Outside our niche of hoof boots and natural hoof care we find that our customer base loves the outdoors and does a fair bit of camping with their equines. One of the products we are looking to add in this area is the RoFlexs portable corral. The RoFlexs portable horse corral is quick to set up, lightweight and easy to transport. It is a true portable corral that takes minutes to set up and take down. No struggle, no fuss. We feel it will be a nice compliment to our HiTie system.

As we move forward to complete the 2011 product line we are looking for feedback. What equine products are you looking for? What type of boot changes and improvements would you like to see? What do you think of the RoFlexs portable corral? Chime in with your thoughts over on our Facebook Page

Dorsal view of a near fore hoof belonging to a well performed barefoot endurance horse. The middle image is a thermograph of the hoof prior to a half hour of barefoot (unbooted), low-intensity exercise on a sand surface. The third image is a themograph of the same hoof immediately on cessation of exercise.

These images reflect what we generally find with all well-trimmed barefoot horses. If you examine the pre-exercise image in the middle, notice:

1. The band of heat (red and yellow) at the coronary band is thin and does not extend down the hoof;
2. There is a thin cold band (navy) at the bottom edge of the hoof where the wall contacts the ground; and
3. The majority of the hoof capsule is of moderate temperature (green and light blue).

Looking at the third, post-exercise image, we notice the entire hoof capsule has increased temperature. As the temperature scale for the two images is the same (16-31degrees C), the colours in the post-exercise hoof look ‘hotter’ but the heat pattern - thin band of heat at coronary band, thin band of cold near ground, majority of the hoof capsule warm – remains the same.

The same two thermographic images as above but with the temperature scale adjusted upward in the second, post-exercise thermograph, to compensate for the increase in temperature to due work. It is apparent just how similar the pre and post-exercise heat patterns are in a well trimmed barefoot horse.

It is probably becoming obvious to you that although it is very difficult to directly compare the feet of different horses, doing different things, in different locations on different days, it is possible to determine statistical trends in both

1. changes in actual temperature; and
2. changes in temperature patterns (or not) across the hoof.

Solar view of the same hoof with pre and post-exercise thermographs. Just for your interest, note that the collateral sulci by the frog (white and red), along with the coronary bands, and the skin around the eyes, nose and anus are always the hottest areas detected: this is not inflammation at the sulci and does not indicated impacted bars or other such nonsense.

Dorsal view of a near fore hoof belonging to a shod western pleasure show horse. The middle image is a thermograph of the hoof prior to an half hour of low-intensity exercise on a sand surface. The third image is a themograph of the same hoof immediately on cessation of exercise.

As noted, it is not possible to directly compare the thermographs of different horses in differerent location on different days. For example, the temperature scale here (25-35degrees C) is different to the barefoot horse at top (16-31degrees C). However, it is possible to compare patterns of heat across the hoof and changes to those heat patterns with work.

This shod hoof shows an extended hoof capsule, at least by barefoot standards and by the standards of shod horses competing in more athletic events (3-day eventing, endurance riding, etc), though not by show horse standards. Both the farrier and the trainer of this horse considered this a well-shod hoof. Looking at the middle, pre-exercise thermograph, notice:

1. The band of heat (pink and red) at the coronary band extends down to encompass well over half the hoof capsule;
2. There is a thick cold band (blue) from the bottom edge of the hoof, extending up and over the level of the nail clenches;
3. The band of warm hoof (yellow and green) is very thin, merely a transition zone between the hot hoof above and the cold hoof below; and
4. The nails are conducting heat. Where the nail clenches are in the cold (blue) portion of the foot they are warmer (green dots), where they are in the warm (green) portion of the foot they are colder (blue).

Although you may consider this a more extreme example, this is the heat pattern we observe in the majority of shod horses.

Looking at the third, post-exercise image, we notice the entire hoof capsule has not only increased temperature but the heat pattern has also changed radically: the entire hoof has become as hot as the coronary band (usually the coronary band is one of the hottest areas detected by thermography and much warmer than other hoof components). As you can see, no amount of image manipulation or temperature scale adjustment will produce a post-exercise image similar to the pre-exercise one.

Later in the year I look forward to sharing with you the results concerning the effects of different hoof protection protocols during more strenuous exercise, in the form of 50 mile rides. Stay tuned.

The Tevis Cup 100-mile horse race is unquestionably one of the most difficult equine events in the world.  It has a deep tradition and its 55 year history defines the sport of endurance racing.  The challenging trail stretches from North Lake Tahoe in California to Auburn, California.  Riders and equines climb over Emigrant Pass at nearly 9,000 feet; traverse canyons with swinging bridges and ride in temperatures that often climb over 100 degrees.  Average completion rates run in the 50% range year after year after year.

Garrett and The Fury traverse the Granite Chief Wilderness

The winning horse and rider team is presented with the “ Tevis Cup”.  Winning ride times average 15 hours and the course record of 10:46 was set by Boyd Zontelli on Ruchcreek Hans.  The list of Tevis Cup winners reads like a legends of the sport list and is an award that most endurance riders can hardly imagine.

Although many look at the Tevis Cup as the ultimate achievement in endurance racing, others argue that the Haggin Cup is more prestigious.  Dr. Richard Barsaleau, a veterinarian who joined the race in 1961, was instrumental in creating this distinction, which he saw as an objective award that would recognize horsemanship, conditioning and respect for the health of the mounts.  But it would also honor great performance. Starting in 1964 the top ten horses would be judged for the Haggin Cup.  In her book, “The Tevis Cup: To Finish is to Win,” author Marnye Langer wrote: “Many people, especially noted horsemen, have come to regard the Haggin Cup as the most prestigious honor one can earn, and the award remains unique in both the sport of endurance and other equestrian pursuits as well.”

Garrett accepts the Haggin Cup Award at the Auburn Fairgrounds

Over the 55 year history of the Tevis Cup the majority of finishing and entering horses were fitted with steel iron horse shoes: horses required shoes to finish the grueling course.  In 1970 Dr. Neel Glass developed the Easyboot and rode the Tevis Cup five years later to show the world that his alternative hoof protection could complete the event.  Neel successfully completed the 1975 Tevis Cup and gave horse people everywhere an alternative means of hoof protection.  Neel’s Easyboot invention was quickly adopted as the “spare tire” for the horse.  Trail riders, endurance riders and equine owners across the world in all disciplines now carry a spare in case they ever lose a horseshoe.

Just as the Tevis Trail has changed over the years, so too has technology and the equipment used to compete at the event.  Saddles have become lighter and more flexible; feed and electrolytes have improved and hoof care has evolved dramatically.  Steel shoes are now seen next to urethane shoes and next to advanced versions of Dr Glass’ original Easyboot.

The Fords Junior at the Finish Line

Natural hoof care and booting the endurance horse for tough events is growing faster than any other type of hoof protection.  What was once thought to be impossible is now common practice for the barefoot horse fitted with Easyboots.  The 2010 event had at least 34 horses officially start in Easyboots and 20 horses finish: a 59% completion rate.  In 2009 the event had 20 horses start the event in Easyboots and 15 horses finish: a 75% completion rate.  Comparing the finish rates of the barefoot booted horse to the average overall finish rate of 50% suggests that barefoot booted horses are here to stay and that their numbers can only increase.

Garrett shows The Fury for the Haggin Cup

The Haggin Cup has been won in the past by horses wearing Easyboots over iron shoes.  Sandy Brown and Ruby (The Wonder Mule) took home the Haggin Cup in 1998.  Heather Reynolds and Crystal’s Charm repeated with Easyboots in 1999.

The Haggin Cup, however, has eluded the barefoot horse until now.  The 2010 Haggin Cup makes history for the barefoot horse.  The Fury raced five 2010 endurance events leading up to the Tevis Cup in Easyboot Gloves, recording two Best Condition awards along the way.  Easyboot Glue-Ons were selected to protect Fury’s bare feet during the 2010 Tevis event and to help the barefoot horse make history.

An intimate look at the Haggin Cup Award: More Than the Cup

The 2010 awarding of the Haggin Cup to a barefoot horse marks a historic point in endurance racing and technological advancements.  One of the most difficult and demanding equine events in the world was just completed by 20 barefoot equines and the most prestigious award in endurance racing was just won by a barefoot horse.  It marks a significant change and proves that if an endurance horse can complete the toughest event in boots, so can most horse owners complete their back-country trails and equine pursuits successfully.

Congratulations to The Fury for making history and establishing change.  Thank you Dr. Neel Glass for inventing the Easyboot and giving horses and equestrians a choice!

Click here to see The Fury showing for the Haggin Cup.

I am extremely honored to be one of two riders in the country to have completed both the Big Horn 100 and Western States Tevis 100 in 2010, only two weeks apart. Dave Rabe was the other rider and to have accomplished these 100’s in the company of such an amazing horseman and AERC Hall of Fame rider is humbling beyond compare.

Both Dave and I rode these 100’s in EasyCare Glue-On boots.

In May 2009 I made the leap to pull the shoes on all our horses. The transformation in the their health, sure-footedness and evolution of my own life with horses has been outstanding.

I had always ridden in Original Easyboots over shoes when needed and been happy with the results. I have known for sometime that barefoot seemed like a much better option for the horses but was never confident enough with the products on the market to make the leap. Then I saw the Glove and everything changed. I loved that it fit so snugly around the hoof: not too big and no slapping the ground as they moved along; no extra hardware, cables or buckles to deal with.

To say change is easy would be ridiculous, as most of us know. Any change takes time and an openness to explore new things, gain knew knowledge and start from the beginning. Just taking the shoes off is not enough. I encourage you to embrace this process. The benefits will pay off larger than you can imagine.

I started trimming my own horses about a year ago, adjusted the diet and now have strong horses with tough feet and ride in boots that that I love. The year has brought me two horses, strong, sound and eager. This could not have happened without EasyCare and their guidance, support and boots. It brought us to Big Horn and Tevis.

Big Horn 100 was not as a hard a ride as Tevis for me. The footing on Big Horn is wonderful, the views are stunning, the wild flowers are endless and if your horse can handle the huge climb up and remain at elevation for most of the event, you will likely have a great day. I don’t think Tevis has as large a single climb as Big Horn. But Tevis is relentless in its elevation change and the first canyon is definitely steeper than anything you will encounter at Big Horn. Tevis has some wonderful places to really move out, but it is also a rocky trail and requires a horse that is stable on its feet and has no issues with hard ground.

Both these rides should be on all endurance riders’ bucket lists: a must-do. Both offer trails that are breathtaking, challenging, fulfilling and life-changing. I encourage you to get your boots on and ride two of the countries most historic and honored trails – it can be done!

Two 100’s, two buckles in two weeks on two horses! Rock on and happy trails.

Rusty Toth

The Tevis Cup is 100 miles of heat, dust, deep canyons, rocks and drop-offs. With a historical completion rate of roughly 50% it’s definitely one of the most difficult endurance events you can do on the back of a horse. Time Magazine recently listed the Tevis Cup among the Top Ten Endurance Competitions in the world. The 100-mile horse race is listed next to events like the Tour De France, 24 Hours of Le Mans, Dakar Rally and the Iditarod.

EasyCare has used the Tevis Cup to test Easyboots in the toughest conditions all the way back to 1975. The event has historically had several Easyboot users but in recent years the number of Easyboot users has continued to increase significantly. The challenge inherent in the Tevis Cup makes competitors choose products that work. We are extremely proud when our hoof boot designs cross the finish line of this incredible event.

Easyboots have a long history at the Tevis Cup. Neel Glass first completed the Tevis Cup in 1975 in original Easyboots.  Sandy Brown and the wonder mule, Ruby, won the Haggin Cup (best condition) in 1998. Heather Reynolds won the Haggin Cup in Easyboots in 1999 on Chrystal’s Charm. Matthew Mackay-Smith used the same Easyboots to win the 1995 Tevis Cup and Old Dominion. Hundreds of competitors have used Easyboots for lost iron shoes out on the trail and just about every competitor carries an Easyboot over the 100 miles for the added insurance of a “spare tire”. In 2009 more than 25 horse and rider teams started the event in Easyboots resulting in a 75% completion rate. Expect 35+ of the 150+ competitors to choose Easyboots as the hoof protection of choice for this year’s event.

Good energy to all you Tevis riders. Thanks for believing.

See you there.

Hoof growth and regeneration is very much an “inside out” process. The hoof must receive nutrients from the blood in order to stimulate growth and repair. Like every other part of a horse’s body, the hoof is a living structure which depends on the nutrients provided through the blood for its growth, strength and repair.

Painting anything onto the outside of the hoof won’t improve regeneration: in fact, modern research confirms that many hoof dressings actually delay hoof recovery. How do you get a hoof crack or defect to heal? The simple answer is: You don’t!

All hoof growth begins at the Coronary Band. This is the soft band where the hair meets the hoof wall. If a crack or other defect occurs in the horse’s foot, the only way for that defect to repair is to wait for new hoof wall growth from the Coronary Band.

Many factors influence the quality of the hoof:

• Genetics
• Environment
• Farriery
• Nutrition

The horse’s hoof quality is affected by all nutritional components including protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Balancing these components is vital for overall hoof health and function. Providing all of the essential nutrients for hoof keratin repair is the only way to encourage healthy hoof repair and maintenance. The hoof wall is primarily keratin, an insoluble protein similar to hair. As tough as the hoof may seem, it is about 95% protein.

It is generally accepted that the rate of growth of new hoof wall is roughly 1cm monthly, if the horse is on good nutrition. That equates to over one year for a totally new hoof wall to develop, so that old cracks and defects grow out. If the toe has a crack, it will take many months for that crack to grow out. There are no products or supplements that will help this process speed up. Ponies usually develop a thicker, stronger hoof than large horses, but it can take up to 20 months to fully replace the length of a pony’s hoof.

There is a word of caution here: if the cause of the problem is not addressed and corrected, the problem will continue. If the injury is not managed well by a farrier during this repair process to prevent further hoof damage, then repair may not occur as well as anticipated.

Biotin, plus the essential cofactors to ensure that hoof growth is sound and complete, and provides a sufficiently strong hoof wall for optimum future growth.

Supplementing Hoof Growth
Numerous studies have been conducted on supplementing various vitamins, minerals and amino acids to improve hoof quality and rate of hoof replacement. The two most widely accepted supplements for hoof improvement are biotin and dl-methionine.

Biotin is a B vitamin. Like all B vitamins, Biotin is water soluble, and not stored in the body. It must be taken in on a daily basis. Biotin comes from the diet in varying amounts, and some is produced by natural bacteria in the large intestine of the horse. The large intestinal microbial population produces some biotin, but there is very little, if any, absorption of biotin from the large intestine, and, more importantly, if horses are on a high grain diet, the production of biotin may not even occur because of the high levels of acid in the gut from the grain diet.

Biotin acts as an essential cofactor in many of the body’s enzyme reactions, and is essential for the production of fatty acids, glycogen and protein, as well for skin integrity and health, and hoof quality.

A deficiency of biotin will usually show as dry, brittle, cracking hooves, dishing and low heels, and even just tender feet. Biotin is the primary rate limiting nutrient for adequate hoof growth, repair and quality. The availability of biotin from most cereal products is very low, and it may be completely unavailable. The exception is maize (Corn), where the biotin is fully available.

Research Trials on Biotin in Horses
Biotin supplementation on the white Lipizzaner stallions of Austria over 2 years, ending in 1991, was undertaken because the hoof quality of these famous horses had deteriorated badly, with crumbling walls, a soft and wide white line area, and thin, cracked soles. For over 2 years, 26 stallions received daily biotin, while 16 horses received a placebo. Hoof quality began to improve after 9 months in the supplemented horses, when a lessening of the hoof cracks and less crumbling of the hoof horn was obvious. Improvement in hoof condition continued through the remainder of the study for the supplemented horses, while the placebo group remained unchanged. Overall improvements in the Spanish Riding School study were seen as:

• Less cracking and splitting of horn, especially at the weight bearing border
• More even surface at the coronary band
• Improved white line region
• Greater tensile strength of horn tissue
• Fewer horn defects under microscopic examination of horn.

The first improvements were evident within 6 months of biotin supplementation, but the improved hoof condition continued over the next three years as long as supplementation was continued. The authors recommended that continuous dietary supplementation of biotin is indicated to improve and maintain hoof horn quality in horses with less than optimum quality hoof. (Josseck, H., Zenker, W., geyer, H. Hoof horn abnormalities in Lippizaner horses and the effect of dietary biotin on macroscopic aspects of hoof horn quality. Equine Vet J. 1995 May;27(3):175-182).

Black et al, 1985, examined the hooves of 85 horses, all supplemented with biotin for at least one year, and compared them to 9 control horses with no supplementation. They found that supplemented horses showed better appearance of new horn near the coronary band after 3-6 months of supplementation, and had significant improvement at the weight bearing border 8-15 months after the start of biotin supplementation.

The effect of dietary biotin supplementation on growth and growth rate of the hooves of 8 match-paired ponies was investigated in 1998 by Reilly et al, who observed that biotin supplementation produced a significantly higher growth rate of hoof horn, with treated horses showing a 15% increased growth rate of hoof horn, and 15% more hoof growth to controls after 5 months of supplementation with biotin (Reilly, J.D., Cottrell, D.F., martin, R.J., Cuddeford, D.J. Effect of supplementary dietary biotin on hoof growth rate in ponies: a controlled trial. Equine Vet J. Suppl. 1998 Sep;(26):51-57)

Geyer et. al. (1994) conducted a long term study to determine the influence of daily dietary biotin in horses with brittle hoof horn and chipped hooves, using 97 horses over a 6 year period. The hoof horn condition of the supplemented horses improved after 8-15 months as determined by microscopic findings. The growth rate of coronary horn was similar in supplemented and non-supplemented horses. The hoof horn condition deteriorated significantly in 70% of horses after biotin supplementation ceased. The authors concluded that biotin should be continuously supplemented at the full dosage in horses with severe hoof horn alterations.
(Geyer, H., Schulze, J. the long-term influence of biotin supplementation on hoof horn quality in horses. Schweiz. Arch. Tierheilkd. 1994; 136(4):137-149)

Buffa et. al. (1992) over a 10 month period examined 24 riding horses fed with biotin. Statistically significant improvements in growth rates and hardness of hooves were produced by biotin supplements. Greater growth rates and hardness were achieved at a daily dose of 15mg than at lower doses. Increased hoof hardness was greatest in hoof quarters and toes.
(Buffa, E.A., van Den Berg, S.S., Verstraete, F.J., Swart, N.G. Effect of dietary biotin supplement on equine hoof horn growth rate and hardness. Equine Vet J. 1992 Nov;24(6):472-474)

Kempson, 1987, found that two types of defect were observed in horses with brittle feet under electron microscope view. The first defect showed a loss of structure and horn, remedied after biotin supplementation. The second defect showed poor attachment of the horn which failed to respond to biotin alone, and required biotin plus calcium.
(Kempson, S.A. Scanning electron microscope observations of hoof horn from horses with brittle feet. Vet. Rec. 1987 Jun;120(24):568-570)

This final article made it clear that many horses with brittle, poor quality horn did not respond to biotin supplementation alone, but did show a dramatic improvement in hoof horn quality when the diets were also balanced for available calcium. The traditional diet of oats, bran and hays contains low levels of calcium and high levels of phosphate as phytate, which blocks the absorption of calcium in the small intestine, reducing availability to the horse. The message here is to take care to provide a balanced ration when treating any nutritional problem. If owners are concerned about the quality of the diet, they may take advantage of the Ranvet Free Diet Analysis to be fully advised on the nutritional value of the horse’s diet while supplementing for something as important as hoof growth and strength.

Need For Balanced Calcium : Phosphorus Ratio in Diet
Many trials have confirmed that a diet adjustment to improve the calcium : phosphorus ratio can produce a dramatic change in appearance of the hoof horn within 3-4 months.

One of the best ways to improve calcium : phosphorus levels in the diet is to omit bran completely, reduce the grain component in the diet, and replace it with lucerne. British trials show that over a 9 month period, horses receiving lucerne rather than grain produced 22-25% more horn, of better structural quality than the control horses on high grain diets.

Poor quality hoof horn makes the horse prone to bruising of the foot. This mechanical trauma causes inflammation of the coria (structures inside the hoof wall), and disrupts the process of keratinisation, leading to poor quality horn. Properly balanced nutritional supplements can stop this deterioration cycle and stimulate the growth of good quality horn to protect the underlying tissues.

Like calcium and phosphorus, all other nutritional elements need to be properly balanced in order for biotin to work effectively to improve hoof quality. Adequate, healthy hoof wall growth also requires methionine, zinc, sulphur and copper. The problem is that excess methionine, for example, will decrease the absorption of copper and zinc.

Zinc
A deficiency of zinc will result in a defect of the horn where the keratinisation of the horn is incomplete. Supplementation of zinc will reverse this effect. Zinc is essential in the normal keratinisation of the hoof. Zinc often has reduced availability when high calcium levels are found in the diet.

Sulphur
The protein structure of the hoof contains large amounts of sulphur containing amino acids, with methionine and cysteine being the two most important. Cysteine is manufactured from methionine, and both amino acids may be marginal or deficient in normal diets when accelerated hoof growth is occurring. Sulphur is also a component of the vitamins biotin and thiamine, and of chondroitin sulfate (a component of cartilage, bone, tendons, and blood vessels). The concentration of sulphur containing amino acids is highest in hoof and hair, which contain the protein keratin (which is 4% sulphur). Keratin is necessary for the maintenance of skin, hair and hoof integrity, giving strength and hardness to these protein tissues.
Methionine is necessary for the production of keratin, and is also a major source of non protein nitrogen, essential for optimum growth and nitrogen balance, and one of the major nutrients necessary in the production of premium quality hoof tissues.

Gelatin
Gelatin is defined as a ‘product obtained from partial hydrolysis of collagen derived from natural sources such as skin, connective tissue and bones of animals”. It is an easily digestible protein that contains all of the essential amino acids except tryptophan.

Hoof growth is slowest when the temperature is particularly hot or cold, and spring is the best time for optimal hoof growth in temperature extreme climates. It is vital that all essential nutrients be available by supplementation to meet the increased growth rates at the optimal time of year. Any deficiency of nutrients at the time of maximum hoof growth will result in deficient quality hoof horn growth.

A good hoof food makes sure all essential nutrients for hoof growth are present and available, irrespective of the diet or season, to be used as required to provide balanced nutritional supplementation for optimum hoof quality over the long term.

Summary
Hoof wall growth commences at the coronary band, and new hoof grows down from this level, taking up to 12 months for completely new hoof growth to replace old damaged tissue. There is no way to heal existing cracks or damage.

A good hoof food provides Biotin, Sulphur, Methionine, Choline, Magnesium and Zinc – all essential cofactors in the provision of healthy hoof wall structures.

It is vital that balanced nutrition be provided to any horse with dry, brittle or cracked hooves, in conjunction with a good hoof food, to ensure the provision of adequate essential nutrients for hoof repair and maintenance. Pay particular attention to providing an adequate calcium: phosphorus ratio in the diet, and reduce grain or bran components of the diet, while increasing access to green lucerne or hay.

Competent farriery is critical to maintaining healthy hoof wall structure.

Who wants soft-country feet? Not me! Until recently I lived in an area that was perfect for barefooting. Hard, dry, often rocky terrain meant achieving gravel-crunching soundness was possible for a majority of horses. Last November, I moved to an area with much higher rainfall and with rich, deep, often wet topsoil; perfect for dairy farming (with energy-rich grasses like kikuyu and paspalum) but not ideal for developing solid functional horse hooves.

Large areas of my paddocks have standing water for weeks on end. Even where they are dry, the soil is either soft and sandy or wet and muddy. The horses are often standing in water for hours, even days, at a time.

Not surprisingly, these conditions are renowned for producing soft, undeveloped feet that are prone to infections. Thrush and seedy toe/white line disease are common in this area and hoofwall separation is almost a given. These were pathologies I almost never experienced in my work as a trimmer in the hard, dry country where I used to live. However, I thought this new environment would be a great opportunity to test a basic tenet of barefoot hoof-care: if the biomechanics and physiology of a hoof are correct, then biomechanical stress – such as hoof wall separation – and physiological stress – such as thrush and seedy-toe – should not manifest.

Soft-country feet (here a Cumberland Island feral horse – photo from Cindy Sullivan’s Tribe Equus website) are usually characterised by longer walls, often accompanied with a forward stretched hoof. Hard-country feet (here a mustang) are usually characterised by a hoof wall that is abraded, often passive to other hoof structures (frog and sole), with a short toe.

Much of the debate around styles of hoof trimming focuses on concerns about which hoof part(s) should be active or passive (eg, should the sole be passive to the wall, are the heels passive to the frog, or vice versa) – I believe all this debate is largely irrelevant. Rather, we should focus on the position of the coffin bone within the hoof capsule. In soft-country the toe digs deeper into the forgiving terrain; in hard-country it digs in little, or not at all. In wild horses, the hoof capsule grows to best enable correct breakover and optimal coffin joint rotation according to he amount of ‘give’ in the terrain.

And there arises my problem. Although my horses live on soft, wet terrain, ALL of my riding is on somewhat rocky to very rocky, hardpacked trails (I moved here for the fabulous trails!). The longer toe and forward breakover suited to their living conditions is not suitable for the conditions I want to ride over.

This is the off fore of my 2year old Starab filly before a trim. I chose this horse for the trim photos simply because she is not in work, loafs around all day with very little movement, mostly in soft, wet paddocks. Even so, by trimming the hoof to maintain optimal coffin bone position (forward and high in the hoof capsule), the integrity of her internal and external hoof is maintained: no hoof wall separation, thrush or seedy toe here.

Only a slight bevel on the toe wall (45 degrees from underneath, vertical from on top). The bevel is sufficient only so the correct breakover is maintained (evident in the lateral shot) and to keep a check on toe-flare. What is most evident in the solar view is that everything is trimmed passive to the frog. Here I have taken off a small section of abrading frog. For horses in work I rarely if ever remove any frog – I make the frog active and allow it to compress through movement.

This trim is typical of how I trim my horses in their current circumstances. The lack of frog stimulation and development was the most important change I noticed when my horses moved from hard-country to soft-country, so I like to emphasise frog contact when I trim them. In this instance, as is often the case, the outer-edge of the sole and the outer wall are both slightly passive to the inner wall. But I dont care if the sole is passive or the wall is passive – I care that the trim fosters the optimal placement of the coffin bone in the hoof capsule (high and forward).

Same horse, same trim with the pre-trim, mid-trim and post-trim photos of the near hind. This is to demonstrate that during the trim I am more than happy to bring the toe back behind the pre-trim white line to restore correct breakover. Indeed it is OFTEN necessary in domestic horses. Inevitably the toe wall becomes passive to the sole when this is done. Remember, I am not trimming in order to make the wall passive (that is irrelevant), I am trimming to ensure correct coffin bone position within the hoof capsule.

People often ask if aggressively trimming the toe makes the horse sore – I have never found this to be the case on a good footed horse. Horses that go sore when trimmed aggressively at the toe, would also go sore when trimmed cautiously. It is simply a case of understanding the anatomy of the hoof.

As an aside, the above trim photos highlight why, in my opinion, adherents of ‘lamellar sling’ or ‘SADP’ models of hoof function, where the hoof wall must be the active solar surface, are unable to produce barefoot performance horses (see my previous post on concussion for a discussion). Proponents of this model will not trim the wall passive to the sole and so are unable to correct breakover if the hoof grows too far forwad, as domestic horse hooves inevitably do. As the wall gets longer (either with toe flare or with a stretched forward hoof capsule), the breakover gets further and further forward and the coffin bone is situated increasingly lower and further back within the hoof capsule. To add insult to injury, some schools lower heels, and remove sole and bars, bringing the coffin bone even further back down in the hoof capsule – the very opposite of optimal.

This is the near fore and near hind of another of my horses, a five year old Arabian gelding. The main difference between these two horses is that this one gets ridden (in Easyboot Gloves on all four feet), currently two or three times a week, for an hour or two each time. Facebook users can also view a thermogram of this near fore. You can see the extra stimulation and development of the frog when compared to the unridden filly above. However, both of these horses had much greater frog development when they lived in hard country.

All my horses are trimmed in the same manner – to optimise coffin bone position, breakover and rotation around the coffin joint for hard-country riding. None have hoof wall separation, seedy toe or thrush, despite living in soft, wet muddy conditions. But I am not suggesting your horses be trimmed like mine – I am suggesting that if your horse is trimmed in a manner that respects the biomechanics and physiology of the hoof, and in accordance with his unique living and work conditions, hoof pathologies will be a thing of the past.

The Easyboot Glove after the first real test ride.

Summer is the time to get out and ride and enjoy your favorite trails with your equine partner. It’s also the time when the majority of research and development is done for EasyCare and our hoof boot product line. It’s the time to really test new concepts and see if they should be added to the product line.

If you have an idea for a product or a way to improve an existing EasyCare product, we would love to hear from you. If your concept is not something we are already working on and we use your idea to make a new product or improve an existing product, we will set up and agreement to compensate you for the idea.

The first rideable Boa Horse boot after some testing.

Here is what you need to do.
1. Let EasyCare know you have an idea or concept that relates to hoof boots or natural hoof care.
2. EasyCare will sign a confidentiality or non-disclosure document to learn more about your concept.
3. If the concept is not something we are already working on and EasyCare is interested in moving forward with your idea we can discuss a compensation package for your idea. It could be a royalty payment if the product goes to market or it could be a straight purchase of the idea.

We continue to hear from boot users who tinker with boot designs to make them better. If you have a design or an idea we would love to hear from you. Boots are getting better and better and with your help we can speed the evolution.

Happy riding and happy tinkering. Have a wonderful summer.

Don’t confuse your horse’s conformation with his posture. Conformational traits such as the length of bones, are genetically determined. There is not a lot you can do to change conformation. But you can have a profound effect on postural traits, such as the way muscles and connective tissues hold those bones in position. Good posture results from a flexible back supported by strong core muscles in the abdomen and thorax. Good posture means biomechanical efficiency and physiological effectiveness. Your horse, however, will generally have a loose underline, a restricted topline and move in a more or less hollow manner. This combination of postural traits, which equine bodyworkers call ‘lordosis’, is the reverse of good posture. Posture can be changed. To improve your endurance horse’s posture, simply incorporate exercises that develop Core Strength and Flexibility (CSF) into his conditioning program. Not only will he perform better but he really will look handsome.

Why Not Dressage?

Riding gymnastic exercises in an arena is the traditional way to develop CSF. However, there are several reasons why dressage is not necessarily the best way to improve the posture of your horse. Some riders lack technical riding skills. Some riders, having acquired an assortment of breaks, bashes and bruises over years of riding, lack the necessary balance and symmetry. Some riders lack the time or money to acquire instruction.  Some riders attend lessons but find it difficult to find dressage instructors who understand the needs of horses. Finally, some riders simply lack interest – which is why they ride on the trail not in the arena. Dressage is not the only way to improve your horse’s posture.

Un-mounted Exercises

By incorporating the following CSF exercises into your horse’s conditioning program you can positively affect his posture and performance. These exercises work generally to build muscle, develop balance and increase muscle elasticity. More specifically, the increased flexion of the hind leg, particularly articulation of the hock with concurrent lowering of the hip, causes the muscles of the torso and abdomen to strengthen. The muscle of the back are rounded and pushed up. The muscles of the shoulder, particularly the deep muscles below the scapula, are limbered which allows the forehand to elevate and the withers to ‘bounce’ higher. Holding the stretching exercises for an extended period restores range of motion and allows ‘muscle memory’ to take effect.

While working your horse through his CSF routine keep the following DOs and DONTs in mind:

DOs

1. Do warm your horse up with 10 minutes of vigorous walking before starting a CSF session
2. Do practice the exercises regularly. Several times each week while your horse is learning. Once your horse is performing higher intensity work a single weekly session is sufficient.
3. Do put the saddle on. As many endurance horses automatically ‘hollow’ when saddled it is beneficial for your horse to perform these exercises wearing tack. The non-habitual nature of the exercises provides the opportunity to ‘train’ your horse’s nervous system to associate the saddle with stretching the back and engaging the hindquarter.
4. Do asses your horse’s performance carefully. If at any time your horse becomes tired, anxious, or starts knocking poles then reduce the intensity of the exercise and be sure to finish on a good note. Mental and physical relaxation is imperative for success – only in a relaxed state can your horse develop the desired neuromuscular coordination.

DON’Ts

1. Don’t progress too quickly. Initial gains in performance arise from increased neuromuscular efficiency. In the first six weeks your horse’s performance will quickly, even startlingly, improve. Most of this initial improvement is because his body has ‘learnt’ how to perform the exercise. After six weeks of regular practice, gains in performance more accurately reflect true gains in strength and flexibility.
2. Don’t follow a set routine. Although you should aim to gradually increase the degree of difficulty of these exercises don’t be afraid to back off if you feel something isn’t quite right. Some days your horse will be feeling well and on other days he will not be interested. Strength training a tired or distracted horse is a sure-fire route to injury!
3. Don’t use this routine if your horse is roach backed or has strongly sloping quarters. This routine is developed for horses which tend to hollow through the back and push, rather than carry, with the hindleg. Using it on hyper-flexed horses will only exacerbate their condition.

The Fan

Place four or five poles so they fan out and away from a central resting point on a half 44 gallon drum, stack or five tires or similar object (Figure 1). Begin by leading your horse in a larger circle which includes only the outermost edge of the pole fan. Gradually decrease the size of the circle towards the center of the fan. As the circle decreases the poles become closer and higher. If your horse becomes anxious or starts knocking poles, increase the size of the circle until he can easily cope with the pole distance and height. Be sure to work in both directions.

Cavaletti and the Climb Through/ Stretch Through

Walking through cavaletti is an excellent way to develop your horse’s core strength and flexibility. If your horse is not familiar with cavaletti begin slowly. Start by walking over one cavaletti set at the lowest height. When your horse is comfortable walking over this, add another. For most horses the comfortable distance between cavaletti is around 90cm: adjust as necessary for longer or shorter striding horses. Add cavaletti until your horse is comfortably walking over seven or so. Next, raise the fourth cavaletti to medium height. Then raise the sixth cavaletti to medium height, then the third, etc. Raise the cavaletti one at a time and only as your horse develops confidence. It may be necessary to shorten the distances between these raised cavaletti by 5-10cm. For advanced horses you can gradually set all the cavaletti at maximum height or, better still, create a Climb Through/Stretch Through.

You need two rows of cavaletti to make the Climb Through/Stretch Through (Figure 2). The first row consists of four cavaletti set close together (80-90cm) at maximum height. The second row consists of three cavaletti on the lowest height and set far enough apart that your horse has to lift and reach with his front legs (95-110cm).

The Shoulder-In

In this lateral movement your horse’s forehand travels on a path inside that of the hindquarters, with even bending along the spine. The degree of bending is the same as you would expect on a small circle.  To introduce the shoulder-in begin by having your horse walk a small circle (6-10m in diameter) around you (Figure 3a). Keep a soft or loose hold on the lead-rope and point a dressage whip or carrot stick toward his quarters. After three or four repetitions allow him to take a few straight steps along the side of your work area before bringing him back on the small circle around you. Repeat this process until your horse anticipates moving onto the circle after a few straight steps. Once your horse is familiar with the procedure you can ask for a step or two of shoulder-in.

The next time you allow the horse to move along the straight side simply step toward his shoulder and bring the whip toward his flanks (Figure 3b). Initially it may be necessary to ‘gently feel’ the lead-rope to keep him looking toward the center of the work area. Ask only one or two steps before resuming the circle. Gradually build up the number of shoulder-in steps between circles as your horse becomes more familiar with the movement. The shoulder-in is physically and psychically demanding and must be developed harmoniously and with trust. Merely pushing or pulling your horse into the required form will have no gymnastic effect. Horses and riders with necessary equitation skills should practice the shoulder-in under saddle.

Stretches

Perform the following stretches during breaks between the above exercises. This allows your horse time to catch his breath after the metabolic demands of strength training. To be effective each stretch needs to be held for three minutes. This is the time it takes to effect ‘muscle memory’, where the muscle cells come to recognize the stretched position as normal. Initially this may be difficult for your horse. Take time and develop the stretches over several weeks. Remember a gentle stretch held for a long period of time is more effective than a stronger stretch held for a short period of time.

1. Wither lift. Stand level with the girth facing the side of your horse. Bend your legs and apply the fingers of both hands to the midline of his undercarriage, directly behind area of the forelegs, in an upward direction. The withers should rise up noticeably (Figure 4). ‘Stoic’ horses, those who are desensitized to touch due to pressure from the saddle and girth, may require a very firm upward pressure. Use your fingernails if necessary but remember to use the least pressure possible – don’t you do the work for him.
   

   Figure 4

2. Lumbar tuck. Only perform this stretch if you feel confident your horse will not kick. Stand to one side of your horse and at the hindquarter facing toward his head. Place one hand on each side of his hindquarter, level with and around 10cm to the side of the point of croup. With firm and increasing pressure slide your index or middle finger back to the point of buttock. The lumbar area will rise and the hindquarters will tuck (Figure 5).
   

   Figure 5

After Work Care

One way to reduce post-exercise soreness is to provide the muscles with readily assimilated fuel by feeding an easily absorbed carbohydrate, such as extruded grain, immediately after a CSF session. This also helps to build the muscles as there is a two hour window after exercise in which glucose (muscle fuel) has an increased effect. You may also wish to massage your horse to assist in the removal of toxins that accumulate during strength work. Use long, flowing strokes to soothe the muscles and increase circulation. A thorough grooming will achieve the same result.

Jeremy and Sir Smith were 1 hour, 45 minutes in front of the next horse, and the ninth place horse took exactly twice as long to complete the course. We believe Easyboots are a major component of a very successful holistic training strategy employed by Reynolds Racing. With several notable exceptions, it is very challenging to train horses that can stand up to the miles and speed required. Easyboots allow for a very different set of mechanics to be applied to the horse’s way of moving.

Sir Smith has now completed six 100-mile races in North America. Jeremy has been the only rider to compete with “Smitty” since 2005. He has won 14 first place awards – nine of those were achieved in Smitty’s last nine completions. He has also won several Best Condition Awards. Impressive indeed.

Jeremy and Smitty also completed President’s Cup 100-mile race in Abu Dhabi on February 13, 2010. Jeremy and Heather were invited to the President’s Cup only about two weeks before they were due to leave. Jeremy put himself on an aggressive weight loss plan and managed to lose 12 pounds in preparation for the race.

“Smitty did really well in Abu Dhabi,” said Heather of the 8 hour, 50 minute completion time. “He tends to be a hot horse – he really likes to go. But he was consistent all day and handled more than 80 miles of cantering.” Smitty was the first foreign horse to cross the finish line and at the time it was the fastest 100-mile completion for both horse and rider.

There were some unforeseen quarantine delays in getting Smitty back from Abu Dhabi to California and it was more than three weeks after the race before he got back to his own barn in Los Gatos. “He came home really skinny,” said Heather, “so we gave him another couple of weeks off to let his weight come back up.” Smitty lives on a grass pasture and enjoys free-feed hay and a high fat grain mix.

Jeremy then prepared for the 2010 FEI Git ‘R’ Done race by regularly driving the hour-long trip to the coast and galloping him on the beach. The rolling hills in the Los Gatos area don’t allow for much galloping in their training program so the beach provides the only location to canter and gallop for extended periods.

“Git ‘R’ Done was a good opportunity for Smitty to canter for hours at a time: good preparation for the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in September,” said Heather. “We set out with the goal to race at a certain speed and prepare him for the WEG. He won’t be doing any more races between now and then, so this was a key component of our preparation strategy.” The only other activity planned for Smitty before September is the 80-mile US Equestrian Team time trails in Oregon.

“Jeremy’s ride at Git ‘R’ Done went very well, to say the least,” said Heather of Jeremy’s achievement. “He and Smitty were in the lead the entire day. Smitty was cruising along and did the majority of the race solo. Smitty looked effortless and was very impressive. On Sunday morning he looked strong and won the Best Condition award, showing off in his Easyboot Glue-Ons.”

When asked if they had any boot challenges at the race, Heather laughed. “We had no boot traumas whatsoever. We use Goober Glue on the sole and Adhere on the shell walls.”

Smitty is French Arab off the track by Virgule Al Maury out of Amen. He is 11 years old. The Reynolds also own his ¾ brother named Sturgis, who is only five and will be doing his first 50-mile race at Wild West at end of May 2010.

Heather and Jeremy Reynolds own and operate Reynolds Racing in Los Gatos, California. They offer training, coaching, consulting, leasing and sales of performance horses. They collectively have more than 22,000 competition miles in endurance, with more than 80 wins, 45 Best Condition awards and 60 100 mile completions.

Photos courtesy of Merri Melde/Endurance Net