This message is from: "Marcia Pace" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have not tried the Easyup buckles but I'm very pleased with Easycare's Bare boots. The boots fasten with a secure bungee system instead of the buckle system. The 2007 Bare has a stronger bungee and lower profile heel strap. The Bares are made to fit snug and flex. I do not find them hard to apply or remove, there is a learning curve which involves technique rather than strength. We have been out on a couple of short (4 hr) rides recently through rocky terrain and the boots performed well. We were also in some mucky, muddy, areas today and the boots stayed on well.
My horses seem to like the sole protection provided by the boots and the boots stay below the hairline. I have found when crossing wet rock slabs on a trail steel shoes will sometimes slide, whereas the Bares have very good traction. Also, when crossing rivers with a lot of rock my horses that have boots on appear more comfortable than those without. My husband has used the easyboots for about 8 years. I always thought they looked like too much work and inferior to steel shoes but have now been converted to a Easycare Bare fan. I think that Easycare has a program available for a limited period that offers new boots at 50% off if you mail in your old boots. Marcia Pace The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
