The new improved gaiters on Epics and Bares are the same size and shape as before. The only difference is that some of the materials have been improved. This does make them less stretchy when they are brand new. This will take a couple of minutes to get the adjustments just right when the boots are used the first time. Once that takes place, they'll fit and work the same as previous versions of the gaiters. Click on photos to enlarge.
1) This shows a brand new size 1 Easyboot Epic with an EasyUp buckle and the newest 2008 model gaiter. This is on Chief's front foot. You can see the gap I get when I put the boots on for the first time.
2) I walk Chief down my driveway and back. It's not a very long driveway so only took less than a minute.
3) I tightened up the gaiter as it had already stretched a bit.
4) I walk Chief back down the driveway and back again.
5) I now retighten the gaiter and it is a perfect fit. It'd be easier to do two or four boots at once.
I did this at the Cuyama ride last weekend. I walked Chief around the trailer, or to the water trough in camp to drink and back. That is all it took on the first day, then the gaiters fit perfectly and some of them went on to do 100 miles on Chief. Tigger used different boots (he's a 2 on front) for his 55 mile day.
i resently purchased easy boot bare 3off for the front feet only. as one tore of after 10minutes and was lost in the bush i was told i had to buy another one. $160 each.the 3rd boot lasted 40km. it had a small tare in the stitching. so i rode the next 40km without my $480 shoes to end up vetting out due to stone bruse. an 8 hour round trip to the event to be vetted out great boots. put the boots on 2 weeks later. the boot lasted 5 minutes this time before tareing off again.i managed to find this boot.at the last ride another rider had the same boot as me the bare. her boot also tore off and the horse fell.i have spent $480 on the boots 2 have toren off in the same place another rider also had the same problem with the same boots. also a new helmet has been distroyed due to the boots coming off. a $70 onyx size 56. the boots are easyboots bare. i do not want them repared. i want them replace with easyboots epic. i have questioned other riders about these boots. the epic seem to be getting better reports. 1 rider has been using the epics for over 1 year. they are easyer to get on so i have heard. the bare boots are a bitch to get on and are torn off before you get out the gate to ride. i also want a refund for the 1st boot that riped off and my helmet.the boots i have are size 0 and are on the smallest size. may be size 00 in the epic would be better due to the easyer fitting. once they stretch there will be more adjustment. i did try the 00 bare size but was unable to get them on. once they stretch i think the 00 will be a better fit. you can'nt fit a hoof pick between the front off the boot and the hoof. on the 0 size boots but they as yet have not been on for long enough to stretch.i have an event in 2 weeks and wont to go. but i wont to test the boots the week before so not to waste another trip and get vetted out again. what do you think about the sizeing will i be able to get the00 epic boots on. alan west 0408669233 australia sydney.
Posted by: alan west | May 11, 2008 at 05:51 AM
Just a general comment to Alan West on his Easy Boot Bare troubles. I ordered a set of the Bares last year and have been happy with them. Initially it took about a week to fit up my Paso Fino with them. The fronts worked out ok with the regular fitting instructions.
I found on the rear that my horses spade shaped hooves did not want to stay in the boots. We wound up shimming the inside of the boots with rubber from a mud flap to make the bungy fit up with the front of the foot.
I would also recommend working at home in the arena or bull pen lounging tacked up so you can watch and check the fit of theses boots then spending a couple of hours riding before leaving the property so you can be sure the boots are fitting snuggly and staying on your horses feet. In my case I found watching and being able to stop the horse and physically check what was going on helped in the adjustment process.
I've also read comments that suggest foaming the boots for rugged terrain. I'm happy with my Easy Boot Bares, after I got used to putting them on they are great. Sorry to hear that they did not work out for you.
Chris Siolo
Posted by: Chris Siolo | May 23, 2008 at 08:03 AM
First... Celoso's new gaiter experience has been the same as Chief's. :-)
When my new Epics came in, I'd forgotten how much work it was to get a new set of boots on (also with new dome pads) and had to borrow a hammer. Once on, I could barely get that velcro to contact for the first short ride with '08 gaiters. By the time I got them on, I was sure they were not coming off... even with the odd gaiter fit. They stayed, no problems!
Three short rides later (in bad weather, curses), they are at least touching in the front. I also only need one hammer tap. :-)) Now all I need is some better weather so I can really get some nice riding in. If they aren't broken in enough still by this time, I'll just but some panty hose underneath.
The material is much stronger, stitched outside only, and the neoprene doesn't feel like it has weak spots in the back as my old ones did. my only confusion so far is how to get the darn things to fold down while I put them on. Soaking and "training" them didn't work for me.
These gaiters might need a bit more patience initially, but have high hopes NOT to have my needle, thread, and glue out after my first long ride!!
_________
For Alan,
What a mess! I hope you will give the Epics a shot. They have better traction ands are much easier to adjust. I think they'd be more user-friendly for first time boot users too.
My horse's feet are just plain wrong in shape for Easy boots, yet there are so many things to do to make them adapt to my horse's platter feet. It's been over a year and I've not lost one! What are your measurements?
Since I'm now on my second pair of new boot, I realize how difficult getting brand new bots on the first time, or two, is. I needed a rubber mallet and help from my horse to put some weight on them while I rested. :-) Please keep in mind I have a bad back, knees and tendinitis.... so normal folks might find it a bit easier. After a few sues, a little bit of wiggling and they slip right on...
From here, you can really crank those boots on very tight! in addition, you can use a simple cotter pin, from a hardware store, to see that the clasp stays put. I've never had it open, but used the pics when getting used to how my bots should fit. With your bad experience, I'd slip a pin in there to be sure!
If you fear losing your boots, liberal use of bright yellow duct tape could hello you find them better, not that that I'd worry about that with the Epics. :-) Liberal use of duct tape (seen in Easy boot tips) really does help too.
If you have a short toed, wide footed horse, let me know. I have made some great discoveries in improving the fit of Epics on my horse these past few weeks.
Sorry I can't comment on the bares, I've never used them. With the security of the gaiter and a cotter pin int he clasp, you'll have a more difficult time loosing a pair of Epics!! ;-)
I also agree with the above person to try the foam for a long hard competition... IF you still have problems in trial. I've never used it, but would consider it better than losing my boots, even if they might not be usable again.
Best wishes...
Posted by: Jennifer Martin | June 06, 2008 at 01:01 PM