I keep intending on posting a photo pictorial showing the other three steps on using Easyfoam. So far I've only gotten step 1 together. I wanted to get it right before I started trying to explain to others what to do. I've done a few experiments at multidays this year using the foam in my gaiterless boots (i.e.,--regular Easyboot or a Bare with the gaiter removed), and I think that based upon the results from Fort Schellbourne that I've probably got it dialed in pretty good now.
After looking over my photos I realize that I
just don't have enough of the ones I want to show everything. That is
the problem when you are doing the foaming application and taking
photos too!
I will keep working on this and will get the next
stages together - showing the actual foaming application, then showing
how to remove the boots. I did well removing the boots, it took me
less than ten minutes to remove all 8 boots from my two horses this
last weekend. That included the time it took to go and get the second horse and bring him out.
If anybody is planning on foaming
boots on before I get my act together, you can check out the previous
Easyboot 101 Part 2 article I did a few years ago.
Some additional tips:
1) Make sure you fit the boots to your horse ahead of time (before adding the foam)
2) Shake both bottles of foam before mixing together. If it sits for very long during your boot application, shake again.
3) Mix, mix, mix the two parts vigorously!
4)
After pouring into the boot, allow it to start to set up just a bit.
Just enough so it becomes more milky and thicker like a thin gravy than
as liquidy as it is when you pour it into the boot.
5) Remember the vaseline on your horses hairline and heel area. This will keep the foam from sticking if it comes out
6) Don't skimp on the foam amount - it's better to use more and clean up the excess with babywipes than to not use enough.
7) Keep the horse still - pick up an opposite leg and hold it while the foam sets up in the boot you just applied.
8) Make sure the horse bears weight on that boot while the foam expands.
9)
Start with foaming boots on two feet (hinds are the best place to start
as the horse is less likely to step or pull those off as they are on
the fronts) and get some experience before doing all 4's or before
doing this for an actual event
10) After the boots are on, you may
wish to mix up a small amount of foam and pour or spoon in around any
crevices or areas where the foam didn't fill in. I sometimes also will
put a bit of foam over the Easyboot buckle to keep it down. Don't get
carried away with that though, or it will make getting the boots off
more difficult.
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