Boot Camp, EasyCare, Inc. Dealer Blog

Pacific Hoof Care Practitioners Hold Dissection Clinic

2008-07-02T11:04:41-07:00

The Pacific Hoof Care Practitioners held a anatomy and cadaver dissection clinic this past April. The course was held in Concow, CA and taught by professional trimmer, Sally Hugg. EasyCare, HCP Dealer Rep. Debbie Schiwebert flew out to get educated in the ways of dissection and to see the hoof as only one can through an actual cadaver dissection. The course also covered terms and a view of the hoof through the use of the Glass Horse program. If you haven't seen this, it is an amazing tool for anyone interested in the distal limb and provides an excellent way to become savvy of terms and terminology as they apply to the lower limb. Sally was a gracious host and a wonderful instructor. There were many professionals in attendance who are also EasyCare dealers so it was icing on the cake for Debbie to finally put names and faces together and to get down to the details of dissection in the midst of some mighty fine company! For more details on this course and others offered through the Pacfic Hoof Care Practitioners visit their website for more details.

Hilarious Selling Mistakes

2008-06-25T07:16:36-07:00

Sometimes a good laugh is important. I found this video on Selling Power where author Dan Seidman talks about his book Sales Autopsy. Sometimes other peoples mistakes can be our biggest lessons. Check it out.

Do you or your customers own gaited horses?

2008-06-23T17:42:29-07:00

If so, we would like to hear from you! Next month's newsletter will feature barefoot and booted gaited horses. We'll talk about special considerations for gaited horses, success stories and challenges. We'll add a link to you on our website if you are interested and can help gaited horse owners with booting. We'd like to hear about your background and your customers' experiences with Boas, Old Mac's, Bare's, Easyboots, and Epics!

This is Pleasure's Pot o' Gold, a golden champagne Tennessee Walking Horse stallion going barefoot and bridleless. He is located in Belgium.

Sandra van den Hof, owner and trainer, up.

Horse Industry Statistics

2008-06-20T12:10:28-07:00

Quick Facts:

The horse industry directly produces goods and services of $25.3 billion and has a total impact of $112.1 billion on U.S. gross domestic product. Racing, showing and recreation each contribute more than 25% to the total value of goods and services produced by the industry.

The industry's contribution to the U.S. GDP is greater than the motion picture services, railroad transportation, furniture and fixtures manufacturing and tobacco product manufacturing industries. It is only slightly smaller than the apparel and other textile products manufacturing industry.

In terms of employment, the industry directly employs more people than railroads, radio and television broadcasting, petroleum and coal products manufacturing and tobacco product manufacturing.

The horse industry has a direct economic effect in the urban areas of $2.8 billion and employs 45,800 FTE employees. In rural areas, the direct economic effect is $22.5 billion and employs 292,700 FTE employees.

Click here for more interesting Horse Industry statistics and its impact on the American Economy!

EasyCare Dealer Gets Around!

2008-06-18T17:04:57-07:00

This picture was sent in by new EasyCare Dealer and hoof care practitioner Maria Siebrand, from Coronado, CA. Maria says since her clients are all so close she is able to save gas and drive her John Deer Gator from client to client. This handy vehicle has room for all her tools, hoof boots and Comfort Pads. Notice the great plates on the front! If you are a hoof care practitioner and have a unique rig you drive, send in a picture, we'd love to share it!

Soul of A Horse-Podcast with Joe Camp

2008-06-11T10:08:06-07:00

Are you interested in the barefoot movement? Were you saddened by the euthenasia of Eight Bells on Kentucky Derby Day? Are you all for understanding horses and their natural instincts? If so, you'll enjoy this WGN podcast with Joe Camp, Author of Soul of a Horse and the writer/director of the Benji movies.

To listen to a terrific interview by Steve Dale with Joe on WGN in Chicago, just click here:

Inspirational thought!

2008-06-11T09:46:32-07:00

The three great essentials to achieve anything worth while are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.

Thomas Edison

EasyCare Hoofpicks Available to Dealers

2008-06-05T11:48:46-07:00

EasyCare heavy duty magnetic hoofpicks are now available to dealers. These magnetic hoof picks are made from steel and are super strong. They are great for cleaning hooves as well as using to work with Easyboot cables and buckles. Each hoof pick has a small powerful magnet embedded in it that will stick to any metal surface - never lose your pick again!

June Dealer Blog Special

2008-06-01T05:21:00-07:00

Purchase Old Mac's Original or Generation 2 (G-2) boots at the lowest retail dealer pricing for the entire month of June! Dealers must purchase at least 4 pair of boots per order to get special pricing. This offer is good for domestic EasyCare retail dealers only. Old Mac's are perfect for your trail riding customers and for horses with a variety of hoof maladies. Comfort pads are great as an add-on for more cushioning and therapy.

Mention that you saw the blog!

EasyCare Dealer of the Month - High Desert Hoof Care

2008-05-30T12:56:57-07:00

EasyCare would like to spotlight June dealer of the month, High Desert Hoof Care, owned and operated by Leslie Carrig out of Gardnerville, NV. Leslie started her journey about four years ago when she decided to keep one of her horses barefoot. She recalls the horse having pretty good feet and a friend telling her how she rode her horse in boots. She ordered some Old Mac's and loved riding in them. Her mom then sent her an article by Pete Ramey and she was intrigued and so read Pete's book and then Jamie Jackson's. "That was it for me. It all made too much sense," says Leslie. She knew that her other horse with the not so great feet was really the one needing to be barefoot, so Leslie learned to trim her own horses. But in time eight hooves weren't enough for her and she had to see and learn more resulting in her becoming a professional trimmer.

Leslie officially has been in business a year and a half, working mostly in the Carson Valley area where she works with about 75 head regularly. She also teaches owners to trim themselves and fits boots for non-clients.

Leslie is a member of the Pacific Hoof Care Practitioners which is a group of professional trimmers who want to share information in a supportive setting and continue their education indefinitely. Leslie says the group saw the need for more training programs in the barefoot community and that demand is growing fast. This program is flexible to accommodate the professional trimmer, who would like a support group with continuing education. The organization also offers a comprehensive training program for anyone wanting to trim their own horses or start a new career. They follow Pete Ramey's style of trimming and look at the whole horse and welcome anyone interested in learning more.

When it comes to boots and pads, Leslie says they are critical to her success as a trimmer. She adds that most of our domestic horses have underdeveloped hooves and must undergo a transition period, at the very least. Many will always be ridden in boots. I encourage all my clients to use hoof boots and pads. She finds that when clients think the horse is OK without boots but then tries boots, they see how much better they really do move. A correct heel first landing movement that boots and pads allow for, take the hoof to its healthiest form. Leslie looks at riding time as healing time, so the horse needs to be moving optimally to truly utilize it. If the horse is ouchy, the horse will compensate.

As a professional, Leslie knows it is paramount to have what you need when you need it. She has found the Fill Your Truck program perfect for doing just that. Leslie says she spent her first year ordering something every week and worrying about running out. With the Fill Your Truck program, she was able to round out her inventory and keep in stock those Epic #1s and #2s!

Leslie imparts these words of wisdom to other trimmers. "Be honest and caring. You won't always have all the answers, but if you are open and honest about it you will learn from every horse and every owner. You both want the same thing, a sound and healthy horse. Having outside support makes your job much easier. Even if it's just another trimmer you can bounce questions off of. The day you stop questioning, you've stopped learning."

American Farriers Journal Praise Pete Ramey's DVDs

2008-05-28T08:42:23-07:00

This month's American Farriers Journal gives Pete Ramey's DVDs a glowing review. Here is what they had to say about the series.

"Pete Ramey’s set of DVD’s is without a doubt a must-have series for any equine professional farrier or horse owner. While he is an advocate of barefoot trimming, there are many ideas that you can learn from this package regardless of how you trim and shoe horses. In these 10 DVD’s, Pete Ramey spends 16 hours covering topics ranging from basic anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition, laminitis, navicular issues and problem feet. All are discussed in a clear, no-nonsense approach.
This series is filled with detailed information that all equine professionals can use. Everything is explained in such a way that everyone can benefit from Ramey’s knowledge and learn new ways to unlock tremendous healing powers from the horse’s hooves. It focuses on the ability to demonstrate the steps that are needed to drive a pathological hoof toward a healthier state. A combination of contemporary veterinary research and practical real-world field work will help viewers arrive at sound protocols that can be put to immediate use with any horse.
In 9 hours of classroom instruction, you’ll learn about the mechanics of trimming and how to effectively bring positive changes to the hoof over time. You’ll also develop a deep understanding of the internal hoof structure and see how it impacts a horse’s performance.
Following the lecture portion, you’ll view 7 hours of trimming on live horses suffering from a wide range of hoof concerns. This includes assorted breeds, a foundered mule and a draft horse. Finally, the DVD walks you step-by-step through an emergency call with a laminitic horse suffering from a 20-degree rotation. You’ll evaluate the trimming and progress during a number of visits with this laminitic horse.
Pete Ramey offers wisdom and insight that his years of practice and study have given him. If you own only one shoeing DVD series, this should be it."
American Farriers Journal May/June 2008 issue

In this DVD series Pete has a great segment on EasyCare's hoof boots and pads. Check out our website for all these products and the DVD!

Measure, measure, measure!

2008-05-27T16:24:52-07:00

Just like the old cliché about real estate (location, location, location) measuring is equally important when selling EasyCare boots. I always stress the importance of measuring when I travel and attend trade shows. It is without doubt the single most important action when considering our hoof boots. Anyone considering any one of our boots needs to get out and accurately measure each hoof they plan on fitting. We make the best hoof boots on the market and we want your customers to get exactly what they need. Click here of a few pointers on how to properly measure. As always, never hesitate to contact us with any questions 800-447-8836.

Rotating Stock

2008-05-23T10:20:09-07:00

EasyCare would like to remind all of our dealers that rotating stock is important. Occasionally we receive boots still under our 90-day warranty that are older style boots, having been recently purchased by a customer. Some of these boots are more than two years old (we know because of the date stamp or modifications) and newer stock has been sold to the dealer. A policy of "first product in, first product out" is important to keep inventory current.

Check Out Those Hooves!

2008-05-22T13:37:42-07:00

WOW! This advertisement was taken from the Quarter Horse News. Check out this horse's front hooves! Barefoot is booming; as owners and trainers come to see and feel the difference, look to see it more and more in the show pen! Get your customers off on the right "hoof" with the perfect setup of hoof boots and Comfort Pads from EasyCare!

EasyCare 2008 Price Increase!

2008-05-20T15:30:15-07:00

As you are all aware EasyCare pricing will be increasing June 1, 2008. Now is a great time to look through your inventory and stock up on EasyCare boots. Remember only 8 business days remain before the new pricing becomes effective. We just got in a nice shipment, so get your order in and take advantage of the current pricing.

Tips for EasyGaiter Rubbing

2008-05-16T13:59:08-07:00

Are any of your customers experiencing rubbing issues with the EasyGaiters? If so here are a few helpful ideas to pass on:

Use BodyGlide all around the fetlocks.
Loosen gaiters if you feel they are too tight (Usually they are tightened as much as possible per the Epic instructions).
Use vet wrap and/or knee high nylon stockings by starting at the hoof and going up to the fetlock joint.
Wrapping duct tape around the pastern has also helped with rubbing issues.

These are a few suggestions from EasyCare that we have either heard from our users or experienced ourselves. Click here for more helpful tips from Karen.

EasyCare Thought Of The Day

2008-05-15T12:38:11-07:00

"Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle." Abraham Lincoln

Don't wait! EasyCare's prices will increase June 1st. If you would like more information please contact your dealer representative for more details.

Green Horse Show Gork

2008-05-10T05:21:00-07:00

It's horse show season again! This is a favorite recipe of mine to take to the shows, mostly because of the name and the memories that go with it. My riding students used to make fun of me and my "Gork." One student teased me so badly I just had to get her back. She boarded her horse with me so I started to call him "Gork." I took his shiny gold name tag off the stall and replaced it a tacky cardboard "Gork the Dork" sign. When schooling show time came, I entered him as "Gork." You get the picture. She returned the favor, but that's a story for another time. As you read through the recipe you'll probably think, "That sounds familiar." You may have had it before, but with the modifications, horse show people can call it their own. This originally came from Kathy Norton of Yakima, Washington.

Green Horse Show Gork

1 3-ounce package lime gelatin

1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple

1 1/4 cups mini marshmallows

2 cups small curd cottage cheese

8 ounces whipped topping

Make gelatin according to package directions for quick-set method using 7 ice cubes. Drain pineapple, reserving juice. Combine reserved juice and marshmallows in saucepan. Cook over low heat until marshmallows are almost melted, stirring frequently. Add to gelatin, mix well. Add cottage cheese and pineapple; mix well. Chill in refrigerator until partially set. Fold in whipped topping. Pour into containers for traveling. Chill until firm. Gelatin can be chilled in freezer for 30 minutes for faster setting. --Cathie Hook

Do you have a favorite "horse show" food or recipe? Let us know by commenting on this blog!

(This photos is of Krahe's Tiger Eye wearing Old Mac's at a 3-day event. Rhonda Roberts, owner, up.)

EasyCare's Updated 2008 Catalog has a new look

2008-05-07T12:57:29-07:00

EasyCare's latest 2008 catalog has a new cover! EasyCare offers the best selection of hoof boots in the industry but our line of products doesn't end there! EasyCare also has a fantastic selection of other items for the trail horse and rider. We offer everything from E-Z ride stirrups (On sale now!) to comfy sheepskin saddle covers to our unique stowaway saddle packs. Don't wait to take advantage of this months stirrup sale and check out all the great gear we have to offer. Now is the time to stock up on all the things your customers will be needing and wanting to enjoy a summer of riding!

May Boot Camp

2008-05-06T15:37:29-07:00

Boot Camp

Dealer Newsletter

May 2008

in this issue

:: May Sale

:: Customer Reviews Added to Website

:: Look at Those Hooves!

:: Easyboot Gaiter Fitting Tips

:: Dealer Blog only Specials!

:: Easyboot Testimonial

I hope you are finding the time to get outdoors and spend time with your horse(s)! Summer will soon be here and with it longer daylight hours and better weather. This means your customers will be ready to start shopping.

Make sure you are stocked up on all of our hoof boots for the riding season. Keep in mind we also have EZ Ride Stirrups, Stowaway saddle packs and gear plus Shear Comfort Sheepskins that will keep you comfortable while riding. Check out our new interactive online EasyCare catalog. Order now and take advantage of the current pricing, as of June 1st our new pricing will take effect.

Our 2008 EasyCare Hoof Boot Contest continues to gain momentum again this year with more than 6,000 miles completed! Click here to see the results so far. It's not too late to sign up!

May Sale

10% off all EZ-Ride Stirrups

During the month of May you can save 10% on all EZ-Ride Stirrups. With warmer weather upon us, now is a great time to stock up on stirrups for your customers. No quantity limits, offer only valid for domestic retail dealers.

Look at Those Hooves!

by Dr. Tomas Teskey

Whether you enjoy horses as they roam around the yard, depend on them for getting your work done, or engage in competitive sports, keeping up with the latest in health advancements will help you enjoy them for more productive years.

learn more...

Make sure to check the Boot Camp blog often. We will be having specials and sales that can only be found on the blog. These promotions will not be offered anywhere else!. As always you find helpful tips, educational information and other fun information on the Boot Camp blog.

Customer Reviews Added to Website

Help us by submitting a review!

We'd love to hear what you think about our products! Please check

Or, if you are still deciding on a particular hoof boot, stirrups, saddle packs or other gear you can learn how others have rated the product you are interested in.

Click here to read reviews on our comfort pads....

our website under individual product items and click on "Product Rating". You will then be able to put in comments and rate our products.

Easyboot Gaiter Fitting Tips

Having trouble adjusting your new gaiters?

Check out this blog post explaining how to adjust the new 2008 gaiters.

Click here for more Easyboot Epic tips...

"The last two years I have ridden over 3500 miles using Easyboots, Epics and Bares on my barefoot horses with no problems at all. I think that Easyboots give the horses less concussion and cuts out any chance of bruising of the soles, and there is less slipping on rocks and slick surfaces. Much of my success in endurance rides is attributed to the Easyboot products. The boots have helped me put 5000 miles or more on four different horses in AERC sanctioned events. I have used them in over 40,000 total AERC miles. I will always use Easyboots on my horses. Thank you EasyCare for your great products!" Dave Rabe

Click below to learn how you can get a FREE EasyCare Hoofpick!

learn more...

If you have any questions about our products feel free to call our friendly staff at 1-800-447-8836, e-mail: questions@easycareinc.com or visit our website at www.easycareinc. com

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter! Please let us know if you have any ideas or suggestions on how to make it better.

Be safe on the trail,

Brian Mueller

EasyCare, Inc.

email: admin@easycareinc.com

phone: 800-447-8836

web: http://www.easycareinc.com

May Special

2008-05-02T16:59:42-07:00

For the Month of May if you buy 4 EasySoakers you will get 1 free! Stock up on your Soaker's now, this sale may not be offered again in 2008. Make sure to check the Boot Camp Blog often for additional blog only specials. Limit 4 free Soakers. Offer only valid for domestic retail dealers.

Who's Your Daddy?

2008-04-30T10:26:22-07:00

Thanks to hoof care practitioner and EasyCare Dealer, Pat Beebe of Florence, Montana for sending in this fun picture!

How to Make Better Business Decisions

2008-04-25T17:07:56-07:00

Here is an interesting video on BNET by Malcolm Gladwell on how to make better business decisions. Funny how choices sometimes cloud our judgment. Check it out.

EasyCare Airs on ABC News!

2008-04-24T11:56:11-07:00

EasyCare's hoof boots were recently aired on ABC News in a featured clip about new developments in hoof protection. EasyCare Dealer and hoof care practitoner, Bonnie Hellevig of San Francisco, California helped us out as she demonstrated and talked briefly about hoof boots and their advantages. Thanks Bonnie for helping us spread the word about EasyCare's products and natural hoof care!

Lots of Great Prizes! Dave Rabe Raffle Update

2008-04-23T17:31:26-07:00

Susan Favro, the owner of Healthy as a Horse, has done a fantastic job of putting together some great prizes for the "Dave Rabe" Raffle. The raffle is May 24, 2008 and can be purchased on line at HealthyasaHorse.net. Hurry and get your tickets! You will be especially impressed with the prizes if you are an endurance or a trail rider. The tickets are only $5 per, or six tickets for $25.

If you ride endurance you probably either know or have heard of Dave Rabe. He is an avid endurance rider and has racked up more than 41,000 AERC miles during his endurance career. In addition, he has won the EasyCare Hoof Boot Contest three years in a row.

If you search Dave's name on RideCamp you will find lots of references to Dave helping to mark trail and helping riders or horses in need or in distress (plus a few comments about his penchant to always wear cut-offs when riding). He would never ask for help, but we're giving it to him anyway!

Dave was in a trailer accident (every horse person's nightmare) and lost much of his equipment. One horse died after the accident and one is recovering. For more of the story click here to read the associated newspaper article or here to read Karen Chaton's blog.

We hope that you will pitch in to help Dave. Every bit helps. You might be the next person he helps on the trail!

The Staff at EasyCare

Happy Earth Day!

2008-04-22T08:07:42-07:00

I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.

John Muir
Preservationist
1838-1914

What are the Qualities of a True Leader?

2008-04-21T20:14:05-07:00

This is a great quote from Karen Scholl, an accomplished horsewoman who teaches women about leadership, trust and confidence through horsemanship. Karen spent ten years as a corporate trainer for Intel, has taught Parelli Natural Horsemanship for years (she was president for six years), and now travels extensively sharing her knowledge.

From her website:

"What are the qualities of a true leader? They're NOT controlling, demanding, micro-managing, manipulative, coercive, bribing, wimpy, or even dominant. Horses are naturally attracted humans possessing the true qualities of leadership; those who have an idea and are skilled at communicating that idea to others in a way that invites a willingness to participate rather than being forced to comply."

To see Karen's travel schedule, click here.

Win Cool Stuff and Help Someone Out

2008-04-17T10:36:55-07:00

Healthy as a Horse Network is sponsoring a raffle to help out a good friend of EasyCare's, Dave Rabe. Dave was recently in a trailer accident that left his truck, trailer and camper totalled. Much of his equipment was also ruined. One horse died after the accident and the other horse is recovering with enormous vet bills. Dave escaped with minor injuries and body soreness, and we are certainly grateful for that.

Although Dave doesn't work for EasyCare, we consider him our "lowest paid employee." As a high-mileage endurance rider he has spent countless hours helping people with hoof boots. He has been with us the last two years at the American Endurance Ride Conference repairing boots and he is always the first one to lend a hand at the rides. We hope you will participate in the raffle. There are lots of ride entries and products available, including EZ Ride Stirrups, Stowaway Packs, Ice Boots, books, a breeding to LS Zane Grey+//, and more! One hundred percent of the money earned will go to Dave to help him replace equipment and pay vet bills.

To read more about his accident and review responses from his friends click here.