Submitted by Leah Cain, Team Easyboot 2016 Member
Have you ever thought about how boots have brought us all closer together? I am talking about the human and the equine kind. Getting hands on with your horses hooves and the protection of them can make for a whole other level of intimacy. From their exercise programs to their diet, to their trims and watching them move every time you are with them. It is so exciting to see horses change for the better and see their owners take great pride in being a part of the positive change. I have had the pleasure of helping many navigate the world of booting but the most recent boot inductees have been especially exciting.
The most recent was a gelding whom had been neglected for quite some time. The horse rescue never thought he would be able to be put to any real work. He had hooves that didn't grow much, with thin hoof walls and every kind of distortion you could think of. He was very short-strided and looked ouchy just about everywhere. With a good trim, good fitting boots and an exercise program in place, he was making progress. I was able to get a real, normal trim done on him today and his hooves are growing and coming back to what they should be. His owner has high hopes of getting out to do some endurance and I am positive she will get them there! They did the Intro Ride at the Antelope Island Endurance ride and with just a little more conditioning time, they will be out there!
The next new booter came with trepidation about being able to do boots on her own and if she was protecting them enough. She has learned how to apply the boots in no time flat and has got down the taping technique too. She has been able to get out in all types of terrain and conditions and learn as we go. She too has taken charge of her horses whole body health which includes hooves. She did the Intro ride as well and then went on to do the LD at Antelope Island. Next we play with glue-on boots, glue-on hybrids and shoes!
Oh yeah, and they want me to mention that they are old and could be my Mother, so no excuses! Get out there and make a difference in your horses life for the better!
