We wanted to share a success story that our customer, Jody, shared with us recently. She has had a great experience using the Easyboot Glue-On with Mueller Tape.
Jody tells us, “I’ve been competing in Dressage for 30+ years, but have always done it in traditional shoes. I started transitioning my horse to barefoot in May and my horse is so much happier and, I believe, healthier. I am actually doing my own trimming now, too. Never in my life did I think I would ever be my own horse’s hoof care practitioner. Here are some pictures of before and after.”
Jody is one of many dressage competitors that have transitioned to barefoot. She faces the same challenges countless others have in regards to the time it takes to transition to barefoot, as well as finding temporary protection when needed. She currently uses the Easyboot Glue-On and Mueller Tape when she is conditioning and training her horse. This gives her horse temporary protection below the hair line.
She is unable to use this method in the show ring currently, but as education and use grows surrounding barefoot practices and alternative hoof protection, show rings have begun to accept more hoof protection options.
Currently, several dressage riders use glue-on shoes such as the EasyShoe Performance or Easyboot Love Child, which have been approved by the United States Equestrian Foundation (USEF). But the discussion continues about temporary options such as Easyboot Glue-On and Mueller Tape application.
The current USEF rules state in section DR121.7 that, “shoes (with or without cuffs) that are attached with nails, glue, or wraps that do not extend past the hairline of the hoof are permitted.” Jody currently uses a Power Strap to make the Easyboot Glue-On fit more snugly, and that is the piece that is currently under review to see if it will be allowed.*
It is amazing to be a part of an innovative field and watch the world change around us! Our mutual goals are to work towards what is best for the horse. EasyCare will continue to work with Jody and all disciplines to make improvements and educate about how we can best care for our horses.
*Great news! As of October 27, 2020, USEF has approved the use of the Easyboot Glue-On with a Power Strap in future dressage competitions!
