Team Easyboot

Stocking use update and something new to try

Well, had been using the nylon stockings for our training rides for a while with some fairly good luck, so I figured it was time to try them on an actual ride. I have been doubling up on them, using a pair on each leg, and it seemed to working well on the training rides, like I said.

   Unfortunately , they did not work to well on the actual ride. After the first loop Fortune had rubs on all four pasterns, the front legs actually down to the point of bleeding. I removed the boots and stockings and replaced them with vet wrap and we completed the ride with no more problems. I am at a loss as to what to use to not get rubs.

 

I have been experimenting with some different fabrics and making "socks" out of them but have not really found anything I like except for the some really thin neoprene. The first pair I had made didn't fit her (made them too small) so I'm having another set made. My idea is to have them cover from the coronary band all the way up to ankle and be able to fold them over the velco on the gaiter. I do not have any trouble with her heel bulbs or anything esle being rubbed just her pasterns from the gaiters. I think the neoprene will work if I can get it to the size where I can pull it up over her hoof like a sock. I would like it to be a one piece construction. I thought about velcro but decided against it. The neoprene I'm using is 2mm thick which is very thin and I have also found a place that sells "breathable" neoprene which might be even more worth looking into if these "socks" work as I'm am a bit reluctant to use neoprene in the heat, but again, it is covering a small area and the gaiters are neoprene as well so it may not be an issue. I had it stitched top and bottom to keep the neoprene from tearing but did not use elastic thread which the lady who is making these for said I can get and would probably help. When I did try to stretch it over Fortunes foot the thread broke (didn't help being too small either) but it did stretch quiute a bit before that happened so something learned in making each of things. I hope to have newer ones this week to try. I'll keep ya'll posted.

Safe Riding,
Todd
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Best boots for beach runs?

Hi everyone!

I would like to hear people's opinions on their favorite boots (and why) for a week holiday of sandy beach riding. My horse won't tolerate bare front feet for any trail riding (he'd ouch on a tiny seashell), but backs can go either way. I usually have Epics for all 4, but the front are worn and still with winter studs until I decide what to try next. I'm looking at using my studs, grips, Old Macs G1, or more Epics for this trip. How is the traction of plain Epics or the possibility of sand collecting in the Old Macs and rubbing his coronets and pasterns raw? Too much traction? Too little?

What do others that do beach ride more often prefer? Are both front and rear boots needed? My horse is afraid of slippery footing, being from Spain. Security in dry sandy deep footed hills is important for him until some day he becomes more trail savvy and confident. I too know nothing of traction or lack of it needed for beach sand and dunes, being a land lover and afraid of water more than my horse. :-))

Thanks for the input!

Jen

Grips in all weather

I began using the grips this summer riding through the slick grass. I had only put them on my horses front feet (with the comfort pad system to build up his frogs & digital cushion) and debated about booting the hinds. He had such wonderful structure in his hind feet I never bothered. However, I did notice him slipping a little on his naked hind feet when the grass was slick, but overall it was always a great ride and he loves his grips on the fronts. We have had a few snowstorms here in NY - I LOVE riding through the snow. I was riding in the grips - again only on the fronts and noticed him slipping a little on the Icy parts and the really muddy areas with his hind feet, so I decided to try grips on all 4 feet. I don't know why I had been so stubborn or lazy about booting all 4- feet. The Grips were fantastic!!! We rode through deep mud, slick snow, water as well as dirt roads. The grips were excellent. I like to go out on the trails but I also like to do some dressage while I'm out there. We were able to do 10-meter circles at the canter as well as lateral movements, canter - halt - canter transitions and a nice galloping the snow. There is no way Larry (my horse) would have been able to do all that in the snow without the grips. We had the best ride ever in the snow and mud thanks to the Grips! We are looking forward to trying the Edge and the new gaiters they both sound great!

New Easyboot Epic, Easyboot Bare and Easyboot 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. 

All provisional patent work is complete and we will be sending new gaiters to Team Easyboot Members in the near future.