Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

I would like to have some research done on the topic of
boots and would actually have quite a few more questions than the ones
listed here.  

As far as research and development, EasyCare has done more field or 'in
use' research than any other boot company.  Since the Easyboot was
developed well over 30 years ago it has been used extensively on long
expeditions and cross country multiple thousand mile trips as well as
being put to the test in endurance competition.  I can name a few
riders off hand and if we combine just our mileages we've got over
100,000 miles in the boots.  I'm sure the total mileage ridden in
actual competition exceeds several hundred thousand miles.  (to read
more, click on this

link and scan down the page)   I recently dug out some
vintage photos and found

this one  (btw, the riders in that photo are Kerry Ridgeway and Neel
Glass), and

this one which shows a photo of the boot that was used on OD and
Tevis in the same year.  :)   We have quite a large number
of testers around the world, and are working hard to improve the testing
program overall. 

Here is more info on that program. 

I know that doesn't answer the other questions about gaited breeds. 
But then, I've had a hard time finding very much research that has been
published on horses feet or shoeing in general.  I have seen several
testimonials and talked to riders of gaited horses who love the
boots.  I would imagine that it'll be similar to other breeds --
some horses and their owners are going to hate them and some are going to
benefit from their use.  Karen