Please size carefully as used boots cannot be exchanged. Choose a boot style that works for you, print out the information on the sizing page and take it to your horse for quick reference while you do your measurements.

Have a really good look at your horse’s hooves. Often people don’t notice differences in shape and size till they actually measure them and these things will influence your boot choice.  Measure after a fresh trim for the correct sizing.

SOME BOOT CONSIDERATIONS:

 Boot Sole Shape

When selecting a boot, take into consideration the shape of your horse's hoof.
The best fit will match the hoof to the boot shape.  

Easyboot Epic & Bare	Boa Horse Boot	Old Mac G2

PADDLING & GAIT INTERFERENCE - Horses with gait interference issues may also interfere with their boots when in motion as the problem arises usually from incorrect hoof balance/trimming and is often not related to conformation. If you have a horse who does this it may be handy to have it assessed and fitted by a professional hoof care provider who can help you. Often this problem can be easily overcome with corrective trimming.

SIZING - We cannot stress the importance of proper sizing enough. Horses are heavy and although the boots are very tough it is vital that they do not twist or move excessively on the hoof once they are properly fastened. It is also important that they are not over-tightened. A comfortable snug fit is what you desire. To get the most accurate sizing, you should measure your horse after a fresh trim. Each boot has its own unique size chart, please see the info on the individual boots on the sizing pages.   If you have changed to a different boot type than you had before then the sizing WILL be different.

The boots vary in shape so if your horse has a foot that is wider than it is long, you may need to find a similar boot style.

CLUB FOOTED HORSES & HORSES WITH ASYMMETRICAL HOOVES - Horses with clubby feet will always have very different shaped front hooves. Some boots come as pairs and some are sold separately so this may be a consideration when choosing boots for these horses as you may need two different sized boots for the forefeet of the same horse.

TREAD & TRACTION - In most cases you'll find that our boots provide more traction than standard steel shoes. Many of the mounted police forces now choose to use hoof boots for this very reason.

Boots are designed to fit a bare hoof. Placing boots over shoes voids the warranty and is not recommended.

Maximum Recommended Riding Distances

This is important to note since boots that ride above the hairline have the potential to rub over extended distances.

Easyboot Epic	Easyboot Bare	Boa Boot	Old Macs G2	EasySoaker
Versatile all purpose hoof boot. Has gaiter attachment to secure  around pastern - all hard parts of the boot stay below the coronet hairline.	Robust boot designed for high performance riding.  Also has gaiter and all hard parts also  remain below the  coronet hairline.	Easily applied with unique dial up lacing system. Covers whole hoof - ideal trail riding boot.	Easy to apply velcro and  buckle system. Covers entire hoof. Great for leisure riders.	Medicinal boot great for soaking purposes.  Not designed for riding out.

 Boot Closure System and Application Difficulty 

Original Easyboot	Easyboot Epic	Easyboot Grip
Cable and Buckle System	Cable and Buckle System plus Gaiter	Cable and Buckle System plus Gaiter
Easyboot Bare	Boa Horse Boot	Old Macs (original) & G2
Bungee System plus Gaiter	Boa Dial System	Strap and Velcro System

 Tread and Traction:

In most cases you'll find that our boots provide more traction than
standard steel shoes. Optional boot studs are also available. 

Easyboot & Epic	Easyboot Bare	Easyboot Grip
Boa Horse Boot	Old Mac Original	Old Mac G2

 

 Compare features:

The advantages of the Boa Horse Boot and Old Macs are ease of application and removal but they are designed for those who do less rough terrain work or distance work.  Boa Horse Boot and Old Macs will also stay on when fitted to the abnormal shaped hoof but Old Macs and Boas are sold as pairs.

The other boots in the Easyboots range are sold singly and so can be tailored to horses who have different sized hooves, but are more challenging to apply and remove.  All hard portions of the boot fit below the hairline which usually eliminates rubbing on extended rides, plus as they are very tightly fitted they are more suitable for performance work or speed work.   

LOTS MORE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:


Q. DO YOU NEED HORSESHOES IN ADDITION TO EASYBOOTS?
A. No. Boots provide complete hoof protection and traction. Using over shoes will void the warranty for most boot styles. The Old Mac may be used over shoes only when transporting horses.

Q. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE EASYBOOT AND THE EASYBOOT EPIC?
A. The boots are the essentially the same, but the Epic is shipped with a factory installed Easyboot Gaiter and a low profile Comfort Strap.

Q. CAN AN EASYBOOT BE UPGRADED TO AN EASYBOOT EPIC?
A. Yes. All Easyboots manufactured after January 2005 can be upgraded to the Easyboot Epic. Simply purchase and install the Easyboot Gaiter on any Easyboot manufactured after January 2005.

Q. HOW CAN I DETERMINE IF MY EASYBOOT WAS MANUFACTURED AFTER JANUARY 2005?
A. A quick and easy way to confirm a 2005 or newer manufacture date is to look for the Easyboot horse logo at the back of the boot. 2005 or newer Easyboots also have a slotted front, vs a solid front on older models, and an older boot will have raised nubs on the interior sole.

Q. BESIDES THE TREAD, WHAT OTHER DIFFERENCES ARE THERE BETWEEN THE EPIC AND THE BARE? A. The Easyboot Epic and the Easyboot Bare have different fastening systems. The Epic has the standard buckle and cable system found on the Easyboot - the Bare has a new bungee system that holds firm, yet is responsive to the movement of the hoof.

Q. CAN I LEAVE MY HORSE’S BOOTS ON ALL THE TIME?
A. No. Let the horse go barefoot as often as possible. Use boots only when the horse needs foot protection or traction. Do not leave boots on any horse longer than 24 hours at a time.

Q. ARE BOOTS GOOD FOR SNOW AND ICE?
A. Yes. Their polyurethane surface eliminates snow balling up on the bottom of the hoof as it would on the sole of a horse wearing standard shoes. Easyboot Grips are the best choice for snow. Optional titanium-coated studs are available for gripping sheet ice. (Australian customers please note grips are not recommended for hard surfaces).

Q. HOW CAN THE HOOF BE MEDICATED WITH THE EASYBOOT? A. Put the desired medication in the boot and snap on. If the medicine is in liquid form, put a piece of absorbent foam (such as the Easy Dirt Skirt) or cloth in the bottom of the boot. We don’t recommend the Epic, Bare or Grip for use when medicating a hoof because some substances may harm the material in the boot’s gaiter system.

Q. WILL SAND AND GRAVEL GET INTO THE BOOT?
A. Yes. A small amount of sand can get in, but generally not enough to cause harm. Treat your Easyboot as you would your own athletic shoe — empty it out occasionally!

Q. DOES PUTTING BOOTS OVER IRON SHOES INCREASE THE WEAR?
A. Yes. Although some Easyboots can be worn over steel shoes in a variety of situations, wear of the Easyboot is increased when fitted over shoes. EasyCare will not warranty a boot if the shoe has worn through the sole of the boot.

Q. WILL EASYBOOTS GIVE GOOD TRACTION ON PAVEMENT?
. Yes. They provide sure footing for the horse and safety for the rider. Pavement can be dangerous for a shod horse. Boots help prevent slipping. Many Mounted Police Units incl. the Western Australian force in Australia are using hoof boots for this reason. They make excellent parade footwear and reduce shock on paved surfaces.

Q. CAN BOOTS BE USED IN THE MOUNTAINS?
A. Yes. They give horses good traction in rocky terrain; protect the sole from stone bruises and the hoof wall and heel bulbs from abrasion.

Q. IS IT NECESSARY TO TRIM THE HORSE’S HOOF?
A. All horses need a proper hoof trimming program, whether they are barefoot or shod. Measurements for boots should be taken when the hoof is freshly trimmed. Trimming should be done every four weeks to maintain good hoof form and excellent fit.  Consult your hoof care professional for any trimming questions or concerns. They are listed on this site under Hoof Care Providers and can measure and fit the Easycare range for you.

Q. WITH SUCH A VARIETY IN THE SHAPE OF HOOVES, HOW CAN A GOOD FIT BE ASSURED?
A. The single most important factor to success with any boot is to ensure the correct size. Measure the hoof, compare to the sizing chart and choose the size based on the ranges provided. Once you have selected the correct size for your horse, the fit can be tailored to accommodate most normal hoof variations.
If your horse’s hoof shape deviates more than one size from the “standard” shape (width versus length) shown on the chart, the Easyboot/ Epic/Grip/Bare may not be the best choice for your application. Be sure to check your measurements against an alternative boot in the EasyCare line — another style, such as the Boa or Old Mac’s may accommodate your horse’s hoof shape better.

Q. ARE THESE BOOTS ECONOMICAL?
A. Yes. With boots, there is no need to shoe. Thoroughly tested on cross country and endurance rides, rough terrain and pavement, the Easyboot was found to out-wear steel shoes at least 3 to 1, with a range of over 500 miles. Horse owners have reported over 1000 miles per boot.

Q. WHICH BOOT IS RECOMMENDED FOR MUD AND WET GRASS?
A. We recommend the Easyboot Grip. They give horses better traction in muddy and wet conditions; protect the sole from stone bruises and the hoof wall and heel bulbs from abrasion. Optional titanium-coated studs are available for additional grip. (Australian customers please note this boot was developed for use in snow and mud and is not suitable for hard surfaces).

Q. WHAT IS THE PROJECTED USEFUL LIFE OF THESE BOOTS?
A. They are fully guaranteed for 90 days. Your “mileage” will depend, of course, on a number of factors. How often do you ride? Do you use the boot on soft surfaces only?  One horse’s boots may show wear at the toe, while another’s may indicate wear on the inside. Regardless of the way your horse travels, they will out-perform a metal horseshoe, as well as provide insurance against injury.

Q. WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BOOTING AND KEEPING MY HORSE BAREFOOT? The Easycare site also has a wealth of information on everything "boot" and also natural hoof care articles with veterinary recommendations. http://www.easycareinc.com/

Q. WHERE CAN I GET GOOD INFORMATION ON CORRECT TRIMMING SO MY BOOTS FIT WELL?

A correct barefoot trim is not always the same as the trim a farrier has been trained to do before he puts on shoes. To achieve great fit it is important that the foot is set up correctly.  If you are doing your own trimming or if your farrier is not familiar with a barefoot trim then the DVD's below can help.  Made by an Australian Master Farrier with over 20 years experience with shoeing before he turned to barefoot rehabilitation they will guide you through a safe and non invasive trim style.

Andrew Bowe "The Barefoot Blacksmith" shows how you can have optimum hoof care that ensures excellent boot fit and healthy hooves.  Contact www.barehoofcare.com/ to order his range of DVDs.

HOW CAN I ORDER MY BOOTS?

A.  Once you have the right size just click on our online store tab to order your boots with paypal. 

If you don't wish to use a credit card and would rather use a cheque or postal order then please send your cheque along with your boot choice and size to Easycare Down Under, P.O. Box 5020 Cobargo NSW 2500.
Be sure to send details of your postal address, boot choice and boot size along with your cheque.
 
You can also email us for details for ways you can make a direct credit to our account:   easycaredownunder@bigpond.com

STILL NEED HELP?

Still feeling confused. Our staff are here to help you.
Email  mailto:easycaredownunder@bigpond.com or phone during business hours on 0428 649 369 

 

 

 

Members of the AHCA (Australian Hoof Care Assoc.) are professional hoof care providers.  They understand hoof rehabiliation with boots and can supply and fit the Easycare range plus discuss any hoofcare issues your horse may have. They are listed on our Hoof Care Providers Page should you wish to contact them.