The view at mile #32. We went on to ride all the way to the snow-capped mountains on the horizon. And back again.
There are countless things in life that we come face to face with that scare us. Many of us will turn away in the face of that fear and stay with what is familiar, safer or less challenging.
If you want to grow, you’ve got to face the fear, no matter what it is. The other side is probably greener than your fear will let you believe.
You Don’t Know Where I Ride
Ask any trail rider in the country about where they ride, and they will probably pause, look at you over their glasses, and proclaim their trails to be more challenging than any trail you’ve ever been on. Their trail is steeper, rockier, muddier, more slippery, boggier and less boot friendly than anything you’ve ever ridden. They may even tell you boots won’t work on their trails.
I had the privilege to return to the Big Horn 100-mile event in Shell, Wyoming last weekend. In my opinion, the technicality of the trail rivals the challenge of the Tevis 100-mile event. I’ll bet dollars to donuts that this trail is just as challenging as any other trail in the country. There was more than 15,100’ of elevation gain across the 100-mile course that took the riders through rock, shale, slick rock, mud, deep bogs, river crossings, snow, dirt roads and game trails.
One of the water crossings in the canyons – following some tough mules.
My horse fell in a bog at about the 50-mile mark and managed to pull off a front boot with his hind foot. I used one of the spare Easyboot Gloves from my pack, popped the boot on, and went on to ride through the wettest, boggiest and most challenging part of the ride without even thinking about the boot again.
27 horses started the event and our group of three riders finished in 10th, 11th and 12th place. We were out in the wilderness for 22.5 hours. And as you’d expect, we were in Easyboot Glue-Ons. In fact, six of the top ten horses were in Easyboots.
Water, deep bogs, then snow. Then repeat.
It Can Be Done – Just Face Your Fear
So if you’re just starting to think about boots, or if you are comparatively new to using them, take the time to learn the basics of successful boot application. Take it from me – it can work in almost any ride situation for even the most A.D.D., impatient, and time challenged riders. But you’ve got to do your homework.
This was the deepest water crossing – one of the horses had to swim through it.
Five Basics to Successful Boot Application
I will be spending the next five weeks breaking down the five key areas of focus for booted success. In the meantime, I suggest you think about what scares you the most and then go and do it. My journey with EasyCare over the last 24 months has been founded in that one philosophy. And my life is better for it.
Keep up the bootlegging.
Kevin Myers
Director of Marketing
I am responsible for the marketing and branding of the EasyCare product line. I believe there is a great deal to be gained from the strategy of using booted protection for horses, no matter what the job you have for your equine partner.
