August 2009 :: Tevis Cup, Asymmetry From a Hoofcare Practitioner’s Perspective
 This month we would like to extend a special thank you to our Team Easyboot members who have helped new barefoot advocates understand hoof boots. We have several TE members in the field who carry fit kits to rides, who routinely answer questions, and who have been a tremendous help when various issues arise. You are our "eyes" in the field, and we really appreciate all you do!
ASYMMETRY, FROM A HOOF CARE PRACTITIONER’S PERSPECTIVE
 by Steve Karshner
A big issue that seems to keep popping up is asymmetry in the horses front feet. I now believe that it is a much larger problem than people have thought in the past. I deal with it all the time and rehab these feet on a regular basis, but it is surprising to me the many different conclusions that people have come to about the condition. Let’s talk about a few of them.
Some people think that it is an upper limb problem and that the fact that the shoulders are uneven or out of balance transfers down to the feet and causes the feet to grow out of balance. This then causes one foot to be larger than the other--one usually has a high heel and is dished and the other has a long toe and under slung heel, or no heel at all, and is usually larger than the other foot.
Another camp says that the condition comes from the fact that horses are left or right side dominant, thus causing one side to muscle up more and the other to become shortened in stride, again resulting in the foot deformities we see in the condition. Somewhere in all of these reasons we also have saddles fit incorrectly or positioned on the back wrong which then shortens the stride because the shoulders are restricted in their movement. Then even have the oldest of the reasons that we were all taught in Farrier school; you leave a club foot alone because you really can’t do anything about it. I wonder how many of us have actually seen a real club foot. Read more here....
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CTR'S AND HOOF BOOTS
 The sport of competitive trail riding is growing and we are frequently asked at EasyCare if hoof boots can be used during an event. First, please note that event rules often change so you should always check the rules of the ride you want to attend. Generally speaking, hoof boots that do not come above the hairline (such as original Easyboots and Easyboot Glue-Ons) are always accepted. The issue comes when you want to ride with boots that have gaiters. In most cases the gaiters are considered “leg protection” and are either prohibited or can be worn if you are willing to be penalized. Many riders are disappointed to learn that their preferred boot—the Epic, Glove, Bare, Grip, or Edge cannot be used without losing points.
A fairly new organization, the American Competitive Trail Horse Association, not only allows hoof boots, but allows boots that come above the hairline (without being penalized.) We urge you to contact them and arrange for a sanctioned ride in you area!
The websites of the various CTR organizations are below. Their rules can be found online.
American Competitive Trail Horse Association (www.actha.us)
North American Trail Ride Conference (www.natrc.org)
Upper Midwest Endurance and Competitive Rides Association (www.umecra.com)
Eastern Competitive Trail Riding Association (www.ectra.org)
Middle of the Trail Distance Riders Association (www.motdra.fws1.com)
Southeastern Distance Riding Association (www.distanceriding.org)
Ontario Competitive Trail Association (www.octra.on.ca)
Want to make a difference? Call your local CTR organization and ask them to change the rules for the benefit of the barefoot and booted! Rules can be changed, and you CAN make a difference!
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WATCH FOR US AT TEVIS
 As many of your know, the Tevis Cup is the most famous of all endurance rides, and challenges even the best of riders. Numerous competitors will be riding in EasyCare brand hoof boots this year, including the 2007 winner, Jeremy Reynolds. While many riders have successfully competed at Tevis in hoof boots, EasyCare believes this will be the largest field of booted horses ever. This is the 54th annual running of the Tevis which will take place August 1 in Auburn, CA. Stay tuned for how the booted horses placed.
The following EasyCare staff will be at the ride: President Garrett Ford, Sales Manager Brian Mueller, Hoof Care Practitioner Rep Debbie Schwiebert, and Graphic Artist/Photographer Gabe Luethje.
If you are riding the Tevis in hoof boots, please contact us at marketing@easycareinc.com and tell us about your ride!
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ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THOSE GAITERS?
 Do you really know how the gaiters on your hoof boots should be adjusted to avoid rubbing? Look at the photos here and see if your gaiters look like these!
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TRAIL-RITE PRODUCTS
 EasyCare's Dealer of the Month for August, 2009
Here’s something some of you might be able to relate to; Adversity. Long distance riders learn to overcome it, and Tammy Robinson is no different. What Tammy learned about pressing on served her well when her business burned down in the California fires and when the economy started to go south.
Tammy has almost 17,000 recorded AERC miles and really knows her market. “Going to rides, talking face to face with customers about what they want and being supportive of endurance has really helped me over the years,” she says. “Also, really knowing the products is imperative. We don’t sell anything we haven’t used. Customers want to hear your experiences, and want you to be honest and upfront about the products you sell. They know when they come to me that I will give them the pros and cons. It keeps them coming back and keeps returns down.” Read more...
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If you have any questions about our products feel free to call our friendly staff at 1-800-447-8836, e-mail: questions@easycareinc.com or visit our website at easycareinc.com.
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter! Please let us know if you have any ideas or suggestions on how to make it better.
See you on the trail,
The Staff at EasyCare
EasyCare, Inc.
email: admin@easycareinc.com
phone: 800-447-8836
web: easycareinc.com |
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