Garrett Ford rode The Fury to an impressive eighth place finish at the 2010 edition of the Tevis 100 mile race on July 24. He was accompanied by his wife, Lisa Ford, who rode Cyclone to the ninth place finish. The Fury and Cyclone were two of 34 horses who were competing in the Tevis race as part of the Ride Tevis for Free contest sponsored by EasyCare.

The Fury also won the coveted Haggin Cup. The Haggin Cup award is intended to recognize exceptional sportsmanship and horsemanship as demonstrated by the superior condition of the contestant’s horse during and at the completion of the ride. In other endurance events, the award tends to be based almost solely on the “best condition” judging held after the Ride and focuses on the criteria of “fit to go on.”

“I think of The Fury as the horse of a lifetime,” said Ford. “He is eight years old and I knew when I rode him for the first time last year that there was something special about this horse. When we got into the Foresthill vet check at 75 miles, he still had so much to give. As we set out on the last leg of the race, I decided to unleash The Fury!”

John Crandell III, who took first place at the event, rode the last six miles from Lower Quarry to the Auburn Fairgrounds in 64 minutes. Garrett and Lisa Ford  traveled the same distance in 47 minutes, jumping from 16th and 17th respectively to 8th and 9th place.

Haggin Cup judging observations of contestants and their mounts are made throughout the ride, beginning with the initial check-in and subsequent veterinary checks by members of the veterinary examining and Cup Committees. Findings are documented by the veterinarians and made available to Cup Committee members.

Fury’s Haggin Cup win is of particular note because he is the first barefoot horse in the 54 years of the race to win the award. Garrett trains and competes The Fury in Easyboot Gloves and uses Easyboot Glue-Ons for only a few races: the 2010 edition of Tevis was one of them. 21 of the horses competing in the EasyCare Ride Tevis for Free contest went on to cross the finish line in Auburn – including the last place horses, Cira and Sonny ridden by Kathie Ford and Kathy Sherman. Six of those horses finished in the top 20 positions.

Also worthy of note is the 62% completion rate of the horses competing in the Ride Tevis for Free Contest: the overall race had 182 horses start and 93 horses complete – a completion rate of 51%.

It was a red letter day for Easyboots and for the natural hoof care movement at large.

For more information on the Tevis Cup, 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, please contact Kevin Myers, Director of Marketing at kmyers@easycareinc.com.

EasyCare Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of a new contest to promote the use of Easyboots at the 2010 edition of the Western States Trail Ride, otherwise known as the 54th edition of the Tevis Cup.

“Many endurance riders can only dream of earning their own Tevis buckle,” said Garrett Ford, President and CEO of EasyCare. “Others may wish to add another buckle to their collection. I can certainly relate to that! This contest will afford any rider the opportunity to make those dreams come true.”

This unique program will pay the way for riders who compete in the event on July 24, 2010. Riders must simply complete the entire Western States Trail Ride wearing four EasyCare boots and EasyCare will reimburse the ride entry costs. Although Easyboot Glue-Ons are recommended, the contest is valid with all EasyCare boots.

“That’s not all,” said Ford. “EasyCare will also provide the boots for the event; the tools and equipment needed to apply the boots and the EasyCare staff will even apply the boots for riders.”

In order to qualify for the contest, riders are required to complete two AERC sanctioned 50-mile events or one AERC sanctioned 100-mile event in any four EasyCare boots during the 2010 ride season before the July 24 2010 Tevis ride date.

Once competing riders cross the finish line at the Auburn Fairgrounds on July 24 or 25, 2010 and the celebrations have concluded, EasyCare will reimburse riders their entry fees.

The stakes are definitely in the favor of riders in Easyboots: the completion rate of horses in Easyboot Glue-On boots at the 2009 Tevis was an impressive 70% compared to the 50% average overall completion rate of all horses entered in the competition.

The annual Tevis Cup is among the most coveted 100 mile endurance races in the world. Started in 1955, the ride starts on the outskirts of North Lake Tahoe near the town of Truckee, California and ends 100 miles later in the Fairgrounds at Auburn, California. The course boasts a staggering elevation loss of 23,000 feet and elevation gain of 19,000 feet between the starting line and the welcome lights at Auburn.

Wendell Robie, an Auburn businessman who was dedicated to riding the trails in the Sierra high country, organized the first ride. At the time, few people believed that a horse and rider team could traverse the unforgiving trail of Lake Tahoe to Auburn in a single day.

Each rider who completes the course with a horse deemed ‘fit to continue’ is awarded the infamous silver Tevis belt buckle.

Riders can sign up today to enroll in the contest:

1. Go to the EasyCare Tevis Contest Page under the Cool Stuff tab.
2. Click on Tevis Contest Entry Form.
3. Fill out the online form.
4. Attend rides and follow the contest rules!

For more information on the Finish the 2010 Tevis Cup in Easyboots Contest, please contact Kevin Myers, Director of Marketing at kmyers@easycareinc.com or 520-297-1900 X 2238.

For more information on EasyCare Inc. please visit www.easycareinc.com or blog.easycareinc.com.

Easyboot is the official hoof boot of AERC.

Riders registered in this new collaborative program can proactively support AERC in this time of great need. Their participation will help generate a dedicated revenue source to fund AERC’s regular operating expenses. The Treasurer’s report in the March 2010 issue of Endurance News showed a net operating loss of $139,533 for the 2009 fiscal year. The need is significant and the need is now.

“The concept is simple but effective” said Garrett Ford, EasyCare’s President and CEO. “EasyCare will pay AERC 25 cents for every AERC mile ridden in EasyCare Hoof Boots. Any and all AERC sanctioned distances count towards total rider mileage”.

For example, if a registered rider completes an AERC sanctioned 50-mile event in Easyboots, EasyCare will write AERC a check for $12.50. A 100-mile event completed in Easyboots will raise $25.00 for AERC and so on.

In order for AERC members to help by giving back, riders must be registered in EasyCare’s 2010 Hoof Boot contest. Once registered, riders simply follow the rules as defined in the contest information form. There is no fee to riders or to AERC to enter the contest and all regular cash awards will continue to be made to qualifying registered riders. That means both AERC and member riders stand to gain from participation in the contest. It is a win-win situation for AERC, riders and for the sport we love.

“Any members who are currently registered in the contest have already started helping AERC: every mile they have collected in the 2010 ride season counts towards the program.” said Kathleen Henkel, AERC’s Executive Director.

EasyCare’s 2009 Hoof Boot Contest accumulated 21,301 miles and would have generated $5,325.25 for AERC. EasyCare’s goal is to increase the 2010 rider mileage total to more than 30,000 miles and generate at least $7,500 in new funds for AERC.

“Although $7,500 is EasyCare’s 2010 goal, there will be no limit to the number of miles collected by riders in the contest, or to the amount of funds payable by EasyCare to AERC for the duration of the 2010 ride year. The higher the number of riders in the contest, the more AERC receives from EasyCare in financial support.” said Mr. Ford.  Riders can compete in any of the EasyCare boot products, which means the competing horses can ride barefoot in Easyboots or shod in Easyboots.

The role of Easyboot with AERC goes back a long way. In 1972, Dr. Glass decided to conduct his own test of Easyboots in endurance riding. Other riders were beginning to use Easyboots to replace lost shoes in such rides. He decided to use them throughout the entire race.

Over the next several years he and his wife, Lucille, each rode more than 5,000 miles in AERC sanctioned rides. All of the miles completed by Dr. Glass and Lucille were with Easyboots.

The Easyboot of today is much simpler in design and just as effective. The Easyboot Glove, for instance, is a form-fitting, seamless boot that hugs the hoof and responds like a natural foot. Flexible and tough, this boot adds traction to the hoof while allowing a free stride and breakover. The material stretches over the hoof and clings to the wall so that debris stays out of the boot even through sandy and muddy conditions. No external hardware means that there is no need to worry about replacing cables. Studs are available for winter riding.

Riders can help AERC today and begin their participation in the EasyCare Gives Back to AERC Campaign:

• Fill out the Hoof Boot Contest online entry form.

-OR-

• Download, fill out and mail or fax the Hoof Boot Contest paper form (PDF) to the EasyCare office.
• Attend rides and follow the contest rules!

Easyboot is the official hoof boot of AERC.

For more information on the campaign, please contact Kevin Myers, Director of Marketing at kmyers@easycareinc.com or 520-297-1900 X 2238. For more information on EasyCare Inc. please visit  www.easycareinc.com or http://blog.easycareinc.com.

Release Date: 2010-02-17

TUCSON, AZ – EasyCare, maker of natural hoof care products, recently launched online training through 3point5.com, delivering free, interactive retail training and deep discounts to scores of retail employees.

As a result, salespeople selling EasyCare products now can take advantage of brand, technology and product training 24/7, wherever they have access to a computer and the internet.

Salespeople earn discounts on the products they sell by passing “Edu-Games” on what they’ve learned. The interactive, entertaining training will be updated regularly to present new products and technologies as they become available.

The new online training will deliver an easily-monitored message with a goal of increasing the quality of conversations on the sales floor, said Garrett Ford, of EasyCare.

“We needed a way to quickly, consistently educate our sales force,” Ford said. “3point5.com has a really impressive track record at engaging salespeople online and their service allows retail managers to effortlessly handle employee purchases, too.”

Retail salespeople who sell EasyCare products access the training for free, and retail managers can easily vet and monitor employee purchases and keep track of which employees are taking advantage of the online training.

3point5.com, a subsidiary of SwarmBuilder Inc., builds online retail training for the Outdoor, Snowsports, Hunt/Fish, Footwear, Bike and Golf industries. The EasyCare training marks the company’s first major foray into equestrian products.

“While we haven’t worked with major companies in the Equestrian market, it was clear to us that EasyCare had something in common with many of our other top brands.” said SwarmBuilder CEO Duncan Robins. “This company is an innovator that’s ahead of the curve in its industry.”

EasyCare was started by Dr. Neel Glass, who invented the EasyBoot in 1971 for a horse that was suffering from navicular disease. Natural hoof care – which derives health benefits from going “barefoot” – is growing in popularity in the equine industry. EasyCare estimates that 80 percent of lameness in horses today is caused or aggravated by shoeing.

About SwarmBuilder, Inc.: SwarmBuilder, Inc., the parent company of 3point5.com, is a leading provider of Word-of-Mouth marketing services; aggregating, validating and engaging armies of Brand Advocates that spread the word about their favorite Brands, Retailers and Member Organizations. SwarmBuilder has connected over 230,000 Brand Advocates including Retail Sales Professionals, Pros, and industry insiders with over almost 200 Brands and thousands of Retail locations. www.SwarmBuilder.com

About EasyCare: What began in 1970 with the invention of the Easyboot has since grown into a full line of hoof boots and natural hoof care products that protect the hoof, allow horses to cover rough terrain, act as a spare tire in case of a lost shoe, and aid in the treatment of laminitis and other hoof problems. EasyCare’s hoof boot brands include the Easyboot, Boa Horse Boot, Old Mac’s and EasySoaker. While our main focus at EasyCare is horse boot design, we proudly make other top quality products for trail riders and recreational horse owners such as Stowaway Saddle Packs, EZ Ride Stirrups, Comfort Pads, hoof boot accessories and natural hoof care products.

EasyCare hires Kevin Myers to lead all marketing activities of the organization and to oversee the customer service department. “Kevin is highly skilled in various areas relating to relationship management, team building and strategic planning.” said President and CEO Garrett Ford. “We are very fortunate to add such a passionate and skilled individual to our team. Kevin will play a vital role in managing the marketing and publicity of our brands and accommodating the tremendous growth we are experiencing in the natural horse care industry nationally and internationally.”

Mr. Myers joins EasyCare from Ballet Arizona where he has held the position of Executive Director since 2004. In that time, Ballet Arizona retired its accumulated debt; received a $6.5M bond issue from the City of Phoenix for new rehearsal and administration facilities; built a cash reserve of more than $900,000 and increased earned revenue by more than 20% per year for four years. As the administrative leader of Ballet Arizona, Kevin worked with a staff of 21 people in a complex business model that relies on revenue from ten fundraising, membership and earned revenue streams.

“I am very excited to join Garrett Ford and the EasyCare team.” said Kevin Myers. “I have spent more than 20 years working in the non-profit management sector. Many people don’t know that I have also been actively competing in wilderness endurance horse riding since 1994. EasyCare has unveiled a new equine product line-up that is changing the evolution of natural hoof care in ways we could not have anticipated. I’m very excited by the opportunity to be part of that.”

“EasyCare will also soon be launching a new training platform that will allow the retail network to gain a broader and deeper understanding of the EasyCare products.” said Garrett Ford of the new technology built by 3point5. “Trained retailers will be empowered to give the best guidance and advice to make the customer experience consistently successful.”

What began in 1970 with the invention of the Easyboot has since grown into a full line of hoof boots and natural hoof care products that protect the hoof, allow horses to cover rough terrain, act as a spare tire in case of a lost shoe and aid in the treatment of laminitis and other hoof problems. EasyCare’s hoof boot brands include the Easyboot, Easyboot Glove, Easyboot Glue-On, Boa Horse Boot, Old Mac’s and EasySoaker.

Contact EasyCare Inc. at 1-800-447-8836 or 520-297-1900 or www.easycareinc.com

http://blog.easycareinc.com/blog/easycare See also www.3point5.com

Each year our contest grows in popularity, and this year we had 63 riders logging an incredible 21,301 miles using Easyboots over bare hooves!  That’s over 4,500 miles more than last year!  Top ten riders are being awarded a total of $10,000 in cash, and seven riders also qualified for bonus mileage payouts throughout the 2009 season.  A total of $5,100 was given out in bonus cash.

1st Place - Carla Richardson

2nd Place - Terri Tinkham

3rd Place - Christoph Schork

1. Carla Richardson 1,560 miles $3000
2. Terri Tinkham 1,525 miles $2000
3. Christoph Schork 1,330 miles $1000
4. Natalie Herman 1,115 miles $850
5. Dian Woodward 845 miles $750
6. Kadee Felton 823 miles $650
7. Kerry Greear 810 miles $550
8. Carol Layton 721 miles $400
9. Joyce Stoffey 660 miles $400
10. Laurie Birch 530 miles $400

It was a neck in neck competition for first place but Carla Richardson and her horse SS Kharady Khid are the winners this year!  They beat out last years first place winner Terri Tinkham and horse Oliver Twist by just 35 miles!  Carla and SS Kharady Khid logged 1,560 miles this year.  What a team!  Way to go!

The 2009 contest may have come to an end but the 2010 contest has just begun.  EasyCare will award a total of $10,000 to the riders who complete the most American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) or Australian Endurance Rider Association (AERA) miles during the 2010 AERC ride season (Dec. 1, 2009-Nov. 30, 2010) using two or four EasyCare hoof boots over bare hooves.  Throughout the year special promotions and discounts will be made available to those participating in the EasyCare Hoof Boot Contest.  Riders will also be elegible for bonus cash after completion of 300 miles (482km) and 400 miles has been reached.  So get out there and ride, ride, ride!  Click here for contest information and entry forms.

For more information about hoof boots or natural hoof care please call EasyCare, Inc. at 1-800-447-8836, or e-mail: admin@easycareinc.com

The Tevis Cup is a 100-mile endurance race that takes horse and rider through some of the most breathtaking and rugged terrain on the planet. The course starts before dawn at Robie Flats, high in the mountains above Lake Tahoe, and finishes 100 long miles away in Auburn, CA. The fastest riders finish around the 17 hour mark, with riders coming in throughout the night and well into the morning hours.

Because the race is so hard, and because the vet checks set up at regular intervals along the race course are so strict in ensuring the horses' health and well-being, the average completion rate for Tevis over its 50+ year history is around 54%. Yes, that means that only about half of the riders that enter actually end up finishing the race. Most are pulled at a vet check because their horse doesn't meet the many stringent requirements for heart rate, soundness, gait, etc. Others simply can't complete the grueling course before the 24-hour cutoff time expires.

Of the 19 horses that were fitted with EasyCare Glue-On boots, 14 finished the race, including two top 10 finishes: Tennessee Mahoney and Salty came in 6th, and Megan Doyle and Kanga Roo finished 8th. Garrett and several members of his riding group finished around 30th place. Complete ride results can be found here. The finish rate for booted horses was 73%, well above the 54% average, showing once again that hoof boots have earned their rightful place in the endurance riding world and are here to stay.

Bob Walz, inventor of EZ-Ride Stirrups, at Tevis.

EasyCare’s president, Garrett Ford, will be on hand to help competitors fit, adjust and glue hoof boots on before the world famous 100-mile Tevis Cup Ride. Mr. Ford will arrive July 30th at Robie Park, and is taking appointments now for those who would like his help to ensure that their hoof boots are properly applied before the event. The ride starts on August 1.

The Tevis Cup is the most famous of all endurance rides, and challenges even the best of riders. Numerous competitors will be riding in Easyboot Gloves and Easyboot Glue-Ons over bare hooves 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.

To make an appointment for your horse, please email admin@easycareinc.com

Additional information about the Tevis 100 mile ride can be found here.

Dr. Taylor is recording and studying the results of natural hoof care on chronic laminitis cases. Hoof care practitioner Pete Ramey is currently traveling to Auburn every three weeks to expand the preliminary study- hopefully to include 50 horses. The study has consistently shown rotation reversal, increased sole thickness and profound improvement in levels of soundness. Several case horses have also demonstrated reversal of distal descent of P3. The goal is to publish this data as a scientific paper; it would be the first time a successful method of reversing chronic laminitis has been published. If you have a laminitic horse you would like to add to the study (and can haul to the University) please contact Dr. Taylor at the vet school. Boarding is available at nearby farms.

Dr. Taylor has begun additional studies to prove out the clinical relevance of the research findings of Robert Bowker VMD, PhD. This summer she will use ultrasonography, cadaver dissection, histology, radiography, MRI and CT to establish parameters for evaluating lateral cartilage and digital cushion development. This preliminary cadaver study will pave the way for a planned study to track the caudal foot development in live horses over time using radiography, ultrasonography, MRI and/or CT. Currently, there are a limited number of veterinarians in the field that recognize the significance of internal foot development, and its ramifications to the horse’s longevity and soundness. Experts in the field of hoof imaging, rarely address the anatomy, structure or health of the lateral cartilages, the digital cushion or heel depth when interpreting MRI results on horses with heel pain- in other words, half of the total volume of the foot is rarely taken into consideration. This study linking Bowker’s cadaver studies to MRI, ultrasound and radiographic parameters should become critical to the future of lameness treatment and prevention.

Click here to see radiographs of two of the cases from a study.

EasyCare has released a new boot accessory that puts more power (and fun) into the Easyboot Gloves and Glue-On boots. The new easy-to-install Power Strap comes in ten colors and is designed to give the boot more stability in extreme riding conditions. Horses whose feet don’t fit perfectly into the Easyboot Gloves or Glue-Ons will also benefit.

Because the Power Strap comes in a variety of colors, horse owners can mark boots for individual horses, find the boots easier if a horse loses one, and match their tack.

The power strap is designed to add rigidity and tighten the boot at the top. They help boots on slightly irregular feet, or those that show slight gaps at the top (but the boots fit well otherwise) fit the hooves better. The power strap also helps keep debris out of the Easyboot Glove.

Power Straps are available through EasyCare and their dealers. If you would like to find out if the Easyboot Glove or Glue-On is right for your horse or find a dealer near you, please visit the EasyCare website at www.easycareinc.com. Fit Kits are also available that will help you determine the correct size Glove or Glue-On boot.