The front-runners in the 2011 EasyCare $10,000 Hoof Boot Contest are out of the starting gate and accumulating miles. We’ll be awarding $10,000 in cash and prizes at the end of the year, so if you have not yet signed up to enter the free contest, you should probably do so now.

This year sees a broader and deeper field, now that the contest is split into two distinct and independent divisions: Competitive Trail (CTR) and Endurance.

Bumble Bee CTR 2010

Stunning event images by LaBelle Photo.

Speaking of CTR, boots were a big deal at the Bumble Bee Competitive Trail ride in Arizona last weekend. There were boots all over the place, and that’s a first. Based on the number of booted riders, it looks like the NATRC members are pleased the recent rule change that now affords them more hoof protection options during competition.

According to co-ride manager Kandace French, there were riders from Arizona, California, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. All in all, there were 31 horses in the Intro, Novice, Competitive Pleasure and Open Divisions. The vet judge, Dr. Greg Fellers, came from California. Kandace says he was kind, patient and knowledgeable. The horsemanship judge, Pat Montgomery, was apparently fun and very keen on equitation. The ride will be repeated in February 2012 – and will be a two day ride. So be sure to pencil it into your calendars.

Bumble Bee CTR 2011

Stunning event images by LaBelle Photo.

The more you ride, the more you win. So if you love the outdoors, a whole new hoof boot heaven has just opened up to you through the CTR portal.

Sign up now and check back often on Hoof Boot Contest standings. And if you’ve got a CTR story, we’d like to hear about it. Click here to submit your photo and story to our blog.

Keep up the bootlegging!

Kevin Myers

easycare-marketing-director-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 horse.