How to choose a boot style
People's shoes come in a multitude of varieties for different uses and must fit well to be useful and provide comfort. Hoof boots should be thought of in the same way.The most important factor in boot success is FIT. Choose the boot that fits most closely to your horse's dimensions: a tight fit is crucial.
Application Instructions for the Easyboot Epic
- Untie the 3/4" nylon webbing pull-strap* that is tied around the heel strap. Loop it around the heel strap so that it is easily removed once the boot is applied. Fold the gaiter over the back of the boot before fitting the boot over the toe. Loosen the cable and make sure the buckle is open. Pick up the horse's leg and support it between your knees so that you can use two hands when applying the boot. Place the boot over the horse's toe and, using a slight back and forth twisting motion, slide the boot on the rest of the way keeping the gaiter from bunching into the boot.
- Using the pull-strap*
After the boot is on as far as it will go, use the nylon pull-strap (one included with each boot) for leverage to pull the boot the rest of the way on, as well as to pull the inside heel strap out from under the sole of the hoof. Make sure the heel strap is not pulled into the soft area of the heel bulbs. If you are applying the boot over steel shoes, make sure that the heel strap is above the back of the shoe.
*In many cases you will not need to use the nylon pull strap. If you do not use it, be careful not to pull on the gaiters. Make sure you remove the nylon pull strap completely from the boot prior to riding.
- Setting the heel
Put the foot down on the ground and allow the horse to put weight into it. From this position, you may have better leverage with the pull-strap. Remove the pull-strap after the boot has been successfully applied.
- Fastening the Easyboot Gaiter
Pull the top of the gaiter tight around the pastern. Fasten the hook and loop straps. The tighter the fit, the better the boot will perform. Due to their great deal of elasticity, gaiter straps cannot be over tightened. Overlap the Velcro as much as needed to ensure a tight fit and avoid rubbing issues. This overlapping does not compromise the integrity of the gaiter.
- Locking the cable and buckle
After the boot is on, the inside heel strap is in the correct position, and the gaiter is fastened, put the horse's foot down and set the cable in the tightest position possible. Clamp the buckle down either (a) using the palm of your hand or (b) using your foot. When tight and closed correctly, the buckle should be difficult to open without the aid of a screwdriver or hoof pick. Although the buckle has three adjustments, additional cable tightness can be achieved with different cable wraps. Make sure to unclamp the buckle before adjusting cable.
- A properly applied Easyboot Epic
The heel strap is designed to fit snugly, low around the quarters, below the hairline, and below the heel bulbs. If the horse has a very low heel, make sure the strap is not pulled out of its position, or in any way allowed to abrade a low heel. Horses with low heels may require the heel strap to be cut down a notch or two to avoid chafing near the heel bulbs. Do not use the boot if any portion of the heel strap is above the hairline or touching sensitive skin.
Important: The Easyboot Epic should fit tight around the hoof and the Gaiter snugly around the pastern. The Easyboot Epics should require effort to put on. After you fit the Easyboot Epic and the horse has had a chance to move around, make sure the Easyboot Epics are still fitted squarely and securely on the hoof. Make sure the Easyboot Epic has not twisted to the side. If the Easyboot Epic has twisted to the side it is either too large or needs to be tightened. Discontinue use if the boot continues to twist. Boots that twist can cause damage to the hoof wall.
For flexibility in cold weather, keep the Easyboot Epic in a heated room or soak in hot water before fitting on hoof.
Normal use of Easyboot Epics implies removal when not required. It is NOT recommended that the Epic be left on the hoof for more than 24 hours.
- Removing the Easyboot
The easiest way to remove a properly fitted Easyboot is to use a flat-head screwdriver. (a) Open the buckle with the screwdriver. If your Easyboot is fitted with a Gaiter, unhook the Gaiter straps. (b) Next, place the screwdriver inside the boot, between the boot and the hoof at the quarter. Wedge the screwdriver under the hoof to pry the boot off. You may have to work both sides of the boot for easier removal. If the boot is fitted over steel shoes, you will have to work the back strap over the back of the shoe for removal.
How to Measure for the Easyboot Epic
- Measure the width of the hoof across the bottom at the widest point.
- Measure the length of the hoof from the toe to the buttress line of the heel. The buttress line is the farthest weight bearing point of the heel where the hoof wall ends. Do not include the heel bulbs in the measurement.
- Compare your measurement with the size chart below.
- Ideally, the length and width measurement will fit into the same size. If the length and width measurements indicate different sizes, select the larger size. If the width and length measurements are different by more than one size, your selected boot style is not recommended. Be sure to check your measurements against an alternative boot in the EasyCare line-another style may accommodate your horse's hoof shape better.
Size Chart
| Size |
Width in inches |
Length in inches |
| 00 |
3-3/16" - 3-3/8" |
3-3/8" - 3-5/8" |
| 0 |
4-3/8" - 4-9/16" |
4-5/8" - 4-15/16" |
| 1 |
4-9/16" - 4-7/8" |
4-15/16" - 5-1/8" |
| 2 |
4-7/8" - 5-1/8" |
5-1/8" - 5-9/16" |
| 3 |
5-1/8" - 5-1/2" |
5-9/16" - 5-15/16" |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you need horseshoes in addition to the Easyboot Epic?
A: No. Easyboot Epics provide complete hoof protection and traction. They may also be worn over regular shoes.
Q: Can an Easyboot Epic be used as a regular Easyboot?
A: Yes. Simply remove the Easyboot Gaiter on any Easyboot Epic.
Q: Do you leave Easyboot Epics on all the time?
A: No. Let the horse go barefoot as often as possible. Use Easyboot Epics only when the horse needs foot protection or traction. Do not leave Easyboot Epics on any horse longer than 24 hours at a time.
Q: Are Easyboot Epics good for snow and ice?
A: Yes. Easyboot Epics polyurethane surface eliminates snow balling up on the bottom of the boot as it would on the sole of a horse wearing standard shoes. Optional titanium-coated studs are available for gripping sheet ice.
Q: How can the hoof be medicated with the Easyboot Epic?
A: Put the desired medication in the boot and snap on. If the medicine is in liquid form, put a piece of absorbent foam or cloth in the bottom of the boot.
Q: Does wearing Easyboot Epics over iron shoes increase wear on the Easyboot Epic?
A: Yes. Although Easyboot Epics can be worn over steel shoes in a variety of situations, wear of the Easyboot Epic is increased when fitted over shoes and will void the wear warranty.
Q: Will Easyboot Epics give good traction on pavement?
A: Yes. They provide sure footing for the horse and safety for the rider. Shod horses can be dangerous on pavement. Easyboot Epics prevent slipping. They make excellent parade footwear and reduce shock on paved surfaces.
Q: Can Easyboot Epics be used in the mountains?
A: Yes. They give horses good traction in rocky terrain; protect the sole from stone bruises and the wall and bulbs from abrasion.
Q: Is it necessary to trim the horses hoof?
A: All horses need a proper hoof trimming program, whether they are barefoot or shod. Consult your hoof care professional for any trimming questions or concerns.
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 Easyboot Epics 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 horses hoof shape deviates more than one size from the "standard" shape (width versus length) shown on the chart, the Easyboot Epic may not be the best choice for your application.
Q: What is the projected useful life of an Easyboot Epic?
A: Easyboot Epics are fully guaranteed for 90 days. Your "mileage" will depend, of course, on a number of factors. How often do you ride? Do you ride on asphalt or dirt, for 30 minutes or 10 miles? 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, Easyboot Epics will out-perform a metal horseshoe.
Q: Are Easyboot Epics economical?
A: Yes. With Easyboot Epics, 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. |
 "EasyCare Easyboot Epic")
The ideal boot for the barefoot horse, aggressive conditions, or for a horse that is difficult to keep booted. For barefoot horses, Easyboot Epics help lessen the chance for bruised soles and may also help keep your horse from slipping. The Easyboot Epic is a breeze to get on and the attached neoprene gaiter ensures that it stays on snugly yet comfortably, even in extreme conditions such as mud, snow, and water crossings. The gaiter also provides extra protection to the hoof wall and keeps excess dirt and debris from getting into the boot.
