Carol Crisp has been involved with Team Easyboot for many years. She has a passion for the high elevation mountain trails of the rockies and has become known for putting boots to the test by riding on some of the steepest trails she can find.
Carol recently took delivery of a set of Easyboot Glove Back Country hoof boots and was kind enough to make this video review for us with her horse, Smoke.
Carol makes some interesting points worth underlining:
1. Check the hardware on your boots when you get them out of the box. If you bought from the first batch of Back Country boots, make sure all the screws in the boot are tightened up before you use them for the first time. Carol even puts a dab of nail polish around the screw to keep it in place - and shares a tip on how to remove it if and when you want to change out components.
2. Fit on the Easyboot Glove Back Country is more forgiving that the fit of the Easyboot Glove. You should feel comfortable that going up a half size will still assure you a successful booted experience.
3. Certain boots work better for certain horses. Depending on the conformation of your horse, one boot may perform better than the other. We believe this boot is a good complement to the Easyboot Glove, and allows for more variations in hoof shape and angle than the Glove. It also allows for boot fit throughout a longer trimming schedule.
4. Test the boots before you go out on the trail or go to an event. Carol longes Smoke in the boots before she rides him - just to make sure there is no twisting or signs of rubbing.
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.
Traditions, they say, die hard in the West. Contrary to popular belief, back in the 1800's men weren't the only ones shooting whiskey and packing a Peacemaker. Women were often going toe to toe with the best of cowboys. These women broke tradition and blazed their own trail. They knew no boundaries.
In that same spirit, Kimberly Knight of Date Creek Ranch, Wickenburg, AZ is not afraid to buck tradition. Date Creek is the continuation of over 130 years of family ranching and is now in the capable hands of Kimberly and her husband Stephen.
This past December Kimberly was interviewed by EasyCare dealer of the month and natural hoof care practitioner Amanda Beno Marsh for Western Horsemen Magazine's monthly feature Women of the West.
As Kimberly reveals in the interview, Date Creek Ranch embraces innovation and recognizes what it takes to survive in the ranching business today. Proactive and environmentally conscious, the ranch embodies a true spirit of a new West.
This same forward thinking carries over to the ranch's horse keeping practices. Kimberly, with the help of Amanda Marsh of Mountain Top Hoof Trimming Services have had success keeping the ranch horses barefoot, happy and sound in some very tough country.
Kimberly, has tried several styles of hoof boots but found the Old Mac's G2 with 12 mm Comfort Pads to be the hoof protection that suits her horses best and can handle the extremely rocky terrain on the ranch. Now with the new Easyboot Glove Back Country she is excited about giving this new boot the ultimate rock test.
Rocks and more rocks.
The spirit of the West is one of individuals who never settled for the status quo. I challenge you to get a little western and to not be more comfortable with your old problems than with a new solution. Folks from all over the country and around the world just like Kimberly Knight are bucking the tradition of shoeing and choosing a barefoot lifestyle for their horses. Perhaps there's a little bit Western in all of us.
Debbie Schwiebert
Vet Dealer & Hoof Care Practitioner Accounts
I manage the hoof care practitioner and veterinarian dealer accounts at EasyCare. An integral part of my job is to stay current in all areas of barefoot hoof care, which enables me to serve this vital group of EasyCare dealers at the next level.
I attended the International Hoof Care Summit in February and the AERC convention in March. There is nothing better than getting to spend time with boot users. One of my favorite things to do during trade shows is to start a collection of things people say to show the diversity of user experiences. Below are my six favorites.
1. "You can't canter in Easyboots."
2. "Those boots don't work."
3. "Can you ride in those boots?"
4. "I only finished Tevis because of my Easyboots."
5. "I've never lost a boot."
6. "You don't ride in the kind of country I ride in."
So, about #1: we've been picking up the speed a little in our horse training program. We've been taking advantage of the warmer climate at the New Mexico/Colorado border and getting some training rides in sand washes and along the dirt roads that service the oil fields. The footing is slick in the wet, but it dries out quickly to form a hard-packed surface that we've been getting some speed training on.
Three of the four horses in the video above are wearing Easyboot Gloves (read on for data on the fourth horse). If you subscribe to this blog via RSS, you can see the video at http://youtu.be/68wMnLp_T8A. Two of them are wearing well-used Gloves without any athletic tape. Here are the stats:
If you found the above video dull, maybe you should check out Garrett's ingenious girth cam footage below, taken at the same time as the first video in this post. You'll find it mesmerizing. If you're an RSS subscriber, see the video at http://youtu.be/dxOSHRooD_Q.
It does a good job of showing the Easyboot Glove at faster speeds and gives you an up-close sense of how much concussion the boots absorb on hard-packed road. How do you like the thud as each hoof boot hits the ground?
Question for the post: one of the horses in the video is testing a prototype of the new EasyShoe. Can you tell which horse it is?
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.
I'm getting geared up for this year's Competitive Trail and Endurance season in Alberta. In the next week or so, my horses will be going to see the vet for their annual check-ups and barring any surprises there, we will begin conditioning very shortly.
After a few months off due to the harsh conditions of our winter my horses feet are usually a lot more sensitive; both from disuse and standing around in the moisture, so I always have to boot until things dry up.
In the past I have only used my 2001 APHA mare for CTR. I purchased her from Alberta's only (at the time) AANHCP's trimmer and had a steep learning curve to follow when it comes to natural hoof care and boots. Her hooves were amazing and now it was my job not to mess them up. At the time I brought her home Easyboot Epics were the best technology for her hooves and intended sport.
Since then these Epics have seen hundreds of miles. We go completely barefoot when the terrain allows but these boots are absolutely my "go-to" hoof protection of choice.
This year I will be conditioning one, maybe two other horses and will need to fit them for boots. I love my Epic's as they have never given me any trouble on the trail through the toughest of conditions and their adjustable fit make them ideal for hooves mid-late trim as well. I'm not sure if I want new Epics for my other horses this year or should I try something new?
One horse measures out to have a round hoof and should fit into Easyboot Gloves which I've heard nothing but good things about. The third horse will most likely be ridden by novice riders and therefore might benefit most from the Easyboot Glove Back Country due to their ease of application. On the other hand, both should also do fine in Epics and I trust this boot completely.
What to do? What to do? I'm having a hard time telling myself to branch out because of the great success I've had with the one style, but technology is forever changing and I might just have to take the leap.
Watch for us on the trail and you might be surprised to find what is on my horse's feet.
I just got back from three days in Reno, Nevada, where the annual American Endurance Ride Conference's convention took place. There were Easyboot users blended throughout every award category imaginable. And although the endurance segment represents only a small percentage of the Easyboot customers, their achievements showcase what can be done with our products in the most extreme challenges known to the human/equine partnership.
If you ever had the misguided opinion that Easyboots don't work, please take note of the following notable accomplishments by Easybooted riders.
Carla and Kid's banner used at the EasyCare booth during the 2012 AERC Convention.
1. National High Mileage Champion: Carla Richardson
Carla Richardson rode her horse SS Kharady Kid +/ through 2,525 miles during the 2011 ride season, Carla and Kid started and completed 50 events across the nation. Every one of those rides was in Easyboot Gloves or Glue-Ons. As a point of interest, 7 of the top 10 horses in the National Mileage Championship were campaigned in hoof boots.
Leah accepts her award from Bruce Weary at the AERC Awards Banquet on March 10, 2012.
2. Jim Jones Stallion Award: Leah Cain
Leah Cain and TAR Pistol Pete +/ rode 1,235 miles during the 2011 ride season. Every mile was in Easyboot Gloves or Easyboot Glue-Ons.
Dennis & Sue Summers near Tom's Thumb in Scottsdale, Arizona.
3. Julie & Bob Suhr Husband & Wife Team Award: Dennis & Sue Summers
Dennis and Sue Summers pick and choose the events at which they use with Easyboots Gloves and Glue-Ons. They accumulated an impressive 2,265 miles between them during the 2011 ride season, and most of those miles were in Easyboot products.
Jeremy & Riverwatch's banner used at the EasyCare booth during the 2012 AERC Convention.
4. 2011 Tevis Winner & Haggin Cup Winner: Jeremy Reynolds
The 2011 Tevis and Haggin Cup winner was Jeremy Reynolds from Reynolds Racing. Jeremy and Heather compete exclusively in Easyboot Glue-Ons.
A recent full-page print ad featuring Christoph Schork.
5. 2011 AERC 100-Mile National Championship: Christoph Schork
Christoph Schork rode Stars Aflame to the first place position at the National Championship and received the Best Condition award. Christoph also has the enviable title of being the rider with the most first place finishes in AERC history, with more than 230 wins to his name. He and his partner, Dian Woodward, compete exclusively in Easyboot Glue-Ons and train in Easyboot Gloves.
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.
Ok, so my mind slipped a bit off task, but the new Easyboot Glove Back Country was borne out of combining EasyCare's two top selling hoof boots. This new combination takes the very best from two great products and morphs them into a new boot that will offer additional solutions for horses that may have had trouble using the Glove or Trail. Some of the features that make the Back Country one-of-a-kind:
The Comfort Cup Gaiter is incorporated into the rear of the boot for the latest technology in support and protection of the soft tissue areas
The lightweight upper stabilizes the boot on the hoof
Quick and easy to put on and take off: no strength or force required
Available in 18 regular and wide sizes to fit most breeds
Completely convertible: built on the Easyboot Glove chassis, this boot can be converted into an Easyboot Glove or Easyboot Glue-On (additional accessories required)
As the director of sales, I am responsible for identifying new dealer opportunities and building on existing relationships to foster ideas and create additional growth.
This video was shot in the Hansen Dam Reservoir on Big Tujunga Creek, about twenty miles northeast of Los Angeles. The terrain is very challenging: the fire trails are mostly decomposed granite, the creek beds are dry, sandy and rocky in the summer but there is plenty of water in the winter when the rains come. Throughout the year there is always some water to cross so protective hoof boots are always subject to the wet.
In 2010, I rode over a thousand miles in the reservoir and the surrounding fire trails of the Angeles National Forest. I did it using a single pair of Easyboot Gloves on the fronts. Those Gloves lasted the entire year. This video was shot in May of 2011. In the video, my mare, Kitty, is wearing Easyboot Gloves on all fours.
My horse is a 14 year old Thoroughbred mare, who has been barefoot for six years. She is a classic example of a Thoroughbred who had flat, shelly, flaky feet, thin soles and poor walls. As the ill-informed like to say, "typical Thoroughbred feet." She also had a tendency to stumble. Well, not any more. She has thick soles, thick walls, great concavity and terrific laminar connection. And no more stumbling!
I have used EasyCare products since going barefoot. Many thanks to EasyCare for producing this great equipment.
I am perpetually amazed at what these animals give us day in and day out. This video speaks for itself.
Thank you, Randy Oglesby
Dee Reiter
Customer Service
When you call EasyCare, I’m one of the folks that will answer. I’m also one of the cowgirls in the group. (Heck no, I don’t show, I Rodeo!) When it comes to life’s adventures – never pull back on the reins, and remember: the world is best-viewed through the ears of a horse!
It's March and it's all about the luxurious new Easyboot Glove Back Country. Much of this month's newsletter is dedicated to the details of the latest addition to the EasyCare hoof boot lineup.
Garrett Ford tells all about his opinion of the new boot.
Kevin Myers summarizes four things you absolutely need to know about the new boot.
Alayna Wiley writes the first public review of the new boot.
Dawn Willoughby's popular blog returns this month with an aritcle on rehabbing OTTB feet successfully.
And our Dealer of the Month is Amanda Beno Marsh from Mountain Top Natural Hoof Trimming Service.
Do you need support in making boot choices or troubleshooting? You can contact us at the EasyCare offices for free advice, no matter where you purchase your Easyboots.
Please keep in touch: our goal is to help you succeed with EasyCare products and your booting needs.
The Easyboot Glove Back Country is added to the Easyboot product line as of today; Monday, March 5, 2012. We have had some fun with the 30 day countdown and now all the ripples will be taken for you to see the boot in detail.
The Easyboot Glove Back Country in a clear mountain stream.
I'm really excited about this hoof boot design and expect it to be a favorite with trail and back country riders. The boot combines many of the features of the Easyboot Glove and a quick wrap outer cover similar to the Easyboot Trail. I believe the Back Country will be one of our most versatile boots and will quickly become our best seller.
Easyboot Glove Back Country (BC) boots drying after a long afternoon in the Colorado mountains.
Some of my reasons I believe the BC will be on of our best hoof boots.
The boot is very easy to apply and remove.
The upper is form fitting and reduces unnecessary bulk.
The Easyboot Glove Back Country will come in 18 sizes. 11 standard and 7 wide sizes.
The Back Country will use the same lower shell as the Easyboot Glove. This will allow riders to use the EasyCare fit kit system to insure a proper fit.
All parts of the Back Country and replaceable. Shell, Comfort Cup Gaiter and outer cover.
The parts can be mixed and matched for various and unusual hoof shapes and sizes. If you have a horse with very large heel bulbs it's easy to custom build a Back Country with a larger outer cover.
It will be a favorite for retail dealers. The wide size selection and one color combination reduce inventory and will allow one boot to work for many customer segments.
Gene Limlaw and Grace put the Back Country to the test with a fast gallop!
The Back Country is launched at a great time. The weather is getting warmer and its time to get the horses on the trail. Over the past weekend on the endurance trail hoof boots shined once again. The Old Pueblo Endurance Ride confirmed to me that hoof boots are the best type of hoof protection in hard, rocky conditions. On the first day of the event there were roughly 1/3 of the participants in the 50 and 25 mile events using Easyboots. After the awards presentation the first evening we held and impromptu drawing for the riders using Easyboots. Doug Swingley won the drawing and EasyCare paid his ride entry for the day.
Roughly 1/3 of the riders at the Old Pueblo Endurance Ride used Easyboots. Many of the first day Easyboot riders are pictured above.
We hope you enjoy the Easyboot Glove Back Country. Keep an eye open for a couple more hoof protection products to hit the EasyCare line in 2012. Two of them will be sure to shake things up.
Garrett Ford
President & CEO
I have been President and CEO of EasyCare since 1993. My first area of focus for the company is in product development, and my goal is to design the perfect hoof boot for the barefoot horse.
The launch date of the new Easyboot Glove Back Country has finally arrived. Here are four things you need to know:
1. The boot is available for the month of March exclusively through seven partner dealers across the globe. That means you can only buy it from them until Monday, April 2, 2012. The list of Glove Back Country dealers is as follows:
Valley Vet Supply
Marysville, KS 66508
Phone: (785) 562-5106
Website: www.valleyvet.com
2. The boot is available in 18 sizes. Just like the Easyboot Glove, it will come in 11 regular sizes and 7 wide sizes. You can see the sizing chart on our website. Because of the way the boot attaches around the hoof, the Glove Back Country will be more forgiving with fit throughout the entire growth cycle between trims. If you have a long trim cycle, you can even go a little larger in sizing to accommodate the growth.
3. We're calling this a medium to high mileage boot. We've given it a mileage rating of 25 - 50 miles per week. We're interested in user's experiences with it: there is a chance this could serve as a higher mileage boot.
4. The Easyboot Glove Back Country is built with the finest and most luxurious materials available today. Think of it as the finest off-road vehicle you've ever driven.
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.
Once and for all let's make a concerted effort to debunk a popular myth that thoroughbreds have shelly walls, thin soles, pencil thin frogs and for these reasons they need shoes. "The hell!" I say. Even with wrong hoof care from birth to rescue/career change, the vast majority of OTTBs can be rehabbed to soundness. And gorgeous feet!
Cayuga
When I met him he was 12 years old, shod most of his life. He trained on the track but did not race. Cayuga was living at Tory Hill, a gorgeous farm with a herd of about 10 barefoot geldings, mostly OTTBs, with full turnout on huge and hilly pastures.
Too much hoof capsule. Crappy Walls or Horn.
'Beer Can' feet. The heels are almost as long as the toe. This tells me that the coffin bone is pointing down at a steep angle. The tip of the coffin bone is no doubt disintegrating from mechanical stress. Unfortunately, the farrier can only trim so much and then puts the shoe back on a long, misshapen foot to maintain it. Rehab demands pulling the shoes.
The foot is sweeping forward, in front of the horse.
In a general sense, the green line indicates where the hoof will end after rehab. The Red points out (1) upward pressure of the shoe and (2) a long under run heel
Cayuga's Straight Forward Rehabilitation:
As I applied the mustang roll, mechanical pressure on the lamina was removed and the steep, well connected wall at the top half inch of the capsule grew right in.
As this happens the hoof will get back under the horse. The entire foot will transform as the capsule becomes smaller and the heels shorten.
Transformation is organic. A lot of things are happening at once.
I never force any angle or any particular length because above the hoof is a unique body with unique movement.
Below, in 7 months, the hoof capsule looked more compact. Soles and walls thicken. Heels open up as the frog and internal structures improve. The more movement and the healthier the diet, the better the foot.
7 months later a nicer foot, still on the mend.
Still a long capsule and long heels (as they appear from the outside) but over time it all corrects. Most importantly Cayuga was sound, ridden in padded Epic boots throughout.
Smartie
This fancy OTTB had been in shoes a long term. Sadly we didn't make it to a full rehab before the owner put him back in shoes. He has some things to show us.
This unraveling hoof wall with cracks around the nail holes is not being held together by the shoe.
Force comes down the leg, hits the shoe and runs back up the hoof and leg maintaining the cracks. To treat the unraveling wall, I would definitely use White Lightening to insure there is no bacteria maintaining the problem. Otherwise, it will grow out in about 3 months.
Solar View: Under run heels and long toe
From the hairline in the back of the foot to the heel where Smartie lands, you see about 2" of heel length running under the horse. Many people misinterpret this saying their horses won't grow heels. Smartie, and many horses, grow heels that run forward.
If the frog is healthy and can take a pounding from the current ground conditions, I'll bring the heels back, and down, half inch at a trim. By the end of rehab the heels will in the back of the foot, next to the back of the frog. Above the frog, internally, the digital cushion and lateral cartilages begin to re-develop and give Smartie the structure he needs.
Above, the toe wall appears to be about 3" in front of the end or apex of the frog. Much too long. If you wait about a week after pulling shoes, the horse will develop a toe callus and you can rasp the toe, 10:00 - 2:00, back to but not through, the toe callus. The callus looks like a long bump.
Personally I like to pull the shoes, round things up and leave the horse alone for a month. Pulling shoes is traumatic enough for one day.
My Thoughts on Boots: Because Smartie has a long toe, he would not fit into The Trail or Generation 2. The top portion of the boots would rub his pastern. Boots that fit above the hairline are a good choice for the rounder foot that allows the leg to center in the boot.
Bugsy
If it looks like a Duck Foot, is it?
Just because long toes, complete disconnection of hoof wall to coffin bone and under run heels are seen on almost every Racehorse does not mean it's normal! Can you imagine racing in these 'duck feet'? Poor Bugsy was right off the track, shoes a dangling!
Above, if you ran your fingers from the hairline down the wall, you will find where the wall is well connected to the coffin bone. In Bugsy's case there was a hint of connection!
Under run heels and a long toe, confirm what we saw from the top. Nice frog though.
Here comes the foot he wants, growing in from the top.
Don't let the steep angle scare you. It will level off as the foot grows.
Voila! The foot is now under the horse.
Over time, with lots of movement in a herd, the heel as it appears from the outside will shorter to about half this length. Bugsy still has a lot of rehabbing to do.
Love "Sunny" Days
5 years old. Just arrived from the rescue via New Holland Auction.
Typical racehorse feet: Paper thin shelly walls. Laminitic rings from top to bottom.
Another straight forward rehab.
The black line indicates where ideal wall to coffin bone connection ends. It will take a few capsule growths (7 months per capsule for Sunny) to get things in order. During the spring he will lose a little connection on the bottom. And as viewed from the sole, he will loose a half inch of concavity. However, he does not go lame. Hacking out, he is happiest, in the spring, in his Gloves.
Dinner Time at Tory Hill Farm, home to 7 barefoot Off the Track Thoroughbreds.
A Word on Long Term Rehab of Racehorses
As long as the horse has most of his coffin bone and the lamina aren't necrotic, hoof rehabilitation of former racehorses is usually straight forward.
I gave Sunny off one year from ridden work. This allows all the micro tears and chips to heal or sort themselves out and drugs to clear. I re-started him as a colt in training. From learning ground manners, haltering, leading, ponying off another horse, desensitizing and plenty of in-hand work, former racehorses need a complete reboot if you want an exceptional friend.
As for his body, I made an incorrect assumption that Sunny could fix himself in an active herd on 35 acres. Now I would have jumped on modalities available to me like chiropractic adjustments, accupuncture, Equine Touch, Ortho Bionomy, sports massage, myofacia release. Learn from the professionals if you can.
Currently, unless I am stuck, I do all my own body work. Much more cost effective! There is a wealth of information on the Internet, in books and on DVDs. A horse can't walk around on bad feet for years, ridden incorrectly at the track and not need serious attention to mind and body!
The wonderful thing about thoroughbreds is that they are sensitive, smart and athletic. Most I have met really crave a relationship with good, kind people.
Happy Trails and Give your ponies a big hug for me!
Amanda Beno Marsh has a master’s degree in wildlife biology and wildlife and range resource management. She has had horses and worked with horses since she was very young. She has lived in California, Arizona and Utah and has spent much of her time surfing and rock climbing as well as riding horses. She loves thrills and adventure.
Amanda is now based in the Prescott, Arizona area, but works throughout the state of Arizona and in southern California. She attributes her success to always wanting more information and to further her education. She has a science background, which helps, but lists her foremost experience as the help she has received from Dr. Tomas Teskey, DVM.
Amanda has been trimming for approximately three years. She first started out as a farrier’s apprentice. "After following him around for several months I decided that the natural approach to hoof care was more my style. I am a science minded person, and I researched the science. I saw results early on and the more I practiced and the more I learned the more I decided that natural hoof care was my “calling”.
Mountain Top stocks the Easyboot Epic, Glove, Edge, Trail, Old Mac's G2 and Comfort Pads. The Old Mac's G2 is her best seller and she generally pairs pads with the boots.
Amanda trimming at a clinic in Wickenburg, AZ.
Without boots, Amanda says her job would be much harder and horse owners wouldn’t be able to see and feel their horses succeed as quickly as they do. "I always listen to my clients and pay attention to what they want," says Amanda. "I explain everything I do to horse owners and I keep them in the loop. I call to check in about horses on my rounds because I truly want to know how they are doing. I care a lot and that really shows."
Amanda hosted several free clinics and workshops in order to get her name out into the local community, but she says word of mouth has been the most important way for her business to grow.
She and her husband use EasyCare hoof boots on all of their riding horses. They ride barefoot as much as possible, but when the conditions call for hoof protection, they like to use the Easyboot Trail.
When asked about her most rewarding experience as a hoof care practitioner, Amanda tells the story of removing the shoes from the working ranch horses on the Date Creek Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona. "Kimberley Knight and her husband Stephan worked hard during the transition process," says Amanda. "And because they have done everything right, their horses are well on their way to a successful transition." A major key to their success has been using the Old Mac's G2s and Comfort Pads when they are working cattle in the rocks. The horses are turned out on several hundred acre pastures. "Kimberley is so fond of her horses, she loves them and wants what’s best for them. She seeks knowledge and doesn’t just rely on me for information. Working with her has raised the bar for me. I feel like anything is possible with natural hoof care."
Amanda's favorite event is the annual Equifest in Prescott each year. Last year she was invited to speak and present a demonstration on natural hoof care. Several thousand people attend the free event every year, and Amanda will be presenting at the event again in September, 2012.
Natural Hoof Care and Hoof Booting Workshop with Rusty Toth
Education on Natural Hoof Care and Trimming!
Bring a horse for a trim, and boot fitting!
Everyone Is Welcome, with or without a horse!
Rusty Toth is a graduate of the Oregon School of Natural Hoof Care. He has also understudied with Duncan McLaughlin from the Australian Natural Hoof Care School. Rusty is a professional trimmer whose clientele is comprised mostly of endurance, barrel racing, and cutting horses. Rusty’s personal equine passion is Endurance. He has completed numerous 100 mile events barefoot/booted and believes in the success from this protocol as the most beneficial for both the soundness and health of our equine's performance and pleasure alike.
Please RSVP With number of horses and people attending. We will send you the address and directions at that time. 10 AM until 3 PM Light lunch provided.
Boot Fitting and Education is Free
Trims are $45.00
Large Inventory of Easycare Hoof Boot Products Available for Sale!
Our next Spring event is May 12-13, 2012 with:
Paul Williamson (41) started riding at age 10 and quickly rose up through the ranks as one of the best thoroughbred riders today. He lives and works in Japan with the Japanese Racing Association.
Paul’s non-aggressive approach and ability to “get the job done “makes him one of the YouTube’s most popular trainers with more than 3,200 subscribers. www.youtube.com/endospink click the link to visit his channel and see him working with horses.
Paul picked up on a natural occurrence that happens in all horses, and turned it into one of the most valuable tools a horseperson can have in their toolbox. He calls it The TAP and has incorporated this tool into his colt starting system. This training tool can be matched by no-one in regards to starting time (under 20mins).
Participants may bring young horses to be started or horses with dangerous behavior problems.
Topics to Be Covered
• Paul’s signature TAP demonstrated live. Not to be missed!
• Learn tips and tricks of ground driving.
• See at least 5 horses started in one day, using different techniques.
• Learn the dos & don’ts of side-reins.
• All colt starting & training questions answered.
• Learn easier, safer & kinder ways to handle your horse.
• Stop wondering if you have what it takes to start your own horse, find out!
TICKETS
1-Day Audit $45
2-Day Audit $60
Bring your horse $100 per horse 1- day session, stalls available!
Rounding out the Summer in July, MileMakers presents:
Now booking private lessons with Stacy Westfall. This is an opportunity to ride one-on-one with Stacy. You do not have to have a reining horse or western style horse to take a private lesson! Stacy instructs all disciplines. There will not be a formal clinic format, no auditors/audience.
This is by appointment only! July 21-26, 2012
Please inquire for details on days, times and fees.
We've been sneaking various peaks at the Easyboot Glove Back Country over the last few weeks. The big launch is scheduled for March 5 - this coming Monday - but more about them next week. It will be available via a few dealers from across the globe who have partnered with us on the launch of what might be the most exciting boot in the company's history.
Our Best Boots Combined
The Glove Back Country pairs the form fitting Glove chassis and incorporates an easy to secure upper modeled after the Trail. Built to provide ultimate durability using the latest in design and material technology, the Glove Back Country has an infinitely flexible closure system that wraps around the hoof wall. The result: a hoof boot that stays secure in the toughest of trail conditions on the most challenging of hoof shapes.
A Soft, Durable Internal Upper
Lightweight, ergonomic and breathable, The Easyboot Glove Back Country has a soft internal upper that caresses the soft tissue areas of the hoof and lower leg.
We’ve used the latest in technology to build an upper that combines softness and flexibility with the most durable materials on the market today. The result is a boot that secures and stabilizes the foot, reducing fatigue and keeping debris out.
The Comfort Cup Gaiter
The Comfort Cup System: a new form of gaiter built into the back of the boot to caress and protect the soft tissue areas at the rear of the horse’s hoof. Supple and resilient, the Comfort Cup is designed to flex with each step and hug the back of the pastern. And because the gaiter is independent of the flexible Cordura® upper, we’ve virtually eliminated the risk of rubbing.
A Convertible Boot
Built on a shared platform, the Easyboot Glove Back Country can easily be transformed into an Easyboot Glue-On or Easyboot Glove. Turn the Glove Back Country into a Glue-On by removing the flexible upper and Comfort Cup gaiter. Turn it into an Easyboot Glove by attaching a Glove Gaiter.
An Anatomically Designed Sole
The Easyboot Glove Back Country uses the award-winning tread design from the Easyboot Glove. The anatomically designed sole provides maximum flexibility and resists wear.
The sole shape is available in 18 regular and wide sizes, just like the Easyboot Glove, accommodating a broad variety of hoof shapes for definitive comfort and security. This is a medium to high mileage riding boot (25 – 50 miles per week).
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.
The day dawned gorgeous and frosty and my plan was to ride. So I get on the phone and call friend A.
"Hey do you want to ride today?"
"Oh I can't I have the farrier coming at 1."
"I thought that was last week."
"It was but he had to postpone it."
"OK well I will be thinking of you."
Seems as though everyone has some hoof plan or other to fulfill. While I will be enjoying my horse and the sun in my face they are getting shoes and pads and all the things they need for the new ride season. I can't convert everyone although I have tried. But hoofcare requires a commitment and I have found that some people just don't want to do the work themselves. And thats OK. It is their choice.
However, waiting for the farrier is never a problem for me because I maintain my own horse's hooves. I can always ride, just apply the boots and I am ready to rock and roll. Very few things beat the freedom that booting and doing my own hoof care has given me. Besides it brings me even closer to my horses and knowing their needs. I love it! Now stop reading and GO RIDE!
There are certain words that you just DON'T say around certain groups of people. We don't say "steak" in front of a group of vegans, don't say "Ford" at a Dodge dealership and you don't drop the F-bomb in front of a bunch of "natural barefoot hoof care providers." By F-bomb, I mean the word "farrier." What did you think I meant??? Sheesh I am a lady.
Oh my Gosh is that a FARRIER touching your horse?!?!?! Yup, a tall farrier.
I generally am not a purist when it comes to the barefoot thing. While I fully believe in the benefits and advantages in a properly trimmed barefoot horse, I am around enough of a variety of owners, horses and disciplines to understand that maintaining a bare foot horse isn't ideal for some situations. Unfortunately, forcing the matter in a less-than-ideal situation is a recipe for disaster and sure isn't good for the positive image of natural hoof care, nor is it in the horse's best interest. As I think most will agree, 100% commitment is necessary for success. When people get all high and mighty about it, I tend to roll my eyes. So when I hear someone touting that they are a "natural hoof care provider," it makes me roll my eyes a little. NOT because I disrespect those who have dedicated their lives to truly learning and bettering the lives of the horses we love, but because of all the rest who have seen it as a way to make a quick buck off of sweet, well-meaning horse owners all over.
Short little back and long, long legs. Chant tends to forge if he's not trimmed with a short enough break-over. Sometimes the owner does have good information that should be taken into consideration when trimming horses. But we'll get to that.
Last fall, I took my young gelding, Chant (or, ironically, F-Bomb as we *lovingly* call him) to a friend in a neighboring state for some remedial education. If you recall, I received a big, beautiful white horse in trade, who would be coming to me to transition to competing in Easyboots and receiving a bit of fine tuning. I was expecting Nero to be a great blogging subject throughout his "transition," but was a bit miffed when we pulled his shoes, touched up his otherwise beautifully trimmed and balanced hooves and haven't looked back. So much for blog fodder! Anyway, I had planned to drive over to ride and trim Chant every six weeks or so, but of course life got in the way and before we knew it he was overdue.
Life as he knew it was about to change.
Now we all know how incredibly cool and laid-back I am about things. I didn't freak out about having someone else trim my horse, no way! (Um, right. I was totally freaking out). Having been the only trimmer of my horses for the past five years, I felt stuck and helpless 300 miles away. I resorted to the internet and quickly realized that there isn't much of a database for trimmers, nor is there any standardized certifications to at least give an idea of a trimmer's education. It wasn't easy to sift through all the pretty pictures and the right phrases, but there wasn't much to chose from either. I made a decision based on a few emails and an appointment was set for Chant.
Little Chantley is cursed, er, blessed, with a very short back and very long legs. As result, he forges terribly if his break-over isn't just right and I made sure to state this several times- "Please back up his toes!!" No matter, not much was addressed in the trim. I was sent several pictures afterward that literally made me cry. All the sudden my horse looked weak in the pastern and looked as though he had long toe/low heel syndrome in all four feet! I was devastated because this is the horse who has very low maintanence trimming requirements and has been the easiest of any horse I've ever had to maintain. What went wrong? How could this trim fail to address the issues I asked about and leave him looking worse than before? I don't hold anything against the trimmer, I know it's a tough profession and difficult way to make a living, but the trim left much to be desired and I began to better understand where the common lack of respect for the term "barefoot trimmer" came from among other equine professionals. If this is what you get, no wonder veterinarians are leary of working with these individuals to fix and improve normal, not to mention pathological hooves. Of course this is only one trim on one horse by one person, but is this more the norm than the exception?
Front feet after the trim.
The heels were taken down, and the toes were squared, which doesn't make any sense to me. His coronary band was pushed up and the toe pillars were not backed up. His right front makes me wanna cry- long toe, anyone?
Not quite the look I was going for.
The hinds were also bad. Heels taken down, toes not addressed. Definitely a different style than I am used to.
Luckily for us, my friend's farrier was due two weeks later. I spoke with him over the phone and told him a little of what was going on. Not only was he hilarious, he was honest and upfront. He said he would take a look and get Chant fixed up and would call me after he was done. Wouldn't you know the FARRIER gave my horse an incredible trim and I have absolutely no qualms about continuing to have him trim while the horse is there. I even wish he was closer so he could save my aching little back and trim all my horses!
(His) Right front after the F*&^%$R trimmed it.
Finally the toe is addressed. One can argue he used his rasp higher up than ideal, but it is exactly what I would have done and got Chant's feet back to where they needed to be.
Beautiful bevel and nice short toes.
Should it matter who trims the horse, as long as it's a good trim? I don't think so. Should the hoof care provider listen to the person who *knows* the horse, and make adjustments to their trim accordingly? Absolutely. A friend of mine is passionate about education and feels that vets, trimmers and farriers all have something to offer, and that pooling the resources will lead to better performance on all fronts. Keep an open mind and see things for what they are. My point in all this is don't let verbiage and titles rule your decisions. Talking the talk doesn't mean anything if the results don't leave your horse walking the walk.
Chant enjoys a 15-mile loop from Oregon's Prineville ride with trainer Darlene Anderson. He did the loop barefoot with ease two weeks after his trim. I'll go ride him next weekend and get his boot situation lined out. Maybe even touch up his trim if he needs it :)
As a NATRC rider and ride manager, I have often heard in the last year that “NATRC now allows hoof boots in competition.” This isn’t quite an accurate statement, but the recent changes in boot requirements in NATRC have created a more enthusiastic outpouring of competitors with barefoot equines. Effective at the beginning of the 2011 ride year, the North American Trail Ride Conference (“NATRC”) amended the rules of competition to include hoof boots over the coronet band, including boots with straps, gaiters and keepers, provided the attachments do not extend above the pastern.
This opened up the opportunity for riders with barefoot horses to use boots with gators and keepers during a NATRC ride without having to glue boots. This was especially welcoming to the rider that was only riding one day, or less than 50 miles. How wonderful to slip on an Easyboot Glove, tighten the gator and go! What amazing transformations are taking place in the competitive trail ride venue! Since this rule change, I am excited to see the representation of barefoot horses increase exponentially at the NATRC rides. While NATRC has long allowed glued boots, the rule change seems to have brought a real camaraderie and supportive environment for barefoot horses in competitive trail rides.
Knowledge of the benefits of barefoot equines and natural hoof care is increasing. Horsemanship judges and veterinarian judges alike are asking excellent questions, looking at the change and seeing at all the ways that boots can benefit both the horse and rider in competition. On February 17, 2012, I was the ride manager of the Second Annual Bumble Bee NATRC Competitive Trail Ride in Bumble Bee, Arizona.
This desert environment was challenging and the footing varied, including rocks, sand, water, climbs and hard packed flats. The increase in booted competitors entered at this ride was exciting. Over one-half of the horses were booted or barefoot and the largest representation of hoof boots was Easy Care brand.
Prior to the ride, I was thrilled to be asked to glue boots on two of the competitors’ horses. One of those entered horses went on the win the first place Novice Lightweight Horse division and the Novice Sweepstakes Horse. The other horse placed 3 in a field of 14 entries. I was also encouraged to overhear one of the long time NATRC veterinarian judges check out a horse and rider team at the end of the ride and answer questions for the rider about her hoof boots and correct hoof boot fitting. He was educated and supportive of the Easy Boot Gloves and knowledgeable about the benefits of Power Straps.
The number of barefoot horses entering competitive trail riding (“CTR”) events is growing. Booting knowledge is increasing. The number of booted competitors winning in NATRC is growing as well. Not only are more horses entering competitive trail rides, but the attitude and general acceptance of booted horses in CTRs is changing. Booted horses are no longer looked at with curiosity, but admiration instead. More riders are asking intelligent questions and more information is available. As the choices in Easy Care booting options increases, booted horses in NATRC competition increases as well. The pairing of NATRC and Easy Boots at the Bumble Bee NATRC CTR was a buzzing success.
It is just the beginning of another great opportunity for the benefits of barefoot and booted horses to strut their stuff. The proof is in the boots.
Finally the wait is over, the name has been drawn. Who scored? Who hit pay dirt? Who nabbed the whole enchilada? Who IS the big winner of the 2011 Fill Your Truck giveaway?
The winner is... natural hoof care practitioner, Chad Bembenek of Rio, Wisconsin. Congratulations Chad!
Chad's name was drawn from a huge pile of practitioner's names that took advantage of EasyCare's Fill Your Truck program in 2011. Chad takes home the win and $1,000 in FREE EasyCare merchandise of his choosing. I'd say Chad is off to a great 2012!
Chad has been an EasyCare dealer since 2004 and currently serves as Vice President and resides on the board of directors of the American Hoof Association. He also serves as a field instructor for the Equine Sciences Academy.
Chad out on the trail riding Commanche in the Okanagan Mountains in North Central Washington.
A big congratulations again to Chad Bembenek and we look forward to continuing to offer the Fill Your Truck program to hoof care professionals in 2012.
EasyCare strives to make it simple for professionals to provide the best for their clients. The Fill Your Truck program has completely transformed stocking products for hoof care professionals. The program is designed to help busy hoof care professionals have the products they need when they need them. The payoff is not only peace of mind but savings in time and money on the products practitioners use everyday.
Interested in becoming an EasyCare practitioner dealer or need more information on our Fill Your Truck program? Contact me, Debbie Schwiebert at dschwiebert@easycareinc.com for all the details. Join our ever growing team of hoof care professionals who have increased their success with EasyCare hoof boots and Fill Your Truck.
Debbie Schwiebert
Vet Dealer & Hoof Care Practitioner Accounts
I manage the hoof care practitioner and veterinarian dealer accounts at EasyCare. An integral part of my job is to stay current in all areas of barefoot hoof care, which enables me to serve this vital group of EasyCare dealers at the next level.
It's official. The votes have been tabulated and the new Team Easyboot 2012 members have been announced. The list of names is published on the Team Easyboot page of the EasyCare website.
We received an overwhelming number of applications for this year's Team Easyboot. The panel of EasyCare staff members and volunteers made their selections based on diversity of representation in geography, discipline, age and skill set. They were also asked to use their observations from the Team Easyboot 2011 dialogue to select their list of 75. Our goal is to to populate TE12 with members whom we think will be active in their various communities. We think you will find the TE12 members to be engaged, excited, educated and communicative about EasyCare's product line and application methods.
Getting ready for the long ride. Photo by Kevin Lange.
Team members are expected to participate actively in at least 7 of the following 12 items:
Represent EasyCare in a professional and positive manner
Be fully knowledgeable about all EasyCare products and help others in the field
Keep information available and on hand to help answer people’s questions
Be available to assist in boot fitting and advice in person and on line
Provide feedback on product as needed
Actively promote the EasyCare brand in person
Submit bio, photo and monthly schedule of activities and availability to help others
Blog once a month on the EasyCare corporate blog
Actively participate with positive interaction and product advice on the Easyboot Facebook page
Wear Team Easyboot attire at events
Display Team Easyboot logo on tack, trailers and vehicles
Consider hosting boot fitting clinics in conjunction with hoof care practitioners
A brief bio and photo of each of the TE12 members will be posted post haste. Do you know any of the new TE12 members? Team Easyboot 2012 Members
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.
It's March and it's all about the luxurious new Easyboot Glove Back Country. Much of this month's newsletter is dedicated to the details of the latest addition to the EasyCare hoof boot lineup.
Garrett Ford offers a sneak peak at the latest collaboration in the EasyCare stable. Prepare to be excited.
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