail that said "he flew in them and not a sign of rubbing over the entire ride and has pulled up the best he has ever done after a ride."

Great Job to Marg and Kylie.

New EasyUp Buckle is Ready

The new EasyUp Buckle has passed our testing program and will be ready for sale soon.

The EasyUp buckle is the Easyboot buckle of the future. It fastens in the “UP” position, offers many cable adjustments, is easy to open and close, has easy cable adjustments and stays secure after fastening.  Upgrade your boots to the EasyUp Buckle System.  Either install yourself, or ship your Easyboot or Epic back to us for installation.

The EasyUp Buckle will be compatible with the Easyboot, Easyboot Epic, and the Easyboot Grip.  It will also be available as an option on our new Easyboot Custom program (More on the Easyboot Custom program will be announced soon).

The EasyUp Buckle system will be available early 2007.

EasyCare Sponsorships

We get many requests for donations and sponsorships on a daily basis.  People want Easyboots for long distance trips, Endurance events want Epics, Stowaway Packs, and Stowaway Gear for awards.  We also try to support horse rescue operations by occasionally sending free product.  We try and be very generous with donations and sponsorships and give back to the horse community

We have a new online form to help process the large number of requests.  Put your requests in early.  We are filling new requests on a first come, first served basis and as the budget allows.

Changeable Boot Soles

I have been working on a boot that has a changeable sole system.  I've been tinkering with the concept for over a year and have recently finished the patent application process. 

I have several working prototypes that are testing very well.  The system will give users the ability to do the following.

1.  Change soles for different terrain and weather conditions.
2.  Replace soles as they wear.
3.  Change the density of the sole to help treat different hoof ailments.

I'll keep you posted on the progress of this new boot system and get some photos up soon.

Holiday Shopping

As the Christmas holidays quickly approach remember that EasyCare has quick and easy on-line shopping capabilities.  Take a look at our secure shopping cart here.

Yahoo just released a recent poll showing that three out of four holiday shoppers will purchase gifts on-line.  Free shipping and secure sites were the biggest considerations for shoppers.  Take a look at the Yahoo poll here.

I find it amazing that some of our competitors have non secure on-line stores. 

Easyboot Epic Named 2006 Product of the Year

The Horse-Journal has named the Easyboot Epic one of the their 10 products of the year.

"At the end of each year, we look back on the products that we’ve used in our test barns.  We consider what various manufacturers have brought to the market and how those products make taking care of our horses easier.  We select items that have improved our ability to optimize health care, especially in ways that we can undertake ourselves.  We look for products that keep safety in mind, work economically, and/or simply solve problems. Above all, we look for products that make the biggest difference in our barns."

"EasyCare took their well-known Easyboot and made it even better, adding a gaiter to the top.  This addition makes the boot stay in place better than ever.  Horses easily became accustomed to wearing the boot, and it stayed secure.  Lightweight and flexible."    

The Easyboot is on the list of ten, with some amazing products.  We are truly honored to have a product named to this prestigious list.  There are many incredible horse products on the market and we are extremely proud to be selected for the 2006 Products of the Year.  The great thing about The Horse-Journal is they do not accept advertising and provide true, honest feedback that is not influenced by the money of advertisers.
If the Horse-Journal picked the Easyboot Epic for Product of the Year in 2006 I can't wait to see what they think of the improved version we will release in 2007.

2007 Catalog and Product Line

EasyCare has been working very hard on our 2007 catalog and final 2007 product offering.  I'm super excited about both the 2007 catalog and the product line.  The line of hoof boots and accessories is our best yet, and I can't wait to show them to our dealers and the consumers at the 2007 trade shows.

Click here to see where EasyCare is exhibiting in 2007. 

EasyUp Buckle

After many months in development the EasyUp buckle is here.  This new patent pending design is testing extremely well and makes every Easyboot design function better.  The EasyUp Buckle fastens in the "up" position, is easy to adjust, simple to close, stays fastened and has a lower profile than our old buckle system.

I’m very excited about the new EasyUp buckle and the new performance gain in each Easyboot design.

 Stay tuned for photos and updates.

Free Stuff

All online orders will receive a 2007 EasyCare Calendar and a current copy of The Horse's Hoof Barefoot Newsletter! While supplies last.

Pete Ramey/Bowker/EasyCare Clinic

I just received an outline for Dr. Bowker's portion of the January Clinic.  Full clinic details can be found at Pete Ramey's website or EasyCare's website. 

Here is an outline for January 23-24 presented by Dr. Bowker.

January 23rd:

1. 8:00-10:00am Introduction of Functional Biology of Equine Foot and its Adaptive Capabilities
2. 10:00-10:15am Break
3. 10:15-12:15pm The Palmar Foot
4. 12:15-1:00pm Lunch
5. 1:00-3:00pm Wet Laboratory
6. 3:00-3:15pm Break
7. 3:15-3:45pm Marking and Interpreting Radiographs
8. 3:45-4:30pm Feral Horse as a Gold Standard?
9. 4:30-4:45pm Break
10. 4:45-5:30pm Pasture Monitoring of Movements

 January 24th:

1. 8:00-10:00am Navicular Syndrome

2. 9:00-9:15am Break

3. 9:15-11:15am The Hoof Wall: its Growth and Adaptation

4. 11:15-12:15pm

5. 12:15-1:00pm Lunch break

6. 1:00–2:00pm Dry Specimen Laboratory

7. 2:00-3:00pm Barefooted horse and Ground Surfaces

8. 3:00-3:15pm Break

9. 3:15- 4:15pm Sole growth and Adaptation

10. 4:15-5:15pm Blood flow through Foot and Contact Surfaces

11. 5:15pm Discussion and Questions

EasyCare "Hands On"

EasyCare had a "Hands On" night with all employees on Wednesday night.  "Hands On" experiences give everyone a chance to touch, feel, measure, fit, adjust and remove our hoof boot products.  We usually do these learning days with live horses as it really helps our staff explain hoof boot fitting and adjustments to our customers in a better more confident fashion.

We used a new format this time and a different employee covered each hoof boot design.  Each employee had their own tips gained from talking with hundreds of dealers and consumers.  It was a great learning experience for everyone that attended and we all went home more knowledgeable about hoof boots and hoof boot accessories.

Denver International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market

I just received great news with the arrival of our exhibitor packet for the January 12-16, 2007 Denver International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market.  Every year we ask for more booth space and a better booth location.  Because of the exhibitor demand at this show our requests continue to get turned down.  We received great news for the 2007 show.  Not only was our booth size doubled but we are in a more desirable location.

The Denver show is the first of the year and where we announce many of our new products, product updates and product improvements.  Come to Denver and see what's new for EasyCare in 2007.

What's New for 2007?

Easyboot Grip - Brand new for 2007. The Easyboot Grip is designed to increase the traction of a horse in soft muddy conditions, wet grass, snow or other soft surfaces requiring extra traction. The Easyboot Grip is essentially the Easyboot Epic with an aggressive tread pattern sole. Available in sizes 0,1,2,3 only.

Easyboot- The Easyboot is fitted with an improved cast buckle system for 2007.

Easyboot Epic- The Easyboot Epic is now fitted with the low profile Comfort Strap. In addition the Easyboot Epic is fitted with an improved cast buckle system.

Easyboot Bare- The Easyboot Bare is now fitted with the low profile Comfort Strap.

COMPETITIVE HOOF BOOT UPGRADE PROGRAM

The Competitive Hoof Boot Upgrade Program continues to be a big success.  This program allows consumers to turn in boots made by other manufactures for credit toward EasyCare hoof boots.  The trade in boots can be used, beat up and worn out.

I enjoy looking over what we have received back under this program.  Most of the boots are worn out or have failed in some way but many of the boots we have received lately are brand new.  I'm not sure why someone would turn in a brand new boot but I'm more than happy to swap them for an EasyCare hoof boot.  Here is a look at the upgrade program box from this month.

Documented EasyCare Boot Mileage

EasyCare has just added a cool new feature to the website.  Take a look at the lower left corner of the home page and check out the Documented EasyCare Boot Mileage ticker.  EasyCare is going to start tracking documented mileage ridden in EasyCare hoof boots.

EasyCare hoof boots have been consistently used for long distance treks around the globe, endurance events, the $10,000 Hoof Boot Contest and testimonials from customers.  With some research we came up with a very conservative number of 875,000 miles as a starting point.  I personally believe the starting number should have been much closer to 1,000,000 miles but many of these miles are undocumented and based on several assumptions.  Now that we are keeping track 100,000+ miles should be added annually.

Pete Ramey/Bowker/EasyCare Clinic

EasyCare is thrilled to host one of the biggest and most informative natural hoof care clinics ever! The clinic will be held in Tucson, Arizona from Saturday, January 20 to Wednesday, January 24.  Here is what you can expect from the 5 day clinic.

1. Spend two days learning about natural hoof care, trimming techniques and barefoot theory from Pete Ramey.
2. Study the latest and greatest in hoof boots with EasyCare.  We will go over each EasyCare hoof boot and offer hands on techniques for immediate success.
3. Spend the last two days with Dr. Robert Bowker, VMD, Phd.  Dr. Bowker heads the Michigan State University Equine Foot Laboratory.  "Google" Dr. Robert Bowker and you won't be able to pass up this opportunity.
4. EasyCare will supply a bag packed with all kinds of goodies for everyone that attends.

This clinic is filling fast.  If you have any interest you should sign up quickly.

Clinic details can be downloaded here.

Get a Grip

EasyCare's new boot has a name.  Take a look at the press release.

EasyCare, Inc. is telling customers to Get a Grip!

Tucson, AZ – October 26, 2006– an Easyboot Grip that is!  EasyCare recently held a contest to come up with a name for their new hoof boot design. More than 900 name suggestions were submitted. The winner of the Name the Boot Contest is Helen Elsner who will receive a $100 gift certificate from EasyCare and a set of four Easyboot Grip boots.

The new Easyboot Grip hoof boot will have a more aggressive tread and is suited for use in wet conditions where a more aggressive tread pattern may be warranted including rain, mud, snow and wet grass.

The boot received a thorough test recently at the Grand Canyon XP ride where the footing became slick and unpredictable very quickly.  On the first day of this five day multi-day ride it poured rain so hard that horses, riders, and the ground beneath them became completely saturated.  Extreme conditions continued when later in the week it began to snow and temperatures dropped well below freezing.  Endurance riders using the boots reported a solid ride and said their horses strode out confidently with the Easyboot Grips in the mud, snow, puddles, and wet grass.

The new boot is expected to be available at the beginning of 2007.  EasyCare cautions that the Easyboot Grip was designed for use in wet conditions and is more likely to wear faster if used in dry or hard surface conditions.  While this boot will provide better traction in wet conditions than some other types of hoof protection, it will not keep horses from slipping in some situations and riders should use extreme caution when riding on those kinds of surfaces.

EasyCare, Inc. has been a leader in the hoof boot industry for years, beginning with the invention of the Easyboot back in the early 70’s. Since then, the need for boots has grown tremendously as more and more horse owners see the healthy advantages of pulling shoes and switching to natural hoof care.  EasyCare is excited about being part of this growing trend. For more information about hoof boots or natural hoof care please call EasyCare, Inc. at 1-800-447-8836, e-mail or visit or our website.

EasyCare is Platinum Sponsor of AERC

To celebrate the Platinum Sponsorship of the AERC by EasyCare, Inc.  We thought we would do a fun contest.  This will give all of you AERC members out there the chance to win a Top Ten Award without even having to saddle up or trailer your horse to a ride!  All you have to do is get the October (or November) issue of Endurance News and find our two ads.  In those two ads are the answers to the following questions (see below).  Find the answer to those questions and email them to Karen.  The contest starts October 24, 2006 and will end on November 10th.  This will give everybody a chance to get their issues of Endurance News.  Be sure to include your name and AERC # in the email as we will use a list of names to draw from a hat (or more likely, a boot) to pick the winners.  Prizes will include ten of the items from our ad -- Easyboots, Epics, Stowaway packs, bale bags, EZ ride stirrups, sponges, etc..  If you win a boot we'll let you choose which model and size, same for the Stowaway packs or stirrups.  As soon as the contest ends and the winners are chosen we'll notify them and post the results and what they won on our Contests and Promotions page. 

October/November EasyCare Endurance News Ad Questions:   

1.  What is the color of the Stowaway cantle pack that is on the horse?
2.  How many types of EasyCare hoof boots are displayed in the ad?
3.  What is the horse thinking about in the "Have Fun. Be Comfortable. Stay Safe!" ad? 
4.  What color is the horse in the $10,000 Hoof Boot Contest ad?
5.  How many horses can riders compete on in the 2007 Hoof Boot Contest? 

Have fun and good luck! 

New Comfort Pad System

The Comfort Pad System is done and the patent work is complete.   I believe we will have the system packaged and ready for sale in roughly 45 days. The Comfort Pad System comes with three different pad styles molded in three different densities. The system allows for many padding combinations and gives practitioners and horse owners many treatment options.   

1.  The Sole Pad comes in three different densities. They provide the ability to apply three different comfort levels to the sole area.

2.  The Frog Support Pad comes in three different densities. They allow three different comfort levels and each Frog Support Pad can be used with any of the Sole Pads. This gives the horse owner the opportunity to apply different pressure to the sole and frog areas.

3.  The Frog Pressure Pad comes in three different densities. They allow three different comfort levels and each Frog Pressure Pad can be used with any of the Sole Pads. This gives the horse owner the opportunity to apply frog pressure and three different comfort levels to the sole independently.

Marketing

I read this marketing quote and it really hit home.  I can't wait to get some of our new programs implemented for 2007.

"If it makes you nervous, it’s probably a good idea. If you’re sure you’re right, you probably aren’t".

Grand Canyon XP

The Grand Canyon XP is over.  I'm sure all the horse and rider teams can't wait to get out of the mud and muck and home to a hot shower.

Dave Rabe completed the entire 250 miles (50 miles per day) on the same horse.  What an accomplishment in those type of conditions.  Dave is one heck of a horseman!  He used Easyboot Epics and the new Easyboot Epic Mudder all week.  He was impressed with the traction of the Mudder in the nasty conditions and said it prevented his horse from slipping.

Despite the blizzard conditions he rode in shorts every day. 

Durango Photo Shoot

Here is one of the better photos from the Durango photo shoot.

First Place Horse on day 4

Jean Maguire and her horse finished in first place on the fourth day of the Grand Canyon XP.  The horse was fitted with red Easyboots for the unusual snow conditions, finishing happy and sound.  Easyboots give wonderful traction in snow conditions and prevent the snowball problems caused by iron shoes.  Click here to view the video.

Photo Shoot

I just got back from our annual photo shoot and we got a bunch of great images.  We got a totally different look this year with steady rain and snow.  The rain and snow images added to our past images should make for a great 2007 catalog.

First Tracks

The Boot with No Name (enter the name the boot contest) made first tracks in the early Rocky Mountain snow on Tuesday.  The traction provided by the new boots was a noticeable improvement in the muddy, sloppy conditions.

Quote of the day

"I don't believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive."

Joseph Campbell

EasyCare Bargain Bin

EasyCare has recently introduced a Bargain Bin area on our website.  The Bargain Bin area will be used to sell old inventory at a very reduced price.  Although these items are all marked at 50% off, they are brand new and have never been used.  These boots either have a small defect or have been replaced with a newer model. 

Before you purchase your next hoof boot you may want to check out the availability in the Bargain bin.

Name That Boot

EasyCare will be releasing a new aggressive traction boot in 2007.  The boot is designed for soft muddy and soft grass surfaces. 

Help us name the new boot.  Click here to help us name the new boot.

Football Season and Easyboots

Many parts of the country are getting the first morning chill, leaves are changing, fall is coming and college football is in full swing.  I really enjoy college football and all the enthusiasm and hype that surrounds the sport.  I personally played college football at the University of Colorado as a 250 lb tight end (my horses didn't like me at the time).

Several of the horses used as college mascots use Easyboots for their performances.  The Easyboots help protect the grass field or turf and also help the horses with traction in the stadium environment of going from asphalt to concrete to grass.

Here is a photo of the USC Trojans mascot wearing Easyboots during a performance.

EasyCare Purchases Prius

As more and more information becomes available about global warming, it is imperative that companies and individuals make choices that will help reverse the trend.  I believe it is important to support the companies and products that are early adopters of these new green technologies that are making an impact on our future. 

EasyCare has recently purchased a Toyota Prius to help support hybrid technology.  Although I have received some snide remarks from friends it's amazing the number of people I can see talking about the Prius at traffic lights, pointing, telling  co-passengers about the vehicle.  I have to say that I'm not really a small car person but I love the Prius.  The features and technology built into this little car are incredible.  Bluetooth, Navigation, Touch screen, XM Radio are just a few of the cool things.  On top of that I have been averaging 51.2 miles per gallon.

If you are ready for a new car I would suggest you look into and support the companies making hybrid or flex fuel vehicles.

Quote of the day

"When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us."

Alexander Graham Bell

Sales Director

EasyCare is seeking a Director of Sales, an individual who will drive sales, dealer sales technology, dealer sales and promotion, catalog, and web sales initiatives. This person will have a significant impact on the direction this company takes, and will be a key player who works directly with the company’s president to create and implement strategy.

We are seeking a high-energy sales professional who is excited about horses, hoof boots and the barefoot movement. Our candidate must be creative, have the ability to handle pressure and work in a fast pace environment. We would prefer someone with horse experience, but it is not required. Strong computer skills in Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook are required. Must have the ability to handle projects, work independently and in a team atmosphere.

A limited amount of US and international travel is required. The four to five weeks of yearly travel are concentrated to January, February and March of each year. Travel locations include

Denver, Atlantic City, Canada, UK, Australia and Asia.

The position offers unlimited potential for professional growth and will allow you to make sales and strategy decisions for a small aggressive international company.  The company environment and size allows for quick decisions and the ability to move ideas to fruition without the problems and delays that plague large corporations

 Essential Functions:

• Drive dealer technology
  • Implement business to business website.
    • Notify dealer base via e-mail about the business to business website and        capabilities.
    • Set up incentives for dealer orders placed via business to business website.       
  • Develop and distribute monthly incentives to all dealers via e-mail.
• Tradeshow
  • Organize setup and manage all tradeshows.
• Dealers
  • Work directly with top wholesale and mail order customers.
  • Manage channel conflict and LSRP program.
  • Set up a program to notify all dealers of product and pricing changes.
  • Continue to monitor dealer performance and trends.  Use trends to develop new       programs, sales, specials, technology advances, etc.
  • Develop monthly dealer sale ideas.
  • Provide copy, input and ideas for dealers blog in conjunction with other sales reps.
  • Work with dealers to establish links and accuracy of information on websites. 
• Sales and marketing materials
  • Work with Marketing Director and President to establish       sales/marketing/promotion budgets.
  • Develops specific plans to ensure revenue growth.       
  • Help proofread marketing materials, press releases, catalogs, website and blogs.
• Manage Sales Staff
  • Develop yearly and monthly sales incentives for sales staff.
  • Track monthly sales and performance by sales staff.
  • Mentor new sales staff.
  • Work with CSR Leader and Marketing Director to develop product training programs for dealer employees and company CSR's. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• 5 – 10 years of sales experience.
• Bachelor's degree in business, sales, or marketing or equivalent training in business or sales management.
• Leadership: a demonstrated ability to lead people and get results through others.
• Management: the ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
• Problem analysis and problem resolution.
• Employee training and development.
• Excellent time management, communications, decision-making, organization, human relations, presentation, negotiation, and mediation skills.
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel and Powerpoint.
• Professional appearance and presentation required.
• Experience forming and maintaining new business relationships.
• Some travel required.

Please send resumes with salary requirements to [email protected]
No Phone Calls. No Agencies.

Download sales_director.doc

Quote of the day

"We all sorely complain of the shortness of time, and yet have much more than we know what to do with. Our lives are either spent in doing nothing at all, or in doing nothing to the purpose, or in doing nothing that we ought to do. We are always complaining that our days are few, and acting as though there would be no end of them."

-Seneca

New Products for 2007

We started our annual photo shoot next week.  Staging the photo shoot in October is essential as it allows us to have new copy, photos and material ready for our international, wholesale and mail order dealers.  It also makes EasyCare finalize designs for 2007.  In 2007 we will see the following improvements and modifications to the line.

1.  Improved Easyboot
2.  Improved Epic
3.  Improved Bare
3.  Improved Old Mac's G2
4.  New Boot (see our name the boot contest!)

I'm starting to get all the photo samples together and can't wait to start on the 2007 catalog.

COMPETITIVE HOOF BOOT UPGRADE PROGRAM

The Competitive Hoof Boot Upgrade program has been a huge hit.  We have received many boots from customers that just haven't worked for them or their horse.  If you have a non EasyCare Hoof Boot that isn't working for you (new or used), trade it in for a 50% discount on a EasyCare Hoof Boot.  Details for the EasyCare Competitive Hoof Boot Upgrade Program can be found here.

Here are some of the boots that have been returned.

New Easyboot Buckle

We are about done with two new trick buckle designs for 2007.  The Easyboot and Easyboot Epic will both come with one of the trick new designs in '07.  I have applied for patent protection on both systems.  Both systems are easy to use, and bring both the Easyboot and Easyboot Epic to a new level.

I got so excited after my ride tonight I had to open a bottle of my favorite beer.  If you get the opportunity try a Pinstripe Red Ale, SKA Brewing Durango Colorado. 

Sorry the beer got in the way of the buckle.  No really, can't show you yet.

Easyboot Plate

I'm not a big fan of vanity license plates, but I ordered the EZ BOOT plate a year ago and then put on the wall rather than the truck. 

Multi Color Easyboot

I have always refused to do hoof boots in different colors.  I try and go by the old Henry Ford saying  "You can have any color you want as long as it's black."  Different colors quickly add to the SKU numbers and make it difficult for the manufacturer and dealers to carry stock.

Here is a early Easyboot that Neel Glass did with a multi color look.  Pretty cool but what a headache.