I cannot emphasize this enough: The most crucial step to making sure you’ve selected the
right boot is fit, fit, fit! No boot will perform well if it is too large (it will twist, rub, or come
off), and if it’s too small you won’t be able to get the boot on the hoof. Your horse’s hoof
shape will be a critical factor in determining how well any hoof boot fits. The other major
factor to consider is the type and amount of riding you will actually be doing with your
horse. Easycare has a chart and lots of other information to help you select the right type of
boot for your horse. Gloves may or may not be the best option for you, but they work very
well for the amount and type of riding I do, and fit my horse’s hoof shapes nicely.
www.easycareinc.com/education/new_to_boots.aspx
As I mentioned above, I have ridden my horse on all sorts of terrain with the Gloves:
creeks, mud, rocks of all kinds, pavement, dirt, grass, gravel, hard clay, you name it! I’ve
been using the boots for a full riding season and am very pleased with them. The boots give
your horse really good traction on pavement and rocks, but they can be a bit slippery on
wet grass (so can metal horseshoes for that matter.) These boots, when properly fitted,
really do stay on through just about anything. I have found that my horse’s hoof shape is
changing a little bit, and I may need to get him a smaller size than I currently have. His toes
were running away a bit, and I’ve been bringing them back in. I’ve found a few wraps of
self-adhesive bandage around his hoof helps the boots fit properly again, at least until I can
get new boots. My horse never has any objections to his boots being put on or taken off,
and his natural movement does not seem altered compared to him barefoot with no boots.
The Glove is the same boot as the Easyboot Glue-on, except with an attached gaiter. The
boot is constructed out of a low-profile flexible rubber shell, which sits entirely below the
hairline. The gaiter is attached using a few screws (no exposed threads or sharp areas) and
is constructed out of stretchy neoprene with a doubled-back Velcro closure. The gaiter is
replaceable, but I’ve had no issues with any part of the boot so haven’t needed to replace
one. There are no other fasteners, hardware, mechanisms, or anything else. Simple!
Replacement gaiters cost $26 each from Easycare, as of 2009.
Before ordering boots, you should measure your horse’s hooves with a ruler that has
millimeter (mm) increments marked on it. Easycare has a chart on their site to refer to after
you’ve taken your measurements so you can select the appropriate size. The Gloves are
sold in half-sizes since proper fit is so critical to the performance of this boot.
I can’t reiterate enough – proper fit is very important. There is a notch at the front of the
boot that has straight vertical sides when it’s not on the hoof. The shell of the boot is
flexible, and that notch should stretch into a V-shape when it’s on the hoof. If it doesn’t, or
there are gaps between the hoof and the shell, the boot is too large, or may require a
“Power Strap” to tweak the fit. (I discuss the Power Strap further down in this article.)
www.easycareinc.com/Our_Boots/Easyboot_Glove/easyboot-glove_sizing.aspx
If you are a bit unsure about your measurements and want to confirm the correct boot size,
Easycare also offers a “Fit Kit” for the Glove. For the cost of postage to you, $8.50 as of
2009, you receive 3 different Glove shells (no gaiters). One is the nominal size of the kit,
say a Size 2. The other two are one-half size larger and smaller than the nominal size, in this
case Size 1.5 and 2.5. After you finish trying the boots, clean them and use the pre-paid
return postage sticker to send the boots back to Easycare within 30 days. (If you don’t
return them within 30 days, you will be charged for each of the boots and an additional fee.)
If you have the correct boot size but want to make the fit even a little tighter you can add a
Power Strap for $5 each (1 per boot), as of 2009. They come with the necessary
attachment hardware and easy to follow instructions, although you will need a leather
punch. They are available in several colors so can also be used to color-code boots for
multiple horses, or different sizes for front and hind boots. The hunter orange option would
be good during hunting seasons. They will make the boot a little more difficult to put on,
which is the main reason they were developed – to help fit horses that otherwise the Glove
wouldn’t be a tight enough fit.
The boots are very easy to put on. All you do is fold the gaiter back out of the way, slip the
boot over the toe and then the rest of the hoof using a slight twisting motion, set the hoof
down to set the hoof into the boot, pull the gaiter SNUGLY around the pastern, and secure
with the Velcro. It takes less than a minute per boot once you’re used to putting them on.
Easycare has videos on their site showing how to put the boots on, as well as removing
them, and horses walking, trotting, and cantering in them. They have videos for several if
not all of their boot lines.
www.easycareinc.com/education/videos.aspx
Even easier than putting the boots on is taking them back off. Undo the Velcro, fold the
gaiter down again, give the boot a slight tug, and off they pop. If you rode in creeks or mud,
you’ll likely actually hear the pop as the seal around the hoof wall breaks loose. (Note I
don’t mean anything actually breaks, it’s like pulling a cork out of a bottle.)
I really like how low-profile these boots are, and lightweight. I did like the Boa Boots, but
they are heavier and a bit clunky by comparison, and I can’t help but think that could affect
the horse’s motion more than the Gloves. Also, I like not needing to change laces or worry
about losing caps. The Gloves have been holding up well on the rocky terrain, with only
minor scuffing and scratching. They probably won’t last as long as the Boa Boots, but they
cost less and are available as singles, not just in pairs.
I would recommend carrying a spare with you, just in case you do lose a boot or one
becomes damaged and needs to be replaced while you’re out on the trail. I have not had
any problems like this, but it’s a good idea to carry one with you. It could be a long walk
back to the trailer!
Although not specifically recommended by Easycare for use as a medicinal boot, I had
cause to use them to help protect an injury to my horse’s heel bulb. We were riding down a
very washed out section of trail, and my horse became distracted and stumbled. I think he
stepped on the back of one front hoof with the other (or with a hind hoof), but he never
took a lame step or gave me any reason to get off and look at his hooves. He was wearing
his Gloves at the time. At the end of our 10 mile ride, Laura pulled his boots off for me (I
was being lazy and sitting down resting) and noticed he had a large split in one of his heel
bulbs. I looked the boot over, but found nothing sharp inside the boot, nor was there any
visible damage to the boot. I think his heel bulb pressure-split when he stood on it with the
other hoof. The split was about 1-1/2 inches long, 1/4 inch wide at the edge, and at least
1/4 inch deep. I didn’t think my vet would be able to stitch it, so I cleaned it out and put
some triple antibiotic ointment on it and hauled him home, then called my vet. He confirmed
he wouldn’t be able to stitch it up, so he recommended I continue keeping it clean and
bandaged with the antibiotic ointment, and to use the Gloves to secure the bandage and help
protect his hoof. It close to a month for the cut to heal entirely, but he wore his boots for
several days straight. As it started to heal, I did take the boots off at night when he was
resting. Of course, I also took them off to change the dressing and clean them. During that
time he never had the boots rub or cause him any problems. He also continued to graze,
buck, gallop, and do everything as if he hadn’t been injured at all. The boots held up well to
this use, and showed no obvious wear. He did lose one boot while galloping around, the
same day as a hoof trim due to the shape change I mentioned. That’s how I found out a few
wraps of the self-adhesive bandage would make the boots fit tightly enough to stay on
properly – the boot he lost was on the non-bandaged hoof. (The boot wasn’t permanently
lost, nor was it damaged in any way.)
Gloves are currently (2009) priced at $56 each (by Easy Care) and come with an integral
gaiter. Some catalogs or websites have lower prices, and can help you save on shipping
costs. Current sizes range from #0 - #3, but more sizes are being developed.
For the latest news on improvements to Gloves, and the Easycare hoof boot line in general,
helpful tips and hints, make sure to check out Easycare’s blogs.
easycareinc.typepad.com/from_the_horses_mouth/ - latest developments to the boots
easycareinc.typepad.com/customer_help_desk - tips & tricks, fun facts, useful information
easycarenews.com/ - news on sales, events, and more
easycareinc.typepad.com/team_easyboot/ - Team Easyboot Blog
right boot is fit, fit, fit! No boot will perform well if it is too large (it will twist, rub, or come
off), and if it’s too small you won’t be able to get the boot on the hoof. Your horse’s hoof
shape will be a critical factor in determining how well any hoof boot fits. The other major
factor to consider is the type and amount of riding you will actually be doing with your
horse. Easycare has a chart and lots of other information to help you select the right type of
boot for your horse. Gloves may or may not be the best option for you, but they work very
well for the amount and type of riding I do, and fit my horse’s hoof shapes nicely.
www.easycareinc.com/education/new_to_boots.aspx
As I mentioned above, I have ridden my horse on all sorts of terrain with the Gloves:
creeks, mud, rocks of all kinds, pavement, dirt, grass, gravel, hard clay, you name it! I’ve
been using the boots for a full riding season and am very pleased with them. The boots give
your horse really good traction on pavement and rocks, but they can be a bit slippery on
wet grass (so can metal horseshoes for that matter.) These boots, when properly fitted,
really do stay on through just about anything. I have found that my horse’s hoof shape is
changing a little bit, and I may need to get him a smaller size than I currently have. His toes
were running away a bit, and I’ve been bringing them back in. I’ve found a few wraps of
self-adhesive bandage around his hoof helps the boots fit properly again, at least until I can
get new boots. My horse never has any objections to his boots being put on or taken off,
and his natural movement does not seem altered compared to him barefoot with no boots.
The Glove is the same boot as the Easyboot Glue-on, except with an attached gaiter. The
boot is constructed out of a low-profile flexible rubber shell, which sits entirely below the
hairline. The gaiter is attached using a few screws (no exposed threads or sharp areas) and
is constructed out of stretchy neoprene with a doubled-back Velcro closure. The gaiter is
replaceable, but I’ve had no issues with any part of the boot so haven’t needed to replace
one. There are no other fasteners, hardware, mechanisms, or anything else. Simple!
Replacement gaiters cost $26 each from Easycare, as of 2009.
Before ordering boots, you should measure your horse’s hooves with a ruler that has
millimeter (mm) increments marked on it. Easycare has a chart on their site to refer to after
you’ve taken your measurements so you can select the appropriate size. The Gloves are
sold in half-sizes since proper fit is so critical to the performance of this boot.
I can’t reiterate enough – proper fit is very important. There is a notch at the front of the
boot that has straight vertical sides when it’s not on the hoof. The shell of the boot is
flexible, and that notch should stretch into a V-shape when it’s on the hoof. If it doesn’t, or
there are gaps between the hoof and the shell, the boot is too large, or may require a
“Power Strap” to tweak the fit. (I discuss the Power Strap further down in this article.)
www.easycareinc.com/Our_Boots/Easyboot_Glove/easyboot-glove_sizing.aspx
If you are a bit unsure about your measurements and want to confirm the correct boot size,
Easycare also offers a “Fit Kit” for the Glove. For the cost of postage to you, $8.50 as of
2009, you receive 3 different Glove shells (no gaiters). One is the nominal size of the kit,
say a Size 2. The other two are one-half size larger and smaller than the nominal size, in this
case Size 1.5 and 2.5. After you finish trying the boots, clean them and use the pre-paid
return postage sticker to send the boots back to Easycare within 30 days. (If you don’t
return them within 30 days, you will be charged for each of the boots and an additional fee.)
If you have the correct boot size but want to make the fit even a little tighter you can add a
Power Strap for $5 each (1 per boot), as of 2009. They come with the necessary
attachment hardware and easy to follow instructions, although you will need a leather
punch. They are available in several colors so can also be used to color-code boots for
multiple horses, or different sizes for front and hind boots. The hunter orange option would
be good during hunting seasons. They will make the boot a little more difficult to put on,
which is the main reason they were developed – to help fit horses that otherwise the Glove
wouldn’t be a tight enough fit.
The boots are very easy to put on. All you do is fold the gaiter back out of the way, slip the
boot over the toe and then the rest of the hoof using a slight twisting motion, set the hoof
down to set the hoof into the boot, pull the gaiter SNUGLY around the pastern, and secure
with the Velcro. It takes less than a minute per boot once you’re used to putting them on.
Easycare has videos on their site showing how to put the boots on, as well as removing
them, and horses walking, trotting, and cantering in them. They have videos for several if
not all of their boot lines.
www.easycareinc.com/education/videos.aspx
Even easier than putting the boots on is taking them back off. Undo the Velcro, fold the
gaiter down again, give the boot a slight tug, and off they pop. If you rode in creeks or mud,
you’ll likely actually hear the pop as the seal around the hoof wall breaks loose. (Note I
don’t mean anything actually breaks, it’s like pulling a cork out of a bottle.)
I really like how low-profile these boots are, and lightweight. I did like the Boa Boots, but
they are heavier and a bit clunky by comparison, and I can’t help but think that could affect
the horse’s motion more than the Gloves. Also, I like not needing to change laces or worry
about losing caps. The Gloves have been holding up well on the rocky terrain, with only
minor scuffing and scratching. They probably won’t last as long as the Boa Boots, but they
cost less and are available as singles, not just in pairs.
I would recommend carrying a spare with you, just in case you do lose a boot or one
becomes damaged and needs to be replaced while you’re out on the trail. I have not had
any problems like this, but it’s a good idea to carry one with you. It could be a long walk
back to the trailer!
Although not specifically recommended by Easycare for use as a medicinal boot, I had
cause to use them to help protect an injury to my horse’s heel bulb. We were riding down a
very washed out section of trail, and my horse became distracted and stumbled. I think he
stepped on the back of one front hoof with the other (or with a hind hoof), but he never
took a lame step or gave me any reason to get off and look at his hooves. He was wearing
his Gloves at the time. At the end of our 10 mile ride, Laura pulled his boots off for me (I
was being lazy and sitting down resting) and noticed he had a large split in one of his heel
bulbs. I looked the boot over, but found nothing sharp inside the boot, nor was there any
visible damage to the boot. I think his heel bulb pressure-split when he stood on it with the
other hoof. The split was about 1-1/2 inches long, 1/4 inch wide at the edge, and at least
1/4 inch deep. I didn’t think my vet would be able to stitch it, so I cleaned it out and put
some triple antibiotic ointment on it and hauled him home, then called my vet. He confirmed
he wouldn’t be able to stitch it up, so he recommended I continue keeping it clean and
bandaged with the antibiotic ointment, and to use the Gloves to secure the bandage and help
protect his hoof. It close to a month for the cut to heal entirely, but he wore his boots for
several days straight. As it started to heal, I did take the boots off at night when he was
resting. Of course, I also took them off to change the dressing and clean them. During that
time he never had the boots rub or cause him any problems. He also continued to graze,
buck, gallop, and do everything as if he hadn’t been injured at all. The boots held up well to
this use, and showed no obvious wear. He did lose one boot while galloping around, the
same day as a hoof trim due to the shape change I mentioned. That’s how I found out a few
wraps of the self-adhesive bandage would make the boots fit tightly enough to stay on
properly – the boot he lost was on the non-bandaged hoof. (The boot wasn’t permanently
lost, nor was it damaged in any way.)
Gloves are currently (2009) priced at $56 each (by Easy Care) and come with an integral
gaiter. Some catalogs or websites have lower prices, and can help you save on shipping
costs. Current sizes range from #0 - #3, but more sizes are being developed.
For the latest news on improvements to Gloves, and the Easycare hoof boot line in general,
helpful tips and hints, make sure to check out Easycare’s blogs.
easycareinc.typepad.com/from_the_horses_mouth/ - latest developments to the boots
easycareinc.typepad.com/customer_help_desk - tips & tricks, fun facts, useful information
easycarenews.com/ - news on sales, events, and more
easycareinc.typepad.com/team_easyboot/ - Team Easyboot Blog
| Easy Care Gloves Boots Review By Lalita Creighton |
| Copyright 2006-Present by Missouri Trailblazing.com. All Rights Reserved |
| If this information was helpful to you, please help support Missouri Trailblazing: |
| We Thank you!!! |
For those of you that have read my Boa Horse Boot review, you know I keep my horses
barefoot and use hoof boots to protect their hooves on trail rides. Since I ride at many
different trails, the terrain varies a lot and the Gloves have done well everywhere I’ve ridden.
Confession time – I now do have an affiliation with Easycare Inc. Easycare put out the
barefoot and use hoof boots to protect their hooves on trail rides. Since I ride at many
different trails, the terrain varies a lot and the Gloves have done well everywhere I’ve ridden.
Confession time – I now do have an affiliation with Easycare Inc. Easycare put out the
call for members to join what they called
“Team Easyboot”. The general idea was for
Team Easyboot members to provide feed
back on hoof boot designs and to be hoof
boot ambassadors. I applied to be, and was
accepted as, a member of Team Easyboot.
(Thank you Easycare!) I have received my
Gloves as part of the testing program, but I
am not paid to endorse any Easycare product.
Any product endorsement is solely a result of
my usage, and because I genuinely believe the
product to perform well. I have submitted only
positive feedback to Easycare during my Glove
testing.
“Team Easyboot”. The general idea was for
Team Easyboot members to provide feed
back on hoof boot designs and to be hoof
boot ambassadors. I applied to be, and was
accepted as, a member of Team Easyboot.
(Thank you Easycare!) I have received my
Gloves as part of the testing program, but I
am not paid to endorse any Easycare product.
Any product endorsement is solely a result of
my usage, and because I genuinely believe the
product to perform well. I have submitted only
positive feedback to Easycare during my Glove
testing.