Test Report – How reliable is the new Easyboot Trail?

Korschenbroich [ENA] Korschenbroich, 20.02.2012 This test report is based on an individual test and reflects the personal opinion and experience of the Author! It might not or partly not describe the real objectives and functionality of the current product or any further developments of the "Easyboot Trail" hoof boot. The test period was the 2nd half year of 2011. They were ordered right after its market introduction in Germany.

The “Easyboot Trail” hoof boot is designed and manufactured by the US Company EasyCare which can look back on 40 years of experience in hoof boot development using endurance riding as the stage to showcase the durability of their boots. According to the manufacturer, their newly developed product Easyboot Trail is “the easiest hoof boot in the world” because of the easy and comfortable way the boots are put on and taken off again. EasyCare considers Easyboot Trail as one of their least expensive hoof boots in their product line. The boots are designed for rides less than 25 miles (40 kilometer) per week.

The Easyboot Trail hoof boot can be used with a variety of pads for better fit and comfort to the horse. EasyCare Gaiters can also be added. The boot is particularly suitable for various hoof sizes because there are 11 different sizes available which could all be bought separately according to each individual hoof size. The boot is supposed to stay on even in difficult terrain. It wraps around the entire hoof wall above the hairline. The hoof boot should be ideal for horses with hooves that are longer rather than wider. The Easyboot Trail is constructed to be flexible on certain hoof growth which could be up to one size.

The hoof boots were tested on two different horses. Each got their own pair of boots. The boots were ordered in two steps via „hufshop“, Germany. The first ones arrived within one week. The second delivery took some weeks. The current cost per boot is € 69,50 plus postage and packaging each. If ordered as a pair postage has to be paid only once. All Easyboot Trail hoof boots arrived in perfect condition.

The upper part and the toe plate were made of Condura while the sole was of polyurethane material. It felt soft and flexible. It had a flexible fastening system. I found the boots very comfortable to put on and to take off. During the first tests, the boots stayed on even in difficult terrain such as mud and water but the boots looked strongly used after the first few rides.

It was the 6th ride on a soft but not muddy and straight riding way when my horse lost the first Easyboot Trail during a gallop. It did not just fell off, it fell into pieces! The boot was only used for less than 25 miles in total during a couple of weeks! Other than advertised, in this case it should say: „The EasyBoot has a lifetime expectation of under 25 miles in total.“

The test on the other horse was just a slightly better experience. As a result from this test I could definately say that the hoof shoes fell apart much earlier than expected. They are easy to handle but also show clear deficiencies in quality. After discussing the design with different experts it might look like the boots show some signs of instability due to the too flexible and soft material combined with a fastening system at it’s weak point at the back of the hoof where there is the most load during the horses’ natural movements.

As a result, I can say that it is a good start of an innovative development but - according to my opinion and experience - it is still in its fledgling stages. I hope the manufacturer of this product will take this criticism seriously and will push his development of the Easyboot Trail further until it is really ready for the market and shows a durability of at least 400 miles in total. Further information is available on the producers website: http://www.easyboottrail.com/.