I was recently asked this question at an endurance ride, which made me giggle to myself while answering, “Yup, I sure do.” When the individual responded by asking how they work for me, I started reflecting upon my boot use over the past five years. I’ve ridden over 2,600 endurance miles in Easyboot Gloves and Glue-Ons. I can’t even estimate the number of training miles I have ridden in them, but I would guess it’s probably as much or more than my endurance miles. I’d say that they have worked out pretty well to have kept with them that long. I can’t imagine using any other boots or putting shoes on my horses at this point in my life or my horses’ careers. Thankfully I’ve passed the learning curve of fighting boots that don’t fit, feet that aren’t trimmed properly and and less-than-ideal glue jobs. The learning curve was brief, but gave me empathy!
A couple weeks ago I took my now-grown-up boy, Topper, to the 10th Anniversary Owyhee Canyonlands endurance ride. Because I was planning on riding more than one day and have been hit with scratches 100% of the times I have gone to this 5-day, I decided to glue on Topper’s boots. Not only does gluing help prevent further irritation by removing the gaiter-part of the equation, but there is nothing so supportive and cushioning as Sikaflex in the sole of your Easyboots. It would be the first time Topper went more than one day at a ride and the first time he’s had a full set of Glue-Ons. He felt incredible!
Topper and I cruising down the trail. Steve Bradley Photography
The two days I chose to ride were both the days that offered trail winding through the bottom of the beautiful Sinker Creek Canyon. While these were the most beautiful days, they were very rocky and wet being that we rode UP the creek! Unfortunately we were missing our paddles but had some badass horses to navigate with 😉 The first day we rode had only a couple miles through the creek at the bottom of the canyon, but the second day we rode between six and eight miles through the canyon, up and over, and then into the high desert where we enjoyed the beautiful juniper trees and incredible views. Riding at the bottom of the canyon, under the high rock walls, through beaver ponds up to some horses bellies and marveling at the fall colors and laughing with friends just doesn’t get much better.
Splashing through the water for another Steve Bradley great. I was thankful for my Glue Ons once again during this ride. It’s been several years now of using them during this great 5-day.
Team Easyboot member Karen Bumgarner and Z Summer Thunder braving the maiden voyage through the beaver pond. This was secretly my favorite part of the ride! Karen rode Thunder all five days in his Easyboot Gloves with no rubs, no losses, no problem.
More Sinker Canyon
And up into the high country...
Obligatory dueling camera shot
Riding constantly through the creek and ankle-twister rocks make for a pretty good test of one’s glue job and I was happy Topper’s boots stayed secure and tight on his feet. I was surprised when a friend of mine showed up in boots that her hoof care practitioner glued on for her, only he used Adhere on the walls with no Sikaflex for extra cushion and stick-factor. Needless to say she lost three of her four boots after riding four days back-to-back. I wish more professionals would utilize the recommended gluing protocol designed and tested for the extreme conditions of endurance riding. Fortunately for her, she was able to slap on her Gloves and finish the journey.
I ended the week thrilled with the two days Topper gave me. It is the most amazing feeling to take a young, gawky, gangly horse, mostly resembling an elk for his former years, and developing them into the “perfect” (to each his own) horse. I couldn’t be happier with him and it is now up to me to care for him and slowly continue bringing him along. It’s been a long journey to this point, I am hoping for many, many more years with him. As far as my boots, well they aren’t going anywhere. With the different options in the Gloves, Epics and the new Glove Back Country boots (which I love!), it seems that there are options for just about every horse and every rider at this time. After every new advancement in the Easyboot line-up, I find myself thinking, this is as good as it gets! And it’s good! And then Garrett Ford goes on to surprise, create controversy and make things better and better. It’s a good time to have high performing barefoot and booted equine athletes.
Another great shot by Steve Bradley
Thank you, Easycare, you have made the tough miles that much easier on my horses. We ALL thank you!