THE EASYSHOE SYSTEMAt last a truly flexible shoeing option that can expand and flex in every way.If you would like to see another new gluing option that is a boot/shoe hybrid & can be left on for the entire trim cycle click here to see the new FLIP FLOP system.
If you compete in a discipline that as yet, does not permit boots in competition, or need to rehab a horse who is competing then the Easyshoe range may be just what you need! Below: EasyShoes at the races, in the US, Eventing, & used for rehab by top dressage rider Shannon Peters & "Squishy" in EasyShoes. Squishy excelled at his sport but was held back as traditional shoes did not work for him. Photoes courtesy of Easycare Inc.
Below: Garrett Ford demonstrating to an eager audience of Farriers at the International Hoof Summit.
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Easyshoes for rehabilitation purposes:The Easyshoe is an exceptional tool for horses with hoof problems such as Navicular Syndrome. Farriers and professional trimmers alike will find it useful for situations where steel shoes can no longer be kept in place and the hoof capsule is slowly weakening due to lack of hoof mechanism which is usually accommpanied by slow or no hoof growth. The "spacers" accessory make it invaluable for dealing with contracted heels as they can be changed during the shoeing cycle without removing the shoes. The EasyShoe can also be filled with various sole support materials.
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The video shows how the hoof is able to flex naturally in every direction and also to expand as it grows downwards between shoe replacements. This is vital for the hoof as it evolved as a conical shape which naturally expands as it grows downward and nailing to a rigid steel plate prevents this natural expansion. |
"HOW TO" VIDEOS - FROM THE MANUFACTURER - EASYCARE INC.Success with the EasyShoe depends intirely on the attention to detail paid to the preparation and gluing process. Easycare Inc. have a series of videos on the various ways to apply the EasyShoe. We suggest that anyone who is considering using these shoes for the first time, take the time to watch all of these especially if you are applying the shoe yourself. Even if your farrier is applying the shoe for you, we feel that they too should view these videos prior to application. Statement from Easycare Inc. about the development of the EasyShoe. EasyCare is passionate about the equine hoof and believes that the best equine feet spend a great deal of time out of hoof protection. Barefoot time strengthens the hoof, allows for natural expansion and contraction, and hoof boots are the perfect protection when needed. Although most agree that barefoot time is crucial, horse owners often sacrifice what is ideal for their horses in order to fit our own human schedules. If your horse is performing in a discipline where hoof boots are not permitted then the Easyshoe may be an option for you. The EasyShoe will complement our 13 hoof boot models and gives horse owners and professionals a 3-6 week form of hoof protection that aligns with our hoof mechanism theories. The key to successful application of the EasyShoe depends entirely upon hoof preparation and application techniques. Please view these videos on the application of the shoe prior to applying. Introducing the Easyshoe - Presentation by Garrett Ford CEO Easycare IncGlue On Techniques - Preparation:If you are using the glue on technique preparation is everything! We cannot stress this more highly! Please view this video on the best way to prepare the hoof for a great result. Never cut corners in the preparation stage.
Glueing the Easyshoe:The EasyShoe can be applied with various equine hoof adhesives. Some take more time to cure then others, some make a better bond than others. Easycare Down Under would like to suggest that your easiest option would be to use the quick curing and very strong Vettec Adhere glue. Hoof care professionals might like to explore the other options they may be familiar with. For the "mere mortals" who may be glueing for the first time, Vettec Adhere glue cures fast so that you are able to put the horse's hoof down on the ground as soon as the shoe is applied. Some of the other glues require that you hold the hoof in the air for up to ten minutes. Sometimes difficult with fussy horses! With the adhere glue you can place the Easyshoe on the hoof and then let the horse put the hoof on the ground. By picking up the opposite leg up for a short time you can stop the horse moving for the short time it takes to cure. In addition the horse's weight on the glue/shoe creates a strong bond. Note: Applying the Performance N/G with nail on technique:Removal of the Easyshoe:The equine hoof grows constantly. To remain in a healthy fully functional state it is best if it can be bare and regularly trimmed. If you find you need hoof protection such as the EasyShoe it is vital that you have a regular trim cycle (approx four - five weeks for most horses) and that you remove the Easyshoe, trim the hoof, and replace the Easyshoe regularly just as you would traditional shoes. Demonstration of the Heel Flex once the Easyshoe is applied.
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Now to choose the best Easyshoe for your purpose. There are several styles of Easyshoe with slightly different features. First measure your hoof so you know if your horse will fit into the sizing range for the Easyshoe. If you find you have a vey short wide hoof that does not fit into the sizing for the Easyshoe or hoof boots (often the Australian Thoroughbred develops this type of hoof shape) then you might also like to look at the new FLIP FLOP just released. This is a new boot/shoe hybrid that can be glued on for the full trim cycle and can be adjusted to suit short wide hooves.
How to measure for the Easyshoe.Note: All the individual boot styles from Easycare have slightly different sizing charts. Shoe size does not relate to boot or Easyshoe sizing. Measure after a fresh trim. If you are fitting an Easyshoe do not scoop the quarters. |
Introducing the EasyShoe lineup:Easyshoe PERFORMANCE N/G
Can be nailed or glued into place - sold as pairs. Sizing Brochure:
The Easyshoe has unique features: It allows lateral flexion (horse in graphic is standing on steel washer to demonstrate the amount of flexion provided). Horizontal Heel flexion - just hand pressure allows heels to flex naturally. Integrated nailing plage in the N/G model.
The same shape and design as the Performance, except the Performance N/G has two metal nailing plates, embedded in the material. It can take up to 8 nails (size E head). It is also “clear” instead of opaque black. This is so that the farrier can see the white line while nailing. If this shoe is nailed, you can reset it in multiple shoeings. The shape and bottom tread, lasts on average 500 miles of training rides (in addition to paddock/pasture wear and tear and a racing schedule). The client can have their horse trimmed and then have their same shoes put back on. Farriers using the EasyShoe N/G recommend using nails size E5, E5 slim & E4 slim, most farriers are choosing E5 Slim.
SPACERS: Can be used with the Performance N/G Sometimes horses who are freshly out of shoes are not used to having fully functional flexing heels and will need the shoe to be stable for the first few weeks whilst the hoof recovers and the caudal heel tissues become more robust. Placing a spacer in the EasyShoe Performance stabilizes the heels. The spacer can be removed and a larger size spacer inserted as the hoof grows and the heels spread throughout the shoeing cycle. Eventually the horse will not need the spacer and the shoe can be used without it. Spacers are available on our shop. Tip: Spacers are also ideal to help keep the heels of the shoe the right distance apart whilst you are nialing the shoe on. Makes application easier.
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Easyshoe-pre-sale-flyerECDU.pdf
The Easyshoe PERFORMANCE Model:Glue on only - sold as pairs
Sizing Brochure:
Performance: Has a wide rim and a bridge across the frog area. Most synthetic shoes that flex have a fixed width bar across the heels, to help the shoe maintain shape. While this does allow the heels to move, it does not allow the foot to expand throughout the shoeing cycle. To avoid this, ours has a unique “V” frog bridge that will expand as the hoof grows.
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Easyshoe SPORTGlue on only. Sold as pairs
Sizing Brochure:
Sport: Slightly heavier than the Compete, but lighter than the remaining two. The Sport also bears the traditional horseshoe shape, however, it is about 2.5x wider than the compete, so instead of being a rim type shoe, it spans further inward to give a bit solar contact and support. There is a patented wire system in the Compete and the Sport that makes them maintain their horseshoe shape and not splaying off of the hoof. The wire system can be bent % larger and smaller than the original size of the shoe, similar to being able to hammer and bend a steel shoe.
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EasyShoe COMPETEGlue on only - sold as pairs.Sizing Brochure:
A thin-webbed shoe for use on the track or on turf. The internal metal spine allows for maximum adjustment to a wide variety of hoof shapes and sizes.
Steel wire insert allows for shoe shaping. Open toe allows for adjustments in breakover.
Compete: Lightest weight of the 4 Easyshoes. Originally designed as a racing plate and optimal for any horses who are worked in softer footing (dressage, stadium jumping, racetracks, etc.). As they rim the hoof like a traditional steel shoe, if they are ketp on softer footing it ensures that the sole gets enough stimulation and that the shoe does not create an entirely peripherally loaded hoof. Tip - Have a Zip boot (available in our Therapy boot section) in your gluing kit! Keeping the hoof clean once you have prepared it for glue can be difficult. Often you find that the tool you need next it just out of reach and you have to put the hoof down again....or the horse becomes figety and needs a rest so you need to release his leg. This is when the Zip boot is just what you need. A quick covering for the prepared hoof it keeps it debri free till you are ready to glue.
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Gluing Accessories:All available on our online shop.
ADHERE GLUE PRODUCT INFORMATION: Fast-setting urethane adhesive designed to bond steel, aluminum and urethane shoes to the hoof and to fabricate large and small hoof wall repairs.
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