Dear EasyCare Customer,

As the sun begins to set on 2010, you are probably reflecting on your accomplishments for the year. We're celebrating your accomplishments too.

Whether you're a voting member of NATRC who passed the new rule on allowing gaitered boots at events; a trail rider who discovered the joys of Old Mac's G2 boots; the 2010 AERC National Mileage Award recipient; one of the contributing AERC members who rode more than 45,000 miles in Easyboots; a three-day eventer who is competing in Easyboot Glue-Ons; a rider who faithfully uses the Original Easyboot as a spare tire; or a newly certified barefoot hoof care practitioner; we salute each and every one of you. Thank you for staying connected with EasyCare; for sharing your stories; and for helping us constantly improve the quality of our products. Without you, there is nothing.

In the December newsletter, Garrett Ford presents a thumbnail analysis of cost savings in hoof care; Duncan McLaughlin discusses an equine body scoring model and reviews the benefits of analysing any biomechanical issues in your horse; and Jeannette McGrath checks in with us, some 1,800 miles into a cross-country benefit ride EasyCare is supporting.

Please continue to stay connected with us. The booted world is changing quickly and 2011 will be a particularly interesting year in technological advancements that will make your boot choices more successful. Above all else, we always want to hear from you. So whether you comment on our Facebook page, comment on our blog or send us an email from time to time; be sure to keep in touch!

From Garrett's Desk: Opportunities Abound

Are horse bills and the cost of shoeing getting more and more expensive for you? How can you save yourself money? If you have taken care of horses for years, you will agree that horse ownership costs have increased and will continue to do so. Increases vary from region and country but on average most horse owners pay shoeing expenses of at least $110.00 per horse every six weeks. Read more...

Duncan McLaughlin: Good Muscular Health

Good muscular health: body condition scoring or bodywork? Body condition scoring is a visual assesment of your horse's level of body fat. You get a body condition score by rating the amount of fat covering various anatomical landmarks against a linear scale. Usually six areas are rated: crest, wither, loin, tailhead, behind elbow, and ribs. Two scales are commonly in use. Read more...

Having a Heart: Riding from Coast to Coast

On March 4, 2010, we dipped our feet into the Pacific Ocean, mounted our horses, and began our long journey East towards the Atlantic Ocean - a coast to coast horse ride to benefit Hearts Up Ranch. We started with two riding horses and two pack animals - all barefoot and wearing Easyboot Epics and Easyboot Edges. Read more...

Dealer of the Month: Welcoming New Dealers

Two hoof care practitioners were added to the growing list of EasyCare dealers in November: Tim Carnes Natural Hoof Care and Equine Balance Farrier Service. Read more...

Customer Photo of the Month: Jeannette McGrath

This is a photo of Satchmo, our big horse standing on the boots. He did that all by himself when he was standing there waiting for us to put them on in the morning. Guess he likes his boots and was just trying to help us get ready. Read more about the Heart Up Ranch Ride Across America here.