Submitted by Karen Neuenschwander, Team Easyboot 2015 Member
How far can your Easyboots take you? This season my Easyboot Gloves helped me take my mare from greenie to the AERC 50 mile National Championship. It was a fun journey, and I learned so much along the way, especially when it came to booting. Here are some things I learned along the way.
Photo by Becky Pearman Photography
Lesson one: Fit is everything when it comes to booting success. Follow the directions from EasyCare, all of them, and ask for help from more experienced folks if you’re having trouble or if you are not sure about the fit. There are plenty of people out there who have been there, done that, so pick their brains.
Lesson two: Boots may occasionally come off, and it’s ok! I didn’t lose a single Glove until my third endurance ride, but when I did, I had to do some troubleshooting to figure out what was going on. In one case, my mare’s hoof shape changed a bit with all of the new miles and hoof growth. Adding Power Straps fixed the problem, and I gained some new knowledge and skills in the process. Use boot losses as an opportunity to learn, and don’t be discouraged.
Lesson three: Don’t be afraid to try something new. I was terrified to try Glue-On shells for two back-to-back 50’s, but by taking the plunge, I found a great option for multi-day or 100 mile hoof protection and gained confidence with a new skill.
Lesson four: Hoof boots CAN work for you on any terrain. So many people told me that boots wouldn’t work in wet East Coast footing and mud. Mine stayed on as well as a nailed on shoe through sucking mud, deep sand and the famous Old Dominion rocks. Know your terrain, find a good boot fit, secure your boots accordingly, and they will perform.
Lesson five: Treat your boots well, and you can really get some miles out of them. I made sure to clean and inspect my boots after every ride. I stored them out of the weather when not in use. The boot in this picture started the season with me. I did 310 competitive miles and all of my conditioning miles in it (many on gravel forest service roads) before the toe finally blew out. Not too shabby!
As we look ahead to a new season of endurance, I can’t wait to see where another year in EasyCare boots will take us!
