Managing Laminitis with the Easyboot RX

The term Laminitis describes a condition which sadly affects many horses and ponies in the UK. The pain associated with the disease is caused by inflammation of the internal laminae tissues which in some severe cases can result in the epidermal and dermal tissue bonds which join to the hoof wall becoming torn and damaged. Laminitis is particularly prevalent during the Spring and Autumn months when the grass is of optimum quality as a result of weather conditions typically bringing both rain and shine. The condition is often linked to obesity and poor diet but it is also associated with; stress, toxaemia, mechanical trauma, hormone problems and some steroid treatment. Low-grade laminitis caused by dietary triggers such as spring grass can go unnoticed in the shod horse, as shoeing decreases hoof blood flow, causing loss of sensation. However, in the barefoot horse, with full hoof sensation and heightened sensitivity on rough ground when low grade laminitis is present it is seen earlier. This is great news as the condition can be spotted earlier and management can be implemented but what do we do to support our horses suffering with either low level, acute or chronic laminitis? The first stop if you think your horse may be suffering from laminitis is always your veterinarian. If diagnosed with laminitis the Easyboot RX can provide the ideal therapy hoof boot for our equines. A horse or pony diagnosed with laminitis requires sole support. This can be achieved by using the RX boot on a bare (non shod) hoof as the boot is equipped with shock absorbing Easycare comfort pads inside. The supportive and stabilising boot allows the horse to benefit from increased circulation and undertake controlled exercise or turnout once the hoof has stabilised which can aid healing. Other management techniques such as reducing calorie intake including starch and sugar levels in the diet, providing deep, supportive bedding and minimising stress levels can help laminitis sufferers. If you think your horse or pony may be suffering from laminitis always contact your vet.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year

Trelawne Equine would like to wish all of its customers and friends a very Happy Christmas – we hope you enjoy the festive period and that your horses enjoy a sound, healthy 2013! It has been a brilliant year for barefoot horse keeping, with many more owners taking this form of management on board. We are thrilled with the level of awareness and also the media coverage we have helped to gain in the last few years on the subject of barefoot hoofcare. Please keep spreading the word about the benefits of barefoot in 2013!

Visit our website for more info - http://www.trelawneequine.co.uk

Complete the barefoot survey!

Horse owners are being urged to complete a quick, simple, online survey that aims to give hoofcare professionals a greater understanding of the issues facing horse owners in the UK. Barefoot hoofcare as a management regime has proven to be on the increase in the UK, as seen on equestrian discussion forums and livery yards country-wide. However the regime requires dedicated management from the horse’s owner, and there are many factors that horse owners need to be aware of before embarking on a barefoot regime for their horse. Owners of all horses - both shod and unshod – are invited to take part in the survey, which is coordinated by hoofboot distributors Trelawne Equine. The closing date is 31st Jan 2013 and one lucky recipient, drawn at random from EACH of the two surveys, will win a £50 voucher to spend at online equestrian store, www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk. For owners of barefoot horses visit: www.surveymonkey.com/s/LV9HW5F For owners of shod horses visit: www.surveymonkey.com/s/LDDSH56

Competition wear

Dublin Stock Bib Was – £8.99 Now – £7.89

The Dublin stock bib is ideal for wearing over a T-shirt or other suitable casual top to give the appearance of a show shirt when worn under a show jacket. www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

Selling hoof boots for barefoot horses – part 2

Here is part two of our advice on retailing hoof boots -

Retailers should always emphasise the importance of three elements that the barefoot horse requires, when recommending hoof boots for barefoot horses: A good, regular trimming schedule. A good diet based on food the horse’s body evolved to thrive on. Exercise, including encouraging natural movement in the field and little or no confinement. The following tips will also help you provide the best service to customers - Most horses will measure round or slightly longer than wide. If a customer’s measurements indicate a wider than long hoof or a very long narrow hoof, seek advice from the distributor or manufacturer; supplying pictures of the hooves from the customer will help. There are two main boot categories; above and below the hairline. (Soft ‘gaiter’ style fixings are not included in this description, so boots such as Easyboot Epic or Renegades are regarded as fitting ’below’ the hairline). Below hairline boots are generally the most suitable for competitive or long distance use, but are also generally the most sensitive to incorrect sizing and fitting. Boots that are one-piece and cover the coronet band, such as Old Mac G2, Easyboot Trail or Swiss horse boots, are generally easier to size and are more tolerant to slight size inaccuracies. Stock boots that will enable customers to get a really close fit. A good hoof boot will be made of modern materials, with a sole made from a plastic/ rubber composite, to give good grip and durability. The upper should be soft above the hair line, but the main shell may be made of a strong flexible plastic / rubber, similar to the boot’s sole around the hoof capsule. Metal should not be used other than for fixings or fastening, and should not be in contact with the horses hoof. Visit http://www.trelawneequine.co.uk for info.

Cosy winter boots

Dublin Eskimo River Fleece Boots Was - £139.99 Now - £119.99

These gorgeous boots are the ultimate in horsey chic for the discerning rider! These Dublin Eskimo River Fleece Boots include the RCS Tough Tec durable rubber sole, which offers lightweight flexibility and a traction control grip. They are completely lined with synthetic fleece for a fashionable edge, warmth and comfort. Treated waterproof redskin leather with a new improved membrane system and waterproof insole to keep the boots breathable and the elements out. www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

Are you a retailer looking to sell hoof boots for barefoot horses?

Here is part one of our advice on retailing hoof boots - Retailers should always emphasise the importance of three elements that the barefoot horse requires, when recommending hoof boots for barefoot horses: A good, regular trimming schedule. A good diet based on food the horse’s body evolved to thrive on. Exercise, including encouraging natural movement in the field and little or no confinement. The following tips will also help you provide the best service to customers - All hoof boots require the customer to take the measurements of their horse’s hooves after a fresh trim, and have a growth tolerance built in. Consider purchasing a ‘fit kit’, which some manufacturers offer – this is a set of ‘shells’ that helps customers choose the correct size of boot. You could rent these kits to customers; in fact, many retailers offer hoof boots to hire or try, in the same way as bit hire. Advise customers to take the hooves’ width and length measurements in mm for accuracy. Boots that only require one measurement (eg instead of length and width) should be looked upon with caution. The width of the hoof should be taken to the widest point; the length is taken to the buttress of the heel so the weight-bearing surface of the hoof is measured.