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February 2011 :: Core Values & Mission, 2010 Hoof Boot Contest Results, 2011 Contest Expansion

EasyCare — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 20:09:57 +0000

As many as 100 million people are being affected by a colossal snow storm in the United States. What better backdrop for us to pause and reflect? At EasyCare, we’ve been doing a lot of reflection, and using it as a basis to plan 2011. Garrett Ford is the keynote speaker this week at the Functional Hoof Conference in Melbourne, Australia. He joins Professor Robert Bowker, Duncan McLaughlin, and scores of other bare hoof proponents from around the world for five days of presentations and discussions on hoof care in today’s world. Duncan is making a presentation of the findings from his thermographic imaging study of barefoot and shod performance horses. We’ll be publishing the white paper in our March newsletter.

After the conference in Australia, EasyCare representatives will attend BETA (the British Equestrian Trade Association) in Birmingham. If you’re attending, stop by at Stand B7.1 and hook up with people from EasyCare and our partners atTrelawne Equine.

Thank you for participating in our customer service satisfaction survey: the response was overwhelming – both in numbers and in data: 65% of our customers say they are “certain” to remain with EasyCare; 23% are very likely. 64% of our customers rate our service as “excellent”; 25% rate our service as “good”. The data we collected will help us shape our policies and procedures for the current year.

The results are in from the 2010 Hoof Boot Contest and we’ve announced an expanded 2011 Hoof Boot Contest. If you haven’t already signed up to become a member of Team Easyboot, be sure to check out our new team approval platform and submit an application.

Finally, we’d like to tip our hats to California based hoof care practitioner, Maria Siebrand, who is fighting the good fight. We’re with you, Maria!

» Read this Month’s Newsletter

EasyCare Launches Team Easyboot 2011

EasyCare — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 22:23:18 +0000

Thursday January 6, 2011

by Kevin Myers

I’m excited to announce the long-awaited reinvention of Team Easyboot: Team Easyboot 2011.

1. Our Expectations of Team Easyboot 2011 Members

You are an existing user of EasyCare products.
You represent one of five key consumer groups: BackCountry Riders; Trail Riders; Long Distance Event Riders; Arena Event Riders; or Hoof Care Practitioners.
You are an influential leader in your group, region or sport.
You want to help spread the word about EasyCare hoof boots – either for shod horses or for barefoot horses.
You are willing to help others with choosing and fitting boots.
You would like to be among the first to trial new products.

2. How To Requalify

EasyCare has partnered with ProMotive.com , a online tool designed to connect influential consumers (like you) with brands (like ours) using discounted merchandise and regular contests for complimentary product as an incentive to represent our organization in your daily lives.

In order to submit your name for consideration, all you have to do is answer a few basic questions online.

3. The Selection Process

ProMotive.com allows us to solicit, select and approve Team Easyboot 2011 members. You will be considered for annual team membership by a committee of EasyCare staff members based on your knowledge of the product, the type of riding activity in which you participate and your influence in your community. There is a limit of 100 members, and since we want to have representation in as many riding disciplines as possible, we will also manage a rolling waiting list for team membership.

4. Completing Your Qualification as a Team Easyboot 2011 Member

Once you have been successfully approved, you will complete a basic online training program that uses timed multiple choice questions as a basis to determine your current knowledge of EasyCare’s product line.

5. How It Works

This tool simplifies access to the benefits of Team Easyboot 2011 members and provides us with an efficient way to communicate with you. Members will use the ProMotive.com online platform to access discounted EasyCare merchandise and order stock whenever you need it. Team members will qualify for discounts based on your expertise, your associations and your influence over other consumers.

We will communicate with you on a regular basis; seek your input on proposed modifications to the product line as they arise; and rely on you to communicate solutions and opportunities in your community on EasyCare products.

6. Other Benefits

ProMotive.com was created as a way to connect companies with influential brand advocates. That means that once approved as a member of Team Easyboot 2011, you can also gain access to other user teams with common interests and associations to enjoy deeply discounted prices on hundreds of sports equipment and clothing items under the ProMotive.com umbrella.

7. Over to You

If you would like to be considered for membership in Team Easyboot 2011, please click here and register using the following code: DFF5-84A8-34E3-956F.

I wish you the very best of luck!

Kevin Myers, Director of Marketing

January 2011 :: Let’s make 2011 Better, Skill-Drills for Efficient Movement, Team Easyboot 2011 Relaunch

EasyCare — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 22:14:10 +0000

2010 was a milestone year for horse boots. We made the decision to focus on wilderness long-distance endurance events to showcase the durability of our products. The results were astonishing: endurance riders racked up more than 41,000 miles at events sanctioned by AERC – more than double the miles of the prior year. More people than ever are using horse hoof boots, and discovering the financial, physical and physiological benefits of alternative hoof protection.

What better momentum to build on for 2011? Team Easyboot is being re-launched and will allow a broad representation of boot users to train and purchase products at a reduced rate on-line in return for representing EasyCare in the field as ambassadors. If you’re a former Team Easyboot member, watch your email for exciting news.

The recent changes in leg protection rules at NATRC and ECTRA sanctioned events mean that the $10,000 Hoof Boot Contest will now have a competitive trail category in addition to the existing endurance category.

The long-awaited wide version of the Easyboot Glove, known as the Easyboot Glove W, will hit the trails in early summer.

Our focus in 2011 will be on trail riders. So if you’re a boot user representing a backcountry horsemen’s association, or if you’re a rider who just likes to get out every week and explore new trails with your horse, please consider applying to be part of Team Easyboot 2011. We think you’ll be glad you did.

» Read this Month’s Newsletter

December 2010 :: Riding From Coast to Coast, Good Muscular Health, Opportunities Abound

EasyCare — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 23:46:03 +0000

As the sun begins to set on 2010, you are probably reflecting on your accomplishments for the year. We’re celebrating your accomplishments too.

Whether you’re a voting member of NATRC who passed the new rule on allowing gaitered boots at events; a trail rider who discovered the joys of Old Mac’s G2 boots; the 2010 AERC National Mileage Award recipient; one of the contributing AERC members who rode more than 45,000 miles in Easyboots; a three-day eventer who is competing in Easyboot Glue-Ons; a rider who faithfully uses the Original Easyboot as a spare tire; or a newly certified barefoot hoof care practitioner; we salute each and every one of you. Thank you for staying connected with EasyCare; for sharing your stories; and for helping us constantly improve the quality of our products. Without you, there is nothing.

In the December newsletter, Garrett Ford presents a thumbnail analysis of cost savings in hoof care; Duncan McLaughlin discusses an equine body scoring model and reviews the benefits of analysing any biomechanical issues in your horse; and Jeannette McGrath checks in with us, some 1,800 miles into a cross-country benefit ride EasyCare is supporting.

Please continue to stay connected with us. The booted world is changing quickly and 2011 will be a particularly interesting year in technological advancements that will make your boot choices more successful. Above all else, we always want to hear from you. So whether you comment on our Facebook page, comment on our blog or send us an email from time to time; be sure to keep in touch!

» Read this Month’s Newsletter

Easyboot is the Official Hoof Boot of Tevis 2011

EasyCare — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:41:21 +0000

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

For Immediate Release.

by Kevin Myers

EasyCare Inc. announced today a new partnership with the Western States Trail Foundation, the organizing body that oversees the planning and implementation of the annual Tevis Cup 100 mile endurance ride.

“We’re delighted to count EasyCare as a lead sponsor for the 2011 edition of the Western States Trail Ride,” said Kathie Perry, President of the WSTF Board. “This meaningful financial support comes at a key time in the year for us. Although we incur annual expenses for the event itself, portions of our resources are used throughout the year to preserve and maintain the trail and improve access points for the future.”

WSTF promotes the use of trails established by gold rush emigrants to California and a historic route established by miners across the Sierra Nevada Mountains from the gold mines of California to the silver lodes of Nevada.

The relationship between EasyCare and the Western States Trail Ride goes back some 35 years to 1975, when Easyboot founder Dr. Neel Glass completed the Tevis Cup 100 mile ride in Easyboots. Since that time, Easyboots have provided additional hoof protection every year for more and more horses who take on what is arguably the most challenging 100-mile ride in the world.

“I think of the Western States Trail as part of our national identity,” said Garrett Ford, President and CEO of EasyCare. “We each play a role in preserving the event and the trail for today and for the future. The Western States Trail represents one of the best proving grounds for our products, both in terms of technical challenge and reputation. We are honored to count ourselves as partners with this organization.”

Mr. Ford completed the Tevis Cup ride for the first time at age 13. He has gone on to conquer the trail six times with a horse and once on foot at the Western States Trail Run.

For more information on the Tevis Cup ride, please click here. For more information on Easyboots, please see the EasyCare website at http://easycareinc.com and the EasyCare blog at http://blog.easycareinc.com. For all additional questions, contact Kevin Myers, Director of Marketing at kmyers@easycareinc.com.

EasyCare Welcomes New Dealers

EasyCare — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 23:03:12 +0000

In November, two hoof care practitioners were added to the growing list of EasyCare dealers.

Tim Carnes Natural Hoof Care: Tim Carnes
Tim is from Garwood TX, covering Southeast Texas, and has been a barefoot practitioner for two years. Tim is a farrier convert and follows Pete Ramey’s methodology. Ti m is excited about being a dealer. Carrying the products on his truck has made for a more satisfied customer base and has made a big difference in his business.

Interesting fact: Tim was in telecommunication for AT&T for 18 years.

Contact info: 979-243-4600

Equine Balance Farrier Service: Ruthie Klein
Ruthie is from Lopez Island, WA and has been in professional hoof care for more than eight years. She specializes in performance barefoot trims, barefoot transition, hoof pathology recovery, riding and therapeutic boot fitting.

Interesting fact: Ruthie graduated from Montana State University in Horseshoeing

Contact info: 360-468-2198

Customer Photo of the Month :: December

EasyCare — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 20:51:57 +0000

This is a photo of Satchmo, our big horse standing on the boots. He did that all by himself when he was standing there waiting for us to put them on in the morning. Guess he likes his boots and was just trying to help us get ready. Read more about the Heart Up Ranch Ride Across America here.

From Garrett’s Desk: Opportunities Abound

EasyCare — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:58:49 +0000

Are horse bills and the cost of shoeing getting more and more expensive for you? How can you save yourself money?

If you have taken care of horses for years, you will agree that horse ownership costs have increased and will continue to do so. Increases vary from region and country but on average most horse owners pay shoeing expenses of at least $110.00 per horse every six weeks. Most farriers barely make a living or cover their costs of fuel, time, education, insurance and equipment. In order to feed their families, most farriers need to charge between $130 and $200 per horse.

These men and women work their backs and butts off. The prices are more than fair, but fuel costs have risen over the years and the majority of farriers travel many miles to service horses. Working under horses for a living is dangerous work and the farriers without insurance are taking a dangerous gamble. Insurance costs are on the increase and must be factored into a client’s shoeing bill. Shoes and equipment aren’t getting cheaper and continue to drive costs up. These costs and time in a vehicle are all a cost of business and end up being passed on to the horse owner.

EasyCare proposes one solution to help you lower costs: don’t shoe your horse. Does your trail horse really need iron shoes every six weeks? The majority of us struggle to ride our horses more than once a week. We think you could save the cost of shoeing by keeping your horses barefoot. When your horse needs hoof protection, a hoof boot is the perfect solution. A set of hoof boots equals the cost of roughly two shoeings and most horse owners take more than a year to wear out a set.

In addition to keeping a horse barefoot and using hoof boots when needed, you can learn maintenance trimming from your farrier or hoof care professional that will allow you to increase the time between trimmings. Extending the time between trims means reducing each horse to four or six trims per year rather than eight. Extending the trim cycle with maintenance trims could save you an additional $240.00 per horse per year.

Could you benefit from some extra dollars in your bank account? Opportunities abound, and this is just one of many. Read about the success stories from other horse owners on our blog and Facebook page.

Having a Heart – Riding From Coast to Coast

EasyCare — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:05:12 +0000

[singlepic=105,100,left]By Jeannette McGrath

On March 4, 2010, we dipped our feet into the Pacific Ocean, mounted our horses, and began our long journey East towards the Atlantic Ocean – a coast to coast horse ride to benefit Hearts Up Ranch. We started with two riding horses and two pack animals – all barefoot and wearing Easyboot Epics and Easyboot Edges. We have no support vehicle and we ride an average of 15-20 miles per day, though we have gone as much as 30 in a day.

We have covered a huge variety of terrain; everything from paved roads through major cities, gravel and dirt roads, sand, snow, slick rock, and extremely rocky and steep trails over the Rocky Mountains.

Eight months later and 1,800 miles behind us, our horses are still barefoot and wearing Easyboots. We are extremely grateful for the generous sponsorship by the folks at EasyCare who have made it possible for us to keep our horses barefoot. The boots have not only protected our horses’ hooves from natural terrain, but also from glass and trash along the road. We have enjoyed proving to many skeptics along the way that going barefoot permanently in any terrain really is possible.

Additionally, we have had many miles to make observations about Easyboots. The bottom of the boots is made of very tough material. In 1800 miles, we have only worn through about 6 or 7 pairs of boots and put well over 500 miles on each. We like the easy application of the Gloves, the tough hardware of the Edge, and the fast securing system of the Epics. Proper fit is indeed important for successful use and we have had no problems with heel rubbing.

Easyboots have come a long way from what they were years ago. The company is always working to improve their boots, and even while we have been on the trail they have come out with an improved gaiter model. Easyboots helped us transition our horses from shod to barefoot, they are great as a spare shoe, and they have protected our horses’ hooves half way across the country. The EasyCare company is great to work with and we thank them for their huge part in the success of this “Ride Across America.”

Check out our photo gallery from the trip:

Good Muscular Health: Body Condition Scoring Or Bodywork?

EasyCare — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 21:40:26 +0000

Muscular Good Health: Body Condition Scoring Or Bodywork?

Body condition scoring is a visual assessment of your horse’s level of body fat. You get a body condition score by rating the amount of fat covering various anatomical landmarks against a linear scale. Usually six areas are rated: crest, wither, loin, tailhead, behind elbow, and ribs. Two scales are commonly in use; the US scale runs with values from one (emaciated) to nine (obese), whereas the Australian scale runs with values from zero (emaciated) to five (obese) – they are close but dont directly correspond. Each anatomical area is rated a value from the scale and these are averaged to give your horse’s overall body condition score.

As your horse’s fitness level increases two important things happen to his body fat stores. First, he is able to store more of those very important Intramuscular Triclycerides (IMTGs) between his muscles – refer to Fat: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly for a recap on IMTGs. Remember, the most important role that body fat plays for your athletic horse is as the fat source to replenish IMTGs after work. Second, he can more easily liberate and use energy directly from body fat stores for increasingly strenuous levels of exercise. So as your horse increases fitness you should expect to see an increase in lean muscle bulk and a decrease in body fat stores. Interestingly, fat from body stores is not lost equally: It seems likely that fat along the top of the back and the hindquarter is recruited more quickly than from other fat storage areas, leading to less fat storage along the posterior topline.

This endurance horse has a low level of body fat – body condition score around 3.5 on the US scale, 2 on the Australian scale – yet smooth musculature along the back (not sunken) and large, round, muscular hindquarters. More fat, rating a higher body condition score, would improve the overall topline, but to what end? It is muscle not fat that enables him to truck down the trail.

Body condition scoring your horse tells you nothing about his myofascial helath, muscle glycogen stores, degree of gutfill, hydration or any other parameter related to fitness or performance – it tells you only how much body fat he has. It is muscle, not fat, that propels your horse down the trail, over that jump grid, or after that polo ball. Although body condition scoring is subjective, it is reliable – experienced assesors usually arrive at the same body condition score for any given horse. The key words here are experienced assesors. Over the the last decade or so, it has become increasingly common to confuse horses with healthy musculature to those that are simply fat. For example, the Australian Endurance Riders Association now includes body conditioning score as a parameter in their endurance horse logbooks.

We have seen images of this endurance horse before – refer to That Big Trot – with obvious muscular dysfunction, fascial thickening and reduced circulation in the back, lumbar area and croup. Although I have not provided a complete photo, this horse would be body condition score 4.5 on the US scale, 3 on the Australian scale. Yet it is obvious this horse is lacking the topline and muscular developement through the back and hindquarter when compared to the thinner grey horse above. Increasing this horse’s body fat levels for a higher body condition score would only cover up, not resolve, the muscular dysfunction as well as adding extra, non-functional weight to carry down the trail.

For comparison, here is another horse with the same body condition score (around 4.5 US scale, 3 Australian). Again, there is no extra fat along the back or on the hindquarter but the back muscles are full and fleshy and the hindquarter round and well-developed. The thermograph demonstrates the more consistent and even circulation representative of healthy musculature.

Of course, you dont want to simply hide your horse’s biomechanical issues under a layer of fat. From a pragmatic point of view; all the problems are still there and will manifest just as soon as you ask him to do anything athletic, let alone the ethical considerations from such an approach. Instead you need to address the cause (saddle fit, rider equitation/balance/fitness, poor hoof balance, etc) of the muscular dysfunction and implement a physical therapy program.

Here are before and after images of the horse with muscular dysfunction following a physical therapy program. We provided three weeks of therapy, the corner-stone being eight deep-tissue massage sessions. This was augmented by one myofascial release session and, once we had sufficient muscular release from the massage, several stretching sessions, incorporating leg stretches and back stretches. To assist in the remediation program, this horse’s usual high-fat, high-supplement meals were removed completely and she was turned out in healthy, mixed pasture 24/7, to gain the benefits of Dr. Green: Grass was it! There is still a way to go, but clearly there is noticeable improvement in the topline and particularly to the blood flow through the area. Shortly after this therapy, this horse took first outright and best conditioned at 50 mile endurance ride.

Further Information
An oldie but a goodie. Susan Garlinghouse produced some excellent papers on body condition score, horse weight and rider weight as they relate to success, or otherwise, at the Tevis Cup endurance ride. Not surprisingly, she found that:

no moderately fleshy (or fatter – body condition score 6 or higher on US scale) even started;
no very thin horses (body condition score less than 3 on US scale) finished and that horses that vetted out on metabolic considerations had an average body condition score of just below 3 (again US scale, about 1 on the Australian scale);
as body condition score rose from 3 to 5.5 (US scale) the horses were increasingly succesful. All horses with body condition score of 5.5 were succesful.
in one year, but not the other two (the studies were done at three separate Tevis Cup rides), horses that vetted out for metabolics had proportionally heavier riders (rider and tack weight/horse weight) than horses that completed; and
heavier horses (actual bodyweight, not higher body condition scores) were more likely to vet out lame.

It is worth giving these studies another look. See if you agree with her conclusions as drawn from the results presented.