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In
1970 when Dr. Neel Glass, a nuclear physicist at the Los
Alamos Scientific Laboratories, found his horse suffering
from navicular disease, he began work on an idea that would
prove to be a revolution in hoof care for horses. He
developed the tough, durable polyurethane EASYBOOT. The boot
is used for correction and treatment of founder, navicular,
nail punctures, abscesses, bruises, contracted heels, and
other impact caused injuries. It provides excellent hoof
protection for both occasional and long distance riding and
gives a secure fit for traction on rocks, pavement, snow and
ice. Most endurance riders use EASYBOOTS as a shoeing
alternative or as a spare tire when a horse loses a shoe.
In January of
1994, the boot was upgraded to provide greater grip to the hoof. All EASYBOOTS
manufactured after that date have new grip plates inside. Upgrade kits are
available from dealers or Easy Care, Inc. for those boots made prior to January
1994.
The inside
sole surface is designed to absorb shock and allow air to circulate under the
hoof. The frog of the hoof rests on the cushioned, flexible, inside sole and
receives healthy natural pressure.
The
lightweight polyurethane boots are worn when needed, and most importantly in
correlation with a proper hoof trimming or treatment program. Generally
speaking, the less extreme forms of corrective shoeing are really corrective
trimming.
Corrective
trimming is equally valid whether a horse is shod with steel shoes, is barefoot,
or is wearing EASYBOOTS.
Their use is
a natural way to provide hoof protection, traction, treatment, cushioning, and
correction and yet the horse is easily allowed to go barefoot at all other
times. They are easy to put on and take off. They fit snugly to the hoof; are
lighter than standard steel plates, and wear many times longer. Properly fitted,
they stay on as well as nailed-on shoes with an important advantage - If an
EASYBOOT is pulled off, the rider can put it right back on.
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1. Measuring for correct size:
It is important to match the width of the hoof to the EASYBOOT
size. The front hooves of most horses tend to be more round
and wider than the hind hooves. The best fit may require a
smaller size for the hind. If in doubt as to the proper size(s),
measure the hoof across the bottom at the widest point and
compare with the following recommended sizes.
3-1/4" to 3-7/8" --
000
3-7/8" to 4-1/4" -- 00
4-1/4" to 4-5/8" -- 0
4-1/2" to 4-7/8" -- 1
4-7/8" to 5-1/4" -- 2
5-1/4" to 5-3/4" -- 3
5-3/4" to 6-1/4" -- 4
Important:
Easyboots should fit tight around the hoof and should require
effort to put on. After you fit the Easyboot and the horse has
had a chance to move around, make sure the Easyboots are still
fitted squarely and securely on the hoof. Make sure the
Easyboot has not twisted to the side. If the Easyboot has
twisted to the side it is either to large or needs to be
tightened. Discontinue use if the boot continues to twist.
Boots that twist can cause damage to the hoof wall.
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