Let me just start by saying that there is no way in the world that you could
lose an easy boot when it is applied with the easy foam. NO WAY!!
Application was quite easy. I brought plastic cups, tongue depressors to
stir with and had my easy boots already cut and fitted to the horse, vet
wrap, and a pull on strap for the heel strap in the boot. I forgot to bring
Pam. If you spray that on the bottom of the hoof prior to application it is
supposed to be easier to remove the boots. I will also wear rubber gloves
next time.
They went on very easily, no problems at all. Within a couple of minutes
the foam stuff started coming out all around the edges of the boot. I was
really glad I put these on, as the ride we did was really rocky in places.
I decided I had enough energy to try and take them off tonight. I got a
flat chisel and a long flat screwdriver. I opened up the buckle of the boot
and went to work prying away. I called Easy Care today and they gave me
some tips. They said that there is no easy way to get these off. They
suggested using the long screwdriver to separate the foam from the hoof all
the way around, and to soak the hoof in warm water to help soften the foam.
I didn't use warm water, and got them off in probably about 10-15 minutes
per boot. I think I could do it much faster next time. You have to really
get in there and get that screwdriver stuck down all the way around to the
bottom of the hoof. Once you can get in there, it helps to have two tools
to work your way around as you pry the boot loose.
Easy Care also told me that people have been known to leave the boots with
foam on their horses for up to four weeks without any problems.
All in all, I was quite pleased with how the easy foam worked. It looks
like it provides a nice cushion inside the boot for the horse. The hooves
and heels looked great after the boots were removed - no rub marks or sore
spots, or heat anywhere. :) I think that this system works better than pads.
This way my horse can train and condition with his regular shoes on, so that
his feet get tough, and I can use the boots and foam only for rides that are
rocky. I don't like the idea of having pads on all the time. My horses are
used to using easy boots - we use them in the winter time in the snow all
the time. I would suggest that anybody using the foam be very familiar with
putting on and removing easy boots ahead of time, and before they use the
foam to make sure they have a horse that will stand still and let their feet
be poked and pried with for an extended period of time.
This if for Mary: Did you have an easier time getting your boots off having
used Pam?
Karen in Gardnerville
& Weaver (who was so very patient) :)
thank you Weaver!