Page 2 - Natural Horse Products

The Horse That Wasn't Allowed To Race

Thursday, August 18, 2011 by Garrett Ford

A Horse Named Clunk

Racetrack Intrigue
I've always been a bit intrigued by the racetrack industry and the mystique that surrounds the horses, trainers, owners and conditioning process. The stories of horses like Man O'War, Seabiscuit, Secretariat, Seattle Slew and Big Brown fueled my interest and the draw to someday own a racehorse.

Shoe or Boot?
EasyCare hoof boots have been used in just about every equine sport, but have yet to make an impact in flat track racing. Until recently, hoof boots have been much too heavy and bulky to allow a race horse to be competitive. When the Easyboot Glue-On was developed, it started my curiosity about campaigning an Arabian track horse in a modified version of the Easyboot Glue-On shoe.

Why Bother?
Life on the race track presents challenges to the equine hoof. Many track horses have challenges with brittle walls, tender feet, lack of support, and contracted heels from continuous shoeing. Track horses that rip off a shoe and lose hoof wall also have a difficult time holding shoes and as a result miss conditioning and races. Track horses are subjected to pounding workouts and as a result are prone to injury. It is for these reasons I believe the sport could benefit from a more supportive shoe.

Imagine: The Easyboot Race

The Easyboot Race will allow the hoof to expand and contract as nature intended.
The Easyboot Race will provide support and comfort for quarter cracks.
The Easyboot Race will allow farriers and trainers another tool for problem feet that will not hold nails.
The Easyboot Race will allow farriers and trainers an option that flexes and absorbs concussion to extend the horse's health and longevity.
The Easyboot Race can be trimmed and modified to suit a specific horse, track or surface.
The Easyboot Race will be less likely to hurt horses, jockeys or spectators if they do come off.
The Easyboot Race will allow trainers to train the horses harder and on less than perfect surface conditions.
The Easyboot Race will bring the track an affordable glue-on solution.

I probably heard my college football coach utter the phrase "speed kills" a hundred times. Size, strength and athletic ability nearly always fail when confronted with speed. We often entered a game as the bigger and strong team, but left the field beaten badly by a team with more speed.

The term "speed kills" is very relevant to the horse, shoes and the hoof boot world. Getting shoes and hoof boots to work for a leisurely trail ride at a walk is comparatively easy. As speed is added, shoes and hoof boots are put under a great deal of stress and torque. The race track is the ultimate equine speed sport and the next arena for Easycare product testing. Participation in the race track industry will make our products lighter and sleeker, allowing us to perfect the product line for all equine disciplines.

I've tried unsuccessfully to convince race track trainers and race track owners to use hoof boots for flat track training. I wasn't convinced they were right. I thought a custom designed racing shoe/boot would give horses that run at speed a comfort advantage and extended longevity. Rather than continue to wonder, I decided to purchase a racetrack Arabian. My plan was to pull the aluminum racing plates, improve the trim on his feet, condition him a bit in the Colorado hills and then take him back and race him in the new Easyboot Race shoes.

Clunk was purchased for the experiment. He's a well breed Arab gelding that I knew I could later use for endurance. I wanted a horse that was currently running and one that I could take back to the track in a short period with the change to Easyboot Race shoes.

Clunk's front feet before pulling shoes. Long in the toe, long hoof capsule. Contracted in the heel.

Front feet up close.

I removed the aluminum plates before I turned Clunk out.

Modifying the Easyboot tread to mimic an aluminum racing plate: first prototype.

Weights of the aluminum race plates and the modified Easyboot Race shoe were taken after the Race shoes were modified. The average weight of the aluminum plate was 9.5 ounces. There were variances of + .1 ounces and - .1 ounces. These shoes had 1 race on them, on a soft racing surface, and exhibited little to no wear and tear. They were removed within three hours of finishing the race.

The average weight of the reconfigured EasyCare Race shoe was 6.5 ounces. After adding the appropriate amount of glue for proper adhesion, the final weight was 9.55 ounces. The variance was + or - .15 ounces.

Clunk in endurance tack and Easyboot Gloves. I did roughly two weeks of conditioning with him in the Colorado mountains after we purchased the horse.

Clunk after hill repeats carrying 225 lbs.

During this process, we had been working with the stewards (race officials) at the Arapahoe Park Race Track in Aurora, Colorado. We discussed with them new Easyboot Race shoe and the prospect of racing Clunk in the new design on August 7th, 2011. The stewards were initially very receptive to the design and thought it could be beneficial for many reasons. They didn't see any problems with the shoe and asked to see Clunk do an official workout the week before the August 7th race.

Steve Kulinski and I fit Clunk with Easyboot Race shoes before the event.

Clunk's Easyboot Race shoes installed and ready to go. A very thin upper flange is used to glue the shoes to the hoof.

To Race, or Not To Race?
Clunk's race shoes were applied Tuesday August 2, 2011, in anticipation of the workout in front of stewards on Wednesday August 3rd. Clunk did a flawless workout in front of the stewards, track vet and several jockeys. The jockey was very impressed and said the horse felt more confident and stable. The track vet had no objections and saw many benefits that could help track horses.

The stewards, however, subsequently changed their opinion, informing us that Clunk would not be able to race on August 7th if he wore the Easyboot Glue-On Race Shoes. They were unable to give a reason or cite a rule in support of their decision.

On Friday August 5th, we filed a formal appeal and asked the stewards and director for a reason and rule that would not allow Clunk to race in the new EasyCare hoof wear. The director responded with a written response and that our new shoe went against rule number 7.608:

"7.608 - Bar plates may be used only with the consent of the Division Veterinarian. The commission may limit the height of toe grabs for any breed at a live race meet. Toe grabs with a height greater than the maximum set by the commission, bends, jar caulks, stickers and any other traction device worn on the front hooves of horses while racing or training on all surfaces, are prohibited. The horse shall be scratched and the trainer may be subject to fine for any violation of this rule. We thought about removing Clunk's Easyboot Race shoes and allowing him to race in aluminum plates but decided to scratch him and stick to what we set out to accomplish. We quickly finished a new mold that was exactly the same shape of the aluminum plate removed from Clunk's hoof after he was purchased."

The Easyboot Race bottom surface mimics an aluminum plate but is made of urethane. Patent applications are complete. The photo above shows the finished Easyboot Race straight out of the mold: the exact pattern of the aluminum racing plate but molded in urethane.

Barrier After Barrier
Although Clunk was not allowed to race on August 7th, he remained entered in the August 21st Milemaker's Classic race. We believed that we could modify the Easyboot Race to be an exact copy of an aluminum plate and the stewards could not say it violated rule 7.608. We continued to press forward and quickly finished a new Easyboot Race mold. During the mold process we presented photos and drawings to the Arapahoe Park race director, Don Burmania, and the racing stewards.

To our disbelief, Don and the stewards said the new racing plate still violated the 7.608 rule as it was a "Traction Device" and they would not allow Clunk to race in the new design despite the fact it was an exact copy of an aluminum plate. On Wednesday August 17th, Don Burmania informed us via e-mail the following:

"please be aware that we will be unable to provide you with suggested changes to the product to get it to conform to Commission rules. No matter what changes you suggest, it will not change the fact that the device is a traction device prohibited under the Rule 7.608. "

Looking at Don's written response, I’m especially confused that he and the stewards are unable to provide guidance and suggestions that would allow our shoe device to conform to the Commission rules. And in the next sentence, Don states that regardless of the changes we make, it will not change the fact that the device is a traction device prohibited under Rule 7.608. Confusing and frustrating. If Don is able to make that statement, there are obviously some areas of the shoe that Don believes are a traction device. Until EasyCare knows the portions of our shoe that Don and stewards believe don’t conform to commission rules, Don is correct stating that we will be unable to make changes. It will be difficult to make changes if we don’t know what to change and what elements of our shoe violate a rule.

We can make many changes: we just need to know what is allowed and what isn't. Here are some examples.

The Easyboot Race sole with center and glue-on walls removed next to an aluminum plate. Does this design violate the traction rule? Shoes can be made of urethane and colored black?

Easyboot Race with center pad next to an aluminum plate. Does this design violate the traction rule? Shoes can be made of urethane, colored black and be used with pads?

Easyboot Race with glue-on cuff next to an aluminum plate. Does this design violate the traction rule? Shoes can be made of urethane, colored black and glued-on with a cuff or clips?

Easyboot Race prefered

Easyboot Race with center pad and glue-on cuff next to an aluminum plate. Does this design violate the traction rule? Shoes can be made of urethane, colored black and glued-on with a cuff or clips?

Easyboot Race all options

All the options available with the Easyboot Race pictured next to an aluminum plate that conforms to the traction rule.

I have to say it's been a frustrating process. It's hard to see horses being shipped off to slaughter when we are fighting to race a horse in a product that we believe will help prolong the racing careers of thousands of horses. It's difficult to see state employees that are paid with tax dollars make arbitrary and capricious decisions. Polyurethane glue-on racing shoes are already out there and being used by some of the best horses and trainers in the sport. Big Brown ran to victory in the 134th Kentucky Derby wearing glued-on poly-flex shoes.

I hope to pull some of the horses with foot issues off the slaughter wagons at various tracks and fit them in the new Easyboot Race shoes. I would like nothing more than to show the racing public that a horse heading for a processing plant in Mexico was saved and winning races in Easyboot Race shoes.

We believe in rules and intend to follow the rules. On the other hand it's hard to follow rules when state officials can't explain what portion of a rule is being broken. We will continue to fight and believe the Arapahoe Park officials have made the wrong decisions.

Do you believe the track industry could benefit from alternative hoof wear and more urethane shoe options? Do you have a horse that would be a candidate for the new Easyboot Race shoe? We would love to hear your thoughts and feedback.

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.

EasyBoot Trails Approved!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011 by Team Easyboot

Submitted by Tennessee Mahoney, Team Easyboot 2011 Member

This past weekend, Sean and I headed to Pingree Park and 12 miles up and back the steep and rocky Flowers Trail to find the old B52 Bomber that crashed up there during WWII. My husband, Sean, a pleasure rider by nature, rode his 17 hand quarab gelding “Rocky Top,” dawning his 60lb saddle with a 30 pack of Coors Light distributed evenly on each side in his saddle bags. It was their first adventure in the new Easyboot Trails. Being the endurance rider that I am, I had “Gloves” on my horse’s feet, who had already put about 20 training miles on that week.

Sean was skeptical about the Trails, when his size 4s arrived, he said they were just too clunky-looking to be any good. Sean is very familiar with high performance booting and has seen a lot of boot blowouts, having crewed for me in endurance for years, I tend to push boots to the max. But Sean and Rocky go on more relaxed rides, they still do all the crazy, technical, challenging terrain that our rough home states (Colorado and New Mexico) present, but they cover the ground a bit slower (don’t want to shake up the beer,) and they cover a little less of it (don’t want to end up with warm beer.) Nonetheless, we always end up trotting several miles and cantering a few too, one can’t resist.

The Trails were ridiculously easy to put on, making Sean even more skeptical, especially since I had slacked off on Rocky’s trimming schedule, and he was overdue for a trim. I was so relieved that I didn’t have to throw my back out doing a last minute trim, the boots went right on and we could get on with our ride.

The weather was perfect, classic Colorado; lush creek bottoms lined by aspen and climbing into lodgepole pine and craggy snow-capped peaks. The trail was steep, all crushed granite, with some boggy crossings thanks to the cattle. On the way back, in classic Colorado fashion, the wind suddenly picked up, the temperature dropped 10 degrees, and a rumbling black cloud came over the peak headed straight for us. So we headed back at an ambitious pace, especially considering the terrain.

I was proud of Rocky and Sean, he kept right up with the now-endurance-style-pace I was setting, I wasn’t stoked about the idea of getting pelted by hail in my tank top. But as the saying goes here, “if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes!” After a couple miles of trail blasting to escape the cloud of doom, it turned east, and we were back to a relaxed walk, swatting mosquitoes and soaking up the sun, the beer wasn’t harmed.

We were both very impressed by the Trails, they worked perfectly, weren’t clunky at all. Did everything they were supposed to do and, even though we hadn’t used them before and we did a tough 12 miler, Rocky didn’t have any rubs. He cruised right along in them like they were Gloves, but even better because they slipped right on a due-to-be-trimmed-hoof. That alone makes these boots a perfect match for a pleasure rider; just get out and ride!

Sean loved them and said he would be using them during hunting season and on the upcoming “guys ride.” I am sold on the new product, and I’m going to buy Easyboot Trails for my parents’ horses asap.

Thank you EasyCare for creating such an “Easy” boot for pleasure riders, I highly recommend them!

Problem Solving Horse Clinics

Monday, August 1, 2011 by EasyCare Customer Service Team

A series of natural horse training clinics will be held in Southern Arizona to help raise money for the total care of horses that have been displaced by the recent horrific fires that Southern Arizona has endured. These events are being sponsored by Clay Harper and the Southern Arizona Horse Expo, LLC.

The clinics will address several challenges and their solutions, presented by several trainers who are giving their time and treasures to benefit this great cause. Among the lineup is Jamie Drizin, Austin Mayfield, Thomas Clover, Darcie Litwicki and of course, Clay Harper. This is a good opportunity to meet them in person and see them in action.

I attended the clinic held at the Lucky Pup Ranch near Benson, Arizona on July 23rd. What a great place and perfect setting for all we were going to experience.

I not only wanted to do my part with donations for the cause, but wanted to see these trainers up close and fill my brain with more natural horse care knowledge. That I did indeed! Each trainer worked with a horse with a different issue from the rest, so that made it really informative. We even had some real horse action, so everything was real time: no stopping of the camera to cut out the parts that actually do happen.

There was a silent auction with horsey items that had been donated by several individuals to make it fun. There was good food, and new and old horse friends were in attendance.

There are several more clinics scheduled within the next few months, so don't miss out on some of the awesome local talent we have here in Arizona. You can come as an auditor or bring your problem horse and really get your money's worth to get the help you may need to strengthen your relationship with your horse.

Some of the upcoming clinics will be held at Heart of Tucson Rescue, Hacienda Del Sol Ranch in Tucson, 77 Arena in Oracle and the newly remodeled 3C Ranch in Oracle for the finale in this series. Come and see what our local trainers have to offer in finding that solution for you and your horse. And to boot, you will be donating your dollars for those equines in need.

Contact Clay and Jacquie Harper at 520-531-1162 for all information and dates for the upcoming events.

Nancy Fredrick

EasyCare Office Manager

As the office manager, I make sure the general operations of the organization run smoothly and seamlessly from A to Z. I have been on the EasyCare team since 2001 and have first hand product knowledge as my horses are barefoot and booted.

Barefoot Trimming Clinic in North Queensland, Australia

Sunday, June 26, 2011 by Team Easyboot

Submitted by Sue McCarthy, Team Easyboot 2011 Member

On Monday June 13, 2011 a barefoot trimming clinic was held in Cairns, North Queensland, Australia. The clinic was put on by Andrew Bowe from barehoofcare.com. Andrew travelled from Melbourne (3,120km) to do this clinic. We had 16 participants, which was a full house.

In the morning, Andrew taught us how the horse had evolved from into the animal it is today, how and why he believed horse shoes were introduced, how hoof care has changed, where we are at today with natural hoof Trimming and natural horse care.

We then learned about the function and dynamics of the hoof with the powerpoint presentation and Andrews talk being backed up with over a dozen freeze dried cadaver hooves to look at and study.

Andrew then gave us guidelines on how to perform a barefoot trim and were each given a cadaver to trim. Some found the cadaver confronting, others had trouble getting the leg into a position that they could trim it. Everyone found it very informative as Andrew checked everyone's work several times.

After lunch we were set free to put our new found skills to work on our own horses. Andrew continually supervised, gave advice, jumped in where required and at the end of the day we had a bunch of freshly trimmed horses and lots of people with big smiles.

To end the day, we all gathered around while Andrew talked about hoof boots, hoof pads etc. He had a good display of Easycare products. In fact, that was the only brand he had and was very supportive of the new Easyboot Trail for ease of use and user-friendliness.

It was great workshop and a fabulous way to introduce people to the world of barefooting and booting.

Easyboot Trail and Gaited Horses

Saturday, June 25, 2011 by EasyCare Customer Service Team

Do you ride a gaited horse? Have you been wondering how the new Easyboot Trail will work for your horse? Here is a first hand testament from an Easyboot Trail boot user.

There are many gaited horse breeds out there and this one is a Paso. The Paso Fino executes a natural evenly spaced four beat lateral ambling gait, similar to many gaited horses. Both the Colombian and the Puerto Rican strains of the Paso Fino execute the lateral gait naturally, without the aid of training devices.

The Paso Fino's gaits are performed at varied levels of extension in stride. All four hooves travel close to the ground while in motion and are lifted equally in height as the horse covers ground. At whatever speed the horse travels, the smoothness of the gait ideally allows the rider to appear motionless with little up and down movement.

Linda Layman recently wrote to me:

I tried my new Trail Boots Saturday, and my Paso, who wouldn't gait in Boas, or Epics, or Renegades, gaits like the wind in his new Trails. I thank you and my back thanks you, and Ninja would thank you, too, if he could talk.

We rode for 2 hours up hills and down dales in Georgia clay, dust and gravel, and rocks, and they stayed on even when he took a few (don't tell anybody) canter steps with his friends.

Funny, I've spent a fortune on boots, and the least expensive ones worked best. At least the options are out there, thanks to you.

Linda Layman, Georgia

Thank you Linda for giving us some feedback on your experience with our newest boot style, the Easyboot Trail.

Do you ride a gaited horse? Which boots have you found to work best for your horse? Submit a photo with a story and we'll send you a hoof pick.

Happy Trails!

Nancy Fredrick

EasyCare Office Manager

Boots Not Bombs

Monday, June 20, 2011 by Garrett Ford

I just discovered something very interesting about the founder and inventor of the Easyboot. Dr Glass spent his working hours at the United States Atomic Energy Commission. His first patent for a High Current Coaxial Photomultiplier Tube was assigned to the United States of America.

A family horse took Neel's attention away form atoms, photomultiplier tubes and top secret clearances to hoof care on a navicular horse. The change took Dr. Glass from assigning patents to the United States of America to inventing the first production hoof boot. Neel quickly formed a corporation and went on to assign his first horse boot patent to Les-Kare. Les- Kare was named after his daughters Leslie and Karen.

Dr. Glass questioned the use of metal on hooves after studying the mechanics and physics of the hoof. When corrective shoeing failed to give relief to his daughter's navicular horse he became motivated to invent a shoeing alternative, and the Easyboot was born.

Over 40 years later, his invention has evolved into the leading alternative to traditional metal horse shoes. The Easyboot has become a key component in the fast-growing natural hoof care movement, and ultimately helps our beloved equine friends the world over live healthier, happier lives.

In addition to his impressive achievements in the equine field, Dr. Glass made noteworthy contributions to the scientific world. He was a nuclear physicist who spent his career at Los Alamos Laboratories in New Mexico. He was a lead designer for nuclear testing and originated techniques now in widespread use for nuclear calculations. He was twice honored with the Department of Energy Award of Excellence and was recognized as a Laboratory Fellow in 1986.

Dr. Glass was high school dropout and a brilliant man who loved to solve problems. Thank you Neel Glass for the contributions to the world.

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.

Easyboot Trail: Feedback from the Field

Friday, June 10, 2011 by Debbie Schwiebert

The Easyboot Trail continues to impress natural hoof care practitioners. Sally Hugg of Oroville, CA, dropped me this quick note and shared some nice shots of her rescue horse, Easy.

"Hi Debbie! I wanted to tell how much I like the new Easyboot Trail hoof boots. What a wonderful product! I bought them to use as a turnout boot on our big TB gelding, Slow N Easy.

Easy is a racetrack rescue with bone loss in both front coffin bones due to years of pounding on the track. His feet have come a long way in the year since he was rescued, but they need protection. I needed a hoof boot that was breathable and would stay on during his pasture romps with our other horses. Easy is 1,300 lbs of pure race horse power and those guys really play hard, so it had to stay on and not rub.

The first time I turned Easy out in his Trails I held my breath and watched as he flew around the pasture. Running and bucking uphill and downhill, not a single mishap and the boots stayed on. They have continued to perform flawlessly.

I am impressed with how lightweight and simple this boot is to use and they look so nice on my big chestnut horse. The Trail is a winner!"

Thank you Sally for your feedback. Sally Hugg is a natural hoof care practitioner, founder of California Trace mineral supplement and founding member and mentor of the Pacific Hoof Care Practitioners. Sally also gives clinics around the country educating horse owners on equine nutrition.

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.

The Bootmeister Invites You to an Upcoming Hoof Care Clinic

Wednesday, May 11, 2011 by Christoph Schork

A one day hoof care clinic will be organized and conducted by Global Endurance Training Center and the Bootmeister. This event will be in timely proximity to the Owyhee Fandango Pioneer Ride, a 3 day ride, a first class endurance event in Oreana, Idaho, on May 27th, 28th and 29th. A long time favorite for riders from all over the world, this is an event you do not want to miss. Besides the 3 Day Pioneer ride, the event will also feature a 80 and 100 mile ride.

Christoph Schork at a recent Huf Coach Clinic in Germany.

The Hoof Care Clinic will take place Wednesday, May 25th, in Eagle, Idaho, very close to the Fandango ride and this presents an unique opportunity to attend both events in the same trip, a big consideration during this time of ever rising fuel prices.

This clinic will cover in detail the anatomy of the horses lower limbs and discuss various hoof trimming techniques.

Global Endurance Training Center Presents:

Hoof care options for the competitive endurance horse

Presentation, Discussion & Demonstration

When: Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

9 am – 5 pm

Where: ONCE UPON A HORSE ARENA

2880 N Eagle Rd
Eagle, Id 83616

(Eagle Exit on I-84, 2 miles north of Eagle at corner of Eagle Rd and Beacon Light Rd)

Tel: 208 939 0785

Participation Fee: $ 200.00 if paid before May 18th ( $ 225.00 after deadline)

Program:

9 am – 10 am: Functional Anatomy of the Equine limb
10 am -11 am: Limb and Hoof Biomechanics

11 am – 12 am: Conformation and Hoof capsule distortion
12 am – 1 pm: Lunch ( lunch will be provided) During lunch, opportunity for Q&A

1 pm – 3 pm: Practical session with live horses: Conformation analysis, hoof care and trimming

3 pm – 5 pm: Choices of hoof protection and application

Clinicians:

Christoph Schork, Hoof Care Provider, Farrier and rider; Global Endurance Training Center, Moab Utah
20 year experience as farrier, hoof care specialist, bare foot trimmer
10 year experience as clinician in hoof care and horse training in the Americas, Australia and Europe
25 year experience as horse trainer, endurance rider, national and international competitor(1st place in 2007 Quilty Gold Cup, PANAM, WEG rider)
With partner Dian Woodward: combined completion mileage of over 35,000 miles and combined 1st place finishes of over 230

Olin Balch, DVM, MS, PhD, North Fork Veterinary Service, Cascade, Idaho
Participant in endurance riding (vetting/judging, riding) and ride-in-tie events since 1980
Resident farrier for the Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine from 1976 to 1980 and from 1986 –1991
PhD. Degree in Equine Locomotion and Biomechanics; PhD. Dissertation: Effects of alterations in hoof angle, mediolateral balance, and toe length on kinetic and temporal parameters of horses walking, trotting, and cantering on a high-speed treadmill
One of 38 veterinarians selected world-wide since 1997 to the International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame that recognizes veterinarians who have contributed to the knowledge and recognition of proper hoof care for horses
51 national and international presentations and 34 refereed scientific papers and proceedings on shoeing, hoof balance, and lameness issues

Sign up at:

Global Endurance Training Center
4381 Heather Lane
Moab, Ut. 84532

Tel: 435 719 4033
Cell: 435 260 1494

Email: info@globalendurance.com
www.globalendurance.com

Conformation and hoof growth, how do they relate to each other? Just one of the topics we will cover during this educational opportunity.

During this clinic, we will also discuss and demonstrate natural hoof trimming, barefoot trimming, natural hoof care, horse shoes, protective horse boot application and other hoof care products.

Participants are welcome to bring their own horses for hoof evaluation and trimming suggestions.

Vettec, Inc has been a long time sponsor and contributor to GETC hoof care clinics and the Fandango rides. Without the Vettec Glue on Products, many new hoof protection products and protective horse boots could not even get applied. Vettec is sponsoring a Wine and Cheese party on Friday evening at the Fandango ride. All clinic participants are invited to join us there.

Vettec also donated some raffle items, which will be given away to clinic participants. These include Vettec products like Adhere, Equipak and an application gun. We appreciate Vettec's support for continuous education and the welfare of our equine friends.

Following the educational clinic in Eagle, Christoph will be available during the Fandango ride in Oreana for a free Q&A session each day of the event from 4 pm to 5 pm. You may bring your horse for a hoof evaluation and suggestions for hoof care.

This is a great opportunity to learn, ride and have fun with like-minded riders, trainers, farriers and hoof care practitioners. Don't be left out!

See you in Eagle.

Your Bootmeister

The Widest Part of the Foot

Tuesday, May 10, 2011 by Kevin Myers

Notes from a Clinic Hosted by Gene Ovnicek
You’ve no doubt heard of Natural Balance shoeing? Gene Ovnicek holds the patent for the system, and he was in Scottsdale, Arizona last weekend. He was talking about the findings from the latest study by the Equine Lameness Prevention Organization.

He presented data from a case study using over 150 horses.

He talked in some detail about the unified goal of all farriers and trimmers to trim the hoof in balance. The point of disagreement, he suggests, is whether or not hoof capsule distortions are properly taken into account when assessing a balanced trim. In other words, the industry falls short because it is mistakenly using external reference points to assess balance, when it should actually be using internal reference points.

The study data suggests:

90% of lameness is attributable to the occurrence of a greater distance forward of widest part of hoof rather than behind it.
If the apex of the frog is long and skinny; the whole sole is forward, giving a false reading of the true apex of the frog.
The greater distance forward of the widest part of the hoof; the greater the degree of lameness.
The majority of lameness cases are found in base-narrow or pigeon-toed horses.
Most lameness cases are found in hooves that are the high on lateral side. Retained sole can give a false reading of sole plane and cause the trim to be unbalanced, even though it appears balanced to the eye.

Challenging Historical Hoof Care Best Practices
Gene suggests commonly accepted practices may not make for a sound horse. His list of theories to challenge is as follows:

The hoof wall should bear the weight.
The frog is not needed for support.
The bigger the foot, the better: a shoe that is bigger than the hoof adds stress to joints, and soft tissue. As well as a trim that leaves to much excess wall
Don’t rasp off the outer hoof wall.
Outer Hoof wall and P3 (coffin bone) should maintain equal, parallel angles.
Pairs of feet should match.
Medial and lateral balance should be determined by using a t-square.

Using the Wild Horse Card
Findings of studies on wild horses suggest that the hoof wall, sole and toe all share weight at the pillars.

In domestic horse husbandry, everything is different than horses in the wild:

Housing
Environment
Exercise/activity
Nutrition/diet
Hoof care

Stalled horses, says Gene, develop thin soles and suffer from under-developed support at the digital cushion and lateral cartilages.

Another Wild Horse Card
Looking further into wild horses as a basis for determining a healthy hoof, Gene observes the following:

Horses are biologically designed to have a lot of activity – 20 miles a day.
The hoof is created by its environment.
The hoof wall is often removed away completely, leaving the horse standing on the sole for most feral horses.

Most domestic barefoot horses, he says, still need some wall – equal with sole - to share weight. They simply do not have the integrity of internal structures of a feral horse hoof.

P3 is lower; the sole is thinner.

P3 is higher; the sole is thicker.

Interestingly, Gene’s study found that the more the flare and lameness, the more displacement of P3 (the coffin bone) into the hoof. And the more displacement of P3, the thinner the sole. He found feral horses that have short hoof capsules and the articulating joint of P3 in line with the hairline actually have very thick soles. And while many domestic horses have long hoof capsules, P3 has dropped down into the hoof and they have very thin soles.

Functional Medial/Lateral balance and Sole Thickness
The study shows sole thickness is very uniform for each horse. Trimming to a live sole plain will give a balanced medial/lateral trim. Simply sighting the hoof can be deceptive: assessing sole thickness and balance is a much more accurate way of determining balance.

A horse’s conformation must be taken into consideration when looking at hooves. A horse that is over at the knee, for instance, may need less toe to allow the check ligament system to function optimally.

Dynamic Balance
Trimming to a dynamic balance will limit strain and compression on joints, tendons and ligaments. Imagine a frisbee attached to your foot and the resulting extra movement needed to create break-over or break-over while turning. If horse can land heel first, the frog plays an important role in maintaining coffin bone balance. As the heel strikes, the frog compresses the digital cushion, lateral cartilage supports at the base and expands at the top, creating a hydraulic system of bracing and balancing the coffin bone.

Conversely, a toe-first landing pulls on the impar ligament and navicular bone. P2 breaks back into ligaments rather than rolling forward.

The Check Ligament
Gene also presented an interesting theory on check ligaments. These ligaments, he says, cause the leg to snap up just before the forward movement of the limb. The forward extension of the leg relies on the bulky muscles higher in the leg. This spring action in ligaments moves the bones, causing forward motion. Extra toe causes more strain and stretch of check ligaments before break-over, pulling them too tight and causing excessive wear.

Signing Off
If you're interested enough to learn more, look at Gene's step-by-step hoof mapping protocol. It's fascinating stuff.

Does your horse have too much toe?

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.

The "Change Button" At EasyCare

Tuesday, May 3, 2011 by Garrett Ford

"When the rate of change outside the company exceeds the rate of change inside the company, the end is near." Jack Welch, former chairman & CEO of General Electric.

Neel Glass invented a product that has helped change hoof care. When the farrier-prescribed shoes didn't help his daughter's horse with navicular syndrome, Neel pulled the shoes and decided to change the approach. Forty years later, Neel's concept continues to give horse owners another viable hoof care solution.

What change button would you like to push?

Neel Glass embraced change But by nature, some people like change and some don't. I believe the people that are optimistic about life embrace change. They believe that change will bring something better. For those that live in the "life will get worse" world, change is hard because the expectation is things will get worse.

In the world of hoof boots it's all about change. Horse boots are a change from traditional hoof protection methods and they are rapidly being embraced for lost shoe protection, laminitic and founder rehab, total hoof protection and many types of medicinal uses. Without change, I wouldn't be here to write this and your horse wouldn't have an option.

Easyboot Trail hoof boots sell out many sizes in the first week. Australia, Canada, USA and Europe have huge success with the Easyboot Trail launch.

The Easyboot Trail was launched by EasyCare in April 2011. The Trail is a change of direction for EasyCare and a renewed focus on trail and pleasure riders. Many of our past hoof boot designs have been targeted to the competitive long distance sports of endurance and competitive trail. Although we will continue in that market segment, you will notice more attention given to non-competitive trail riders who are looking for an easy-to-apply boot at a competitive price point.

We are hard at work in several areas and 2012, we will bring more change. Some of our less popular hoof boot models will be phased out and our more popular boots will be improved and enhanced. The Easyboot Epic will be one focus area of 2012. The Epic has been one of our most successful hoof boots in our line-up and it's time for the boot to go to the next level. Buckle changes, tread changes and gaiter pattern changes are a few of the many upgrades that will be introduced sometime in 2012.

What change would you like EasyCare to focus on in the future?

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.

Dealer of the Month: Randy Hensley

Tuesday, May 3, 2011 by Dealer of the Month

Randy grew up with horses: he used to team rope and was a rodeo pickup man. He now lives with his wife and two sons on a farm in small-town Iowa. They like to trail ride when time permits: he enjoys the time spent with family and being outdoors. He works full-time trimming, rehabilitating hooves and conducting clinics. He and his wife boot their horses if needed when riding in an environment they are not used to.

When someone calls him for the first time, he asks a lot of questions. “I want to get some history on the horse if possible: what the living conditions are; what the diet is; what the horse is, or was used for; how much it is ridden, and in what situation. I explain my thoughts on hoof care and what is involved to get a healthier hoof. A change in diet, living conditions (environment), and hoof protection will all be looked at.”

Like many of his peers, Randy believes the hoof boot industry has changed tremendously. “When I first started in the farrier business,” he says, “a hoof boot was a spare tire in case you broke down. As boots have evolved, they now are a very good option for hoof protection. Even the changes since I switched from shoeing to barefoot have been quite a lot in a few years.” When he made the switch, he did a lot of rehabilitations with Epics that still had teeth. “I modified this in most every boot that I fit so that it would not get into the hoof wall. The pad selection was not where it is today either: I did a lot of making pads out of what ever I thought would work. Then came comfort pads and now there is a wide selection.”

Randy attributes his success to the many people he has met in the time he has been a farrier and now a hoof care practitioner. “There are far too many to people to mention, but I want to thank them all. I would not be where I am today if it were not for the help and education that those individuals have given me.”

He has been carrying EasyCare products since 2006. He stocks Epics, Old Macs, Rx, Gloves, Glue-Ons and pads in his vehicle. The boots he uses the most and his favorite EasyCare boots are the Gloves and Glue-Ons. He uses the RX boots for his rehab cases.

Randy was a traditional farrier for several years. He made the switch to barefoot after a couple of clients began working on him to start trimming their horses that way. “I was very skeptical at first. I began to realize I had a lot to learn; I changed my style of trimming and way of thinking. I began applying natural hoof care to the problem feet that I had. The improvements were amazing; the founder and navicular cases I had been struggling with were improving. As time went on, I changed my business to trimming and rehabilitation, no longer using steel shoes for hoof protection.”

When asked what he sees in the future of barefoot, he says “My hope is that I will see the day when barefoot is normal for all horses.”

For more information on Randy Hensley visit his website at http://www.naturalequinehoof.com/index.htm.

Easyboots in Beautiful British Columbia

Saturday, April 30, 2011 by EasyCare Customer Service Team

Irene Kutos of British Colombia has sent in her favorite picture of her horse wearing the ever popular Easyboot Glove with Power Straps. Irene states, " I've been an avid fan of EasyCare Boots for many years, I've purchased Epics, Edge and RX boots and now have several pairs of Gloves, which have become my favorite boots for ring work and trail riding."

The photo was was taken just after they had completed a two-hour ride straight up and back down a very steep mountain in the pouring rain. The boots performed magnificently. Irene is a strong believer in natural barefoot trimming and in EasyCare's product. Thank you Irene for sharing with us.

Do you have a story you would like to share with us? We would love to hear from you.

Marcie Mendoza

Customer Service

You will find me at the front desk if you visit the EasyCare corporate headquarters. I am in charge of the web orders and I manage the Hoof Boot Upgrade program which offers discount pricing on boots.

The Easyboot Rx and Tex

Monday, April 25, 2011 by EasyCare Customer Service Team

The first time that I heard from Renee was a very desperate phone call saying that her horse, Tex, had foundered and needed some Easyboot Rx boots. She needed help with sizing and when we finished with her order, we talked further about shod versus barefoot and natural hoof care. We also talked about barefoot trimming versus a trim done by a farrier and how very different natural hoof trimming can be. I then emailed Renee with a link to Dr. Teskey's article "Breaking Traditions" and told her that I had run like crazy and gotten her order out that same afternoon. I heard back from Renee almost immediately.

"You are the best! Thank you so much for all of your help. I can't wait to get the boots and try them on. I just want to make my poor boy more comfortable and get him through this. The Vet did the xrays today and there is no rotation so I am a very, very happy lady. That really made my day. I will definitely do more research on the possibility of transitioning him to barefoot. I have been interested in this for a very long time. Thanks again for all of your help."

I heard from Renee a few days later. "I just wanted to send you a quick note thanking you for all of your help. You helped me choose the right size boots. I would have ordered a size too small if I did it on my own. They fit my horse very well and I have room for the 12mm hoof pads if I want to use them."

"I have never used boots in 30 years of owning horses and they are so simple to use. My horse foundered on March 9th and since then I've been packing and padding because his feet are still quite tender. My vet and I put the Easyboot Rx boots with the 6mm hoof pads on him yesterday and he walked off like nothing had happened."

"He is still on stall rest with only 5 minutes a day of hand walking. We can go up and down the hill once a day to check his comfort levels. However, if everything works out, by next week we can start with one half hour turn outs in the round pen. I can't thank you enough for all of your help."

I then asked if she would tell her story in my blog. I teased her and told her that we would make her and Tex famous. This is her response: "I am not looking to get famous. If something works, people need to know about it! With today's economy, you simply can't afford to waste money on something that doesn't work. It is nice to spend money on something that does exactly what it says it is going to do for a change."

"I took Tex for his five minute walk last night and he was so bouncy and happy and just so darn comfortable in those boots. It was amazing! I just got off the phone with the Vet and she is thrilled that the Rx boots are working out so well AND since he is so comforable, we can add a lap around the riding ring tonight. I am so thrilled with these boots. Again, I can't thank you guys enough for such a great product."

I heard from Renee today. "Tex and I had a GREAT weekend. I turned him out for the first time today in our little round pen. He rolled twice, then got up with a buck and a kick and a squeal. Then jogged around the ring! He moved perfect and he was as happy as could be. It is amazing how comfortable he is in his Easyboot Rx's. We both love them!

"Tex is my 16 year old Paso Fino and the love of my life!"

Let our Customer Service Department get your horse into the correct protective horse boots by EasyCare and get him/her comfortable and happy!

Dee Hoime

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!

From Garrett's Desk: Hi-Tech Natural Horse Care

Wednesday, April 6, 2011 by Garrett Ford

Like it or not, humans changed the lives of horses when we domesticated them and fenced them in. As the fences and enclosures get smaller, horses have a tougher time and live further from the ideal life nature intended for them. They are intended to work for forage and nibble all day as they search for food. Horses are intended to live with others, socialize and covering long distances for food and water.

HoofGroove and EasyCare visit a high tech natural boarding facility.

I recently visited a horse boarding facility in Switzerland that uses technology to combat some of the challenges horses have with domestication. The facility addresses several challenges that face most domesticated horses.

1. Lack of movement.
2. Adjusting nutrition and calories for horses of different breeds, weights and activity levels.
3. Boredom and the loss of a herd structure.
4. Spreading meals thought the day rather than two big meals.
5. Poor footing and lack of hoof function.

The boarding facility was 15 minutes outside Zurich, Switzerland, and was situated on roughly four acres of land. The 20 horses were housed on roughly two acres. All 20 horses lived together as a herd. All horses were barefoot. Most all used hoof boots for riding.

The facility revolved around the Schauer Feeding and access control system and is designed to combat many of the challenges mentioned above. Each horse is fitted with a microchip collar that monitors movement and gives the horse access to grain, supplements or forage based on activity level, weight or breed.

The video below shows a horse entering the grain area after access was granted with the microchip collar. Because the horse is a heavier breed and in good weight he was not administered grain. The horse was encouraged to depart after grain was not administered. The heavy horses are then required to walk around the barn to rejoin the herd.

After horses go through the grain station, they are automatically sent different directions based on what they need for calories. Skinny horses are sent into a free choice hay section. Fat horses are sent another way and have to walk around the entire barn to rejoin the herd.

The system is completely controlled by computer. Not only can you adjust how many times each horse is given grain, but you can adjust the quantity of each feeding. Horses that have had their share or don't need grain are allowed into the shoot but no grain is administered. They then have to walk around the barn to try again or rejoin the herd.

The Schauer Computer system shows what each horse has eaten and how many times they enter a station.

The facility was the most impressive use of technology I've seen in the horse industry in a long time. The systems addressed the challenges horses face in domesticated environments and allowed 20 horses to live as a herd on 2 acres. Each horse had a custom diet, each horse received exercise and each horse had the opportunity to live as a herd animal.

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 2011 American Hoof Association Conference

Friday, March 25, 2011 by Debbie Schwiebert

March 9-12 marked the 2nd annual American Hoof Association's Conference held in Auburn, Alabama. The conference hosted several leading authorities on natural horse and hoof care. While the speakers were not only exceptional the attendees themselves encompassed many of the top natural hoof care practitioners from the United States and abroad.

Representing Easycare I had the honor of attending part of the event and what a pleasure it was to be among such a passionate group of professionals. It was great to reconnect with old friends as well as put voices, names and faces together of those I had only previously know through phone conversations. I am pleased to say EasyCare had thirty dealers among the group. Call me warped but being immersed one on one with trimmers and exchanging booting ideas and concepts with so many great practitioners and EasyCare dealers was nothing short of hoof boot bliss!

The first day kicked off with an impressive rain storm but what's a little rain right? The event never missed a beat as we preceded with a full day of live horse assessments with Dr. Kerry Ridgway and mini demos with HoofSolutions, EasyCare and Equicast resulting in a day packed with great information and interaction.

The remainder of the conference was held indoors at the University of Auburn Veterinary School. There attendees heard presentations from Dr. Kerry Ridgway, Dr. Debra Taylor, Dr. Robert Bowker, Sally Hugg and Pat Burton. Lab sessions were held with Dr. Bowker and an anatomy lab session was held with Dr. Debra Taylor and Dr. Ray Wilhite.

EasyCare was warmly received at the event. It was great to be among friends and colleagues. We appreciated the opportunity to be included and look forward to next year's event which is tentatively scheduled to be held in Tucson, AZ; the home of EasyCare! A neat twist to this year's event was that the conference was opened to a limited number of non-members. Details about this opportunity continuing next year will be forthcoming.

The American Hoof Association is a swiftly growing group of accomplished barefoot practitioners. Professionals seeking ways to stay current and maintain a strong network of colleagues should definitely consider AHA membership. The organization has developed opportunities for high quality information exchange among its hoof care professionals providing a network with other colleagues as an avenue to augment skills. The group is a peer reviewed list of exceptional of trimmers who are committed to keeping current with research and product development. These hoof care professionals serve as a resource for the horse community to locate truly competent natural hoof care. The organization works hard to develop educational resources that serve the horse community with horse care knowledge, fact validation and ongoing research. The group also recently announced an exciting new apprentice trimmers program.

Once back in the office I received several calls with additional feedback on booting ideas and things that would help practitioners out in the field. Regardless if you attended the conference or not, if you have ideas or feedback please feel free to email me at dschwiebert@easycareinc.com.

EasyCare is all about helping horses and so are you as a hoof care professional.
Get involved, share your ideas. Help us, help you!

Debbie Schwiebert

Vet Dealer & Hoof Care Practitioner Accounts

Dealer of the Month: Eric Knapp

Thursday, March 3, 2011 by Dealer of the Month

When Eric Knapp gets a new client, he starts by evaluating the needs of horse and rider alike. He enjoys passing on knowledge and ideas to help the horse. He assesses environment, diet, hooves and physical needs.

Eric believes the hoof care industry is in great flux and that as boot technology evolves, therapy horses, pleasure horses and working horses are all able to live their lives more comfortably without shoes. "People are learning that boots can do the job of traditional shoes and that they last longer," says Eric. "My clients are often surprised to find that the boots of today are much easier to use than prior models."

Eric lives in central Illinois with his wife and two children, but his trimming business takes him from Chicago to Missouri and from Indiana to Iowa. After 20 years of driving a semi, he turned his dream job into a reality four years ago and started trimming horses full-time. He is now a member of the American Hoof Association and specializes in the natural trim.

The Knapp family currently owns five horses that they taking out camping and riding throughout the Midwest. When asked about his favorite event, Eric doesn't even hesitate: "Each year I ride with a group of people to the Fort Madison Rodeo in Iowa: the trip is about 115 miles. The first year I went barefoot, but the second year I used Easyboot Glue-Ons with Goober Glue. The boots gave my horse added protection and comfort. In fact all 17 horses on the ride were booted, barefoot and happy."

If you ask Eric what he attributes his success to, he'll tell you it that much of it comes from a good product that is user friendly. "Your boots are easy to put on and simple to modify so it makes my job easier." As an EasyCare dealer, Eric likes to carry Glue-Ons, Gloves, Epics, and Easyboot Rx. He also keeps a supply of comfort pads in all densities and sizes, power straps and spare boot parts. "By far my best selling product is the Easyboot Glove: people like how simple, easy to put on, and durable it is." He prefers the Rx boot for therapy and the Glove as riding boot. For people transitioning their horses from steel to boots, he usually recommends the Epic.

Eric's great success story was a Cushing's horse that had foundered and had a rotated coffin bone when he first met it. He gave him a natural trim and put him in Rx boots with a pair of comfort pads. He cut a hole in the pads where the tip of the Coffin bone was and it gave the horse instant relief. "When I drove up, the horse could barely walk: it was in obvious pain. But by the time I left he was walking considerably better. That's a good feeling to know that you brought some comfort to a horse in pain."

Looking forward, Eric believes the barefoot trim is the healthiest option for a horse. "I believe horse hoof boots are the horseshoe of the 21st century. You can do about anything with a boot that you can do with a horseshoe. The new Glue-Ons and Gloves provide endless options for horse owners."

From Garrett's Desk: International Partnerships & Collaborative Ventures

Wednesday, March 2, 2011 by Garrett Ford

We have built EasyCare on a foundation of partnerships, friendships and relationships developed with our national and international distributors. Over the past 40 years we have developed partnerships that concentrate on hoof boots and natural hoof care. These types of alliances are the most beneficial for everyone involved. Everyone wins when we partner with people who are passionate about hoof care and horses. The majority of our international partners are small companies that eat, sleep and dream about hoof boots. They believe in EasyCare products and they have built successful and sustainable businesses around them.

Brian Mueller and I recently embarked on a European tour to visit with several of our allies. The visit was to say thank you for the friendship and thank you for the business. As well as discussing new developments in hoof boot technology, we also explored the finer details of a unique collaborative venture we will be unveiling at the end of April. Rather than lunching a new product through the traditional social media channels, our international partners will work in concert with us to cover their respective markets at the same time as we unveil the new product in the USA.

The tour was a great deal of fun and gave us time to better understand the characteristics of different market segments with each of our respective partners. With several other travel obligations we had limited time and were only able to see just a few of our partners. We are working on a second trip and will spend time with our remaining international partners before summer.

Below are some quick snapshots and highlights from the tour.

Bernd and Claudia Jung of Hufshop are a perfect example of a true partner. Hufshop continues to set the standard for hoof boot training and website development. Bernd is also doing some cleaver teaching through HufCheck. Bernd and Claudia, thank you for all that you do.

Brian Mueller, Bernd Jung, Claudia Jung and Garrett Ford enjoy some good German Beer and Pizza.

Sibylle Krieg has been in the hoof boot business for over ten years and has ridden barefoot horses in hoof boots for twenty years. Sibylle has built a very successful business around her passion for horses and hoof boots. HoofGroove has been a long time EasyCare partner and continues to promote the barefoot horse and hoof boots through a wonderful website and in-person visits. Look for exciting new developments in Switzerland through HoofGroove in 2011.

Brian Mueller, Sibylle Krieg and Garrett Ford visit a high tech barefoot barn outside Zurich, Switzerland.

Lucy and David Nicholas of Trelawne Equine have been with EasyCare for a bit over 18 months and have taken over distribution in the United Kingdom from Battle Hayward and Bower (BHB). BHB did an incredible job for EasyCare in the past but we felt that a smaller more concentrated approach in the UK would be better for customers and horses. Lucy and Charlie have made great strides in the past 18 months and are starting 2011 with a bang. Watch for new product announcements in the UK through Trelawne.

David, Garrett, Charlie and Lucy take a break after setting up the booth at the BETA tradeshow.

France has always been a country that we felt we needed the right partner. Ets Weal has filled the gap we had in France and has really grown. Brian and I finally had a chance to meet Isabelle Bathias on our recent trip and were both super impressed. Isabelle is an accomplished horse woman who truly believes in hoof boots and the barefoot horse.

Ets Weal

Brian Mueller, Isabelle Bathias and Garrett Ford talk hoof boots over dinner.

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.

Winter Leaving It's Mark

Tuesday, February 22, 2011 by Christoph Schork

Days getting longer, the sun a little stronger. Yes, still it is pretty cold at many places. But inevitably, as the sun comes up higher on the horizon, the ground is unfreezing in many places for part of the day at least. With the longer day light, the hooves of our horses are starting to grow more rapidly. During the winter months, hoof growth had slowed to a crawl, often in a 6 week period one had to use the rasp only for a couple of strokes. So it comes sometimes as a surprise what one can find when hoof growth accelerate and the nippers get used again.

After starting trimming this horse, I discovered this:

Most often encountered in early spring: blood in the white line, especially in the quarters.

While blood in the white line can be observed all year long around the dorsal aspects of the hoof, I noticed that the quarters are mostly affected by it during the winter. Dorsally one might see blood in the white line when a horse lands toe first or just by banging the dorsal hoof wall against rocks or stable doors. If the white line is stretched as well and displays redness, we could suspect too long a toe.

But why at the quarters? We see no stretched laminae and the horse normally does not bang the hoof side ways against obstacles. I reckon that this happens through travel for weeks on end over icy frozen ground and the subsequent concussion shows up in the quarters. Maybe this side was a little too high? At any rate, I hardly ever encounter this throughout the rest of the year, only early spring. Interesting, though, the horses displaying this condition are never lame.

Another surprise can be thrush. Most often observed when the ground is wet. Bacterias thrive on wetness and manure. Again, late winter and early spring are the times when we have to watch out for Thrush the most.

The horse who owns this neglected hoof was brought to me for treatment. The horse was severely lame. I suspected the worst. After initial trimming and cleaning, it displayed thrush that had entered the digital cushion, the reddish color is blood.

Natural horse care and natural hoof care were missing here. After thoroughly cleaning and trimming this horse, I applied Hypozin, a product I had written a blog about at the Global Endurance Training Center blog last week, applied then an Easyboot Glove, so it can get removed and the hoof checked and retreated on a daily basis.

One could also use an Easyboot Rx and soak the hoof with either epsom salt, or, what also works well, a sugar solution. Both solutions disinfect and kill bacteria. Some people use diluted bleach, but it is really harsh and kills live tissue as well. I do not recommend it. After soaking the hoof, apply products like Hypozin or The Sauce. Within 3 days of taking care of the thrush infection, often the hoof is on the mend. In more severe cases, continue the treatment till it is cleared up.

The above case was extreme. But how do you recognize any thrush, even mild cases?

Thrush affects mainly the frog, the central sulcus and collateral grooves are mostly affected first. One can observe a puss-like discharge (with a strange foul smelling odor), often black in nature. In extreme cases, bleeding can occur as well. The affected area might be sensitive to pressure, your thumb or hoof testers. Important to recognize it and take preemptive measures, even if you are not absolute sure it is thrush. Follow the treatment outlined above, and/or consult a veterinarian or hoof care specialist.

White line disease, on the other hand, affects more the white line and eats away at the laminae. Again, bacterias and fungi can be the cause, but it often is also caused or worsened by unbalanced trims. Treatment is good and necessary, but eliminating the cause is better.

Here is an example of a severe white line ailment.

Treatment for this disease:

Cleaning the crevasse
Drying
Applying a solution like iodine, White Lightning, Hypozin or The Sauce from Sore No More.
Keeping the horse in dry conditions
Applying natural hoof trimming. It would be helpful to bevel the hoof wall considerably.

I had seen very good results with white line disease and thrush when using Easyboot Gloves or Easyboot Glue-Ons in conjunction with treatment. It is of utmost importance that the hoof is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and treated before applying the boots. The advantage is that no further dirt can enter then the affected area and your applied medication can actually do its work without interference from new bacteria. Yes, the oxygen part is missing, however, when horses are standing in mud and manure, there is no oxygen available anyway. So a much better solution is to have a hoof encased in a protective horse boot to allow the medication to work.

Horse hoof problems can and will occur, but with proper attention to the hooves we can minimize the damage and solve the problem quickly. The various boots from EasyCare are certainly a valuable ally in combating hoof problems and hoof diseases.

Late winter ride with DWA Powerball in Arches Park, Moab. Horse is wearing Easyboot Gloves.

Happy riding, spring is just around the corner.

The Bootmeister

Is a Booted Horse Barefoot?

Monday, February 7, 2011 by Garrett Ford

I had the opportunity to attend the Functional Hoof Australian Conference last week in Melbourne Australia. The conference was packed with speakers that know the horse and the really know the equine hoof. The list of speakers contained Dr. Debra Taylor, Professor Robert Bowker, Dr. Kerry Ridgeway, Brian Hampson, Duncan McLaughlin, Carole Herder, Dr. Melanie Quick, Dr. Simon Collins and Professor Chris Pollit to name a few.

Speakers at the Functional Hoof Conference.

I talked about the accomplishments of The Fury and his recent 8th place and Haggin Cup awards at the 2010 Tevis Cup. The Fury is the first barefoot horse in the history of the event to win the Haggin Cup. Fury completed the event in Easyboots.

When I was done with the presentation Professor Chris Pollit asked a question I will never forget: "How many miles of the 100 mile Tevis Cup did The Fury complete barefoot?" My answer was "zero, none". Chris and I talked later and we got into more detail. Fury completed the Tevis Cup and finished in superb condition due to his hoof protection. The Fury used Easyboots for every mile of the event. In fact I don't believe a non booted barefoot horse could complete the Tevis Cup in a top ten position, especially carrying a heavyweight rider. Easyboots have been built on that assumption since 1970.

But Professor Pollit raises an interesting question. What is the definition of a barefoot horse? Is a booted horse barefoot?

The Fury completed seven events in the 2010 season. Six of the events were completed in Easyboot Gloves and one event was completed in Easyboot Glue-Ons. I believe hoof boots give competitive horses in several disciplines a large advantage and a booted horse is indeed very different that a shod horse or a barefoot horse.

The Fury winning the Haggin Cup in Easyboots. He has four boots on in the photo.

Is a booted horse different than a shod horse? I believe a booted horse is different than a shod horse for two main reasons.

1. A horse that is conditioned and competes in boots is barefoot the large majority of the time. A large conditioning week may only include having a horse in boots for 10% of the time. The other hours the horse is barefoot and the hoof is able to function as nature intended.

2. Hoof boots are flexible and forgiving. The 10% of the time hoof boots (hoof protection) are used still allow the hoof to expand, flex, and contract.

Hoof boots are the tool that allow the the barefoot horse to compete at the highest levels. Yes, the completely barefoot horse has been successful in 100 mile events but these cases are rare. The footing needs to be forgiving and riders are often light. As conditions get rough, trails get rocky and horses carry more weight, hoof boots are used to protect the barefoot hoof and allow the horse to be competitive.

Is a booted horse barefoot? Do barefoot horses need hoof boots to compete most events? What is your definition? Would you care to share your opinion?

Add your thoughts to the 'comments' section below. If you subscribe to this blog via RSS, click here and scroll to the end of the page to enter into the dialogue.

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.

From Garrett’s Desk: Retreats, Core Values, Vision and Mission

Thursday, February 3, 2011 by Garrett Ford

Our EasyCare staff embarked on the first-ever organizational retreat here in Tucson last week. We closed the office for two days and spent some valuable time exploring individual and institutional values and applying them to the broader EasyCare business model, to our vision and to our mission.

The EasyCare Team (l to r): Chris Freeman, Michael Tilden, Russ Freeman, Gabriel Luethje, Kevin Myers, Garrett Ford, Nancy Fredrick, Shari Murray, Dee Reiter, Marcie Mendoza, Debbie Schweibert, Brian Mueller. Missing: Roger Hoefs.

We were unanimous in identifying our customers as the single most important focus – the driving force behind everything we do. Check out our newly refined core values: we are very proud of them. And we built them together.

Core Values

Customers are the lifeblood of our organization. Without them, there is nothing.
Integrity drives our products, service and teamwork.
Hard work is the foundation of our collective success.
The success of our business is dependant upon open communication.
The confidence in ourselves gives others the opportunity to believe in us.
We foster a passionate team environment and a healthy life balance.

We had some enlightening discussions about what our vision and mission means to us as a company in 2011. We spent hours talking through the fundamentals of what we do, why we do it and how we do it. It was fascinating to watch the collective wisdom of the organization unfold. The vision and mission statements below are carefully constructed from this valuable exercise of pause and reflect by every member of our team.

Vision

We will be the global innovator in hoof care solutions that enhance the horse/human relationship.

Mission

We are the founding leaders in hoof boot innovation and education. We effect fundamental change in the global evolution of natural hoof care. We offer creative solutions to allow equines to live longer and healthier lives.
We are customer focused. Through active listening, we continually improve the quality, reliability and functionality of our products and services.
We are an American company that trades globally. We strive to be socially and environmentally responsible. Our organizational structures are designed to match and exceed customer expectations.

We had some Aha! moments; some candid discussions and we spent some time looking at individual personality profiles. It was great validation for us all to better understand our own preferred method of communication, and to see how well balanced we are as an organization in terms of diversity of personality types.

We’re well positioned for 2011. And we hope you’ll join us: great things await us all.

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