Fit Is Everything

Back in business school professors used the saying “location, location, location” to describe one of the keys to success for a retail business.  The saying pops into my head as I drive through town and see businesses flourish and others go out of business. 

The saying that best describes hoof boot success is  "fit, fit, fit".  After 20+ years of experience with hoof boots I believe the biggest determining factor in hoof boot success is fit.  With fit being so important EasyCare is going to step back and emphasize fit and sizing education in 2009.

 How do you know if you have a good fit?

1.  Use the EasyCare measuring and sizing instructions to determine boot size.  Do your measurements correspond to the size charts?  If your measurements are similar to the size charts, your chances of a snug fit are good.  If your measurements do not correspond (foot is wider than longer, length and width measurements fit into different sizes), chances are you will not have a snug fit and EasyCare hoof boots are not right for your horse.

2.  Before a boot is tightened the boot should be snug.  You should not be able to turn or twist the boot.

3.  After tightening the boot should be snug around the hoof wall.  Horse boots should not have large gaps or voids between the hoof wall and the boot.

4.  You know when a running shoe or hiking boot fit your own feet.  Use the same type of logic when selecting a hoof boot for your horse.

Boots do not fit well on some hoof types.  EasyCare hoof boots are not recommended for some types and shapes of feet.  If your horse has one of these conditions your horse is probably not a good candidate for hoof boots.   

1.  A hoof with excessive flair.

2.  A hoof that is wider than long.  A very round hoof that has a length that equals the width is also hard to fit.  Old Mac’s Originals are the only boots in our line that fit a hoof that is wider than long.

3.  A hoof with long heels (high in the heels).

What can you do if your horse does not fit well in the current EasyCare hoof boot range?

1.  Have a hoof care professional trim your horses feet.  Many feet improve and change under regular trimming performed by a good hoof care professional.

2.  EasyCare is looking at adding a “Wide” version of many of our popular designs.  The wide version will be perfect for those round feet.

I plan to do a series of blog posts to educate consumers on the importance of fit.  I will go into detail and post photos of what to look for and what to avoid.