The Certification Process

A HIGHER STANDARD

For those interested in pursuing hoof care as a profession, or who simply desire to expand their hoof care knowledge beyond the Hoof Care for Horse Owners Workshop experience, we now offer three (3) levels of professional certification, with each level understandably requiring more hoof care experience and education to attain. This university-level education program is modeled after the bachelor’s degree (foundation), master’s degree (specialization), and doctorate degree (research) concept, focusing on the whole-horse aspects of hoof care. We believe the certification paths outlined below will produce exceptional hoof care professionals of the highest caliber.

 Certification is not, we hasten to say, a process we take lightly. We set high standards for education with the objective of developing in each student not only a consistent, highly-skilled approach to trimming hooves of every type and condition, but also of instilling in him/her a solid understanding of the all-important “why” of proper hoof care, including the ability to speak intelligently about the other factors that affect hoof function & form. Each step in the hoof care certification process has been carefully designed to both broaden and deepen the student’s understanding of hoof care as a whole-horse undertaking; there are no “fast tracks” to certification in this program, regardless of prior experience or existing certifications. And we, like many professional organizations, also believe in an ongoing commitment to the education process; thus, once certified, students must periodically return to the Hoof Care for Horse Owners Workshop to maintain certification.

The following is an overview of the required steps for each certification level, along with current total and individual costs. Note that we reserve the right to make adjustments to the requirements  as necessary.

Comprehensive Hoof Care Practitioner ($3,245 + travel expenses)

  1. Attend the Hoof Care for Horse Owners Workshop in Tucson, AZ. ($1,570)
  2. (optional, but recommended) – Spend a day with us in OH or NM. Highly recommended for anyone new to trimming horses for other people! You’ll visit clients with us, see how we handle various client, horse, and hoof issues, and have a chance to ask questions about trimming, body position, and tool use. ($150)
  3. Start to take on clients. Document the hooves of at least eight (8) horses in at least three (3) different locations for one (1) year (6 – 8 trims per horse). Document hooves each trim and submit reports for feedback. (no charge)
  4. Attend a second Hoof Care for Horse Owners Workshop + Advanced Practices Day: Core Classes in Tucson, AZ. Participate in the theory and trimming practicums, with the option to perform lower limb and hoof dissections on cadaver legs. ($730 + $395)
  5. Take the comprehensive written examination and score at least 85%. The exam will cover both practical and theoretical trim knowledge, as well as material covered in the Advanced Practices: Core Classes. (no charge)
  6. Pass the final trimming assessment at your location. One of us will accompany you to your clients to observe and assess your trimming skills and interactions with clients and horses. ($400 + travel costs)

Upon successful completion of the Comprehensive Hoof Care Practitioner path, you will receive:

  • A certificate asserting that you have successfully completed the Comprehensive Hoof Care Practitioner certification program
  • Your name and contact information listed on our website
  • A box of business cards with “Enlightened Equine Comprehensive Hoof Care Practitioner” and your name and contact information

NOTE: The Comprehensive Hoof Care Practitioner must return to the Hoof Care for Horse Owners Workshop at least once every three (3) years to maintain certification. ($370)

 

Comprehensive Hoof Care Specialist ($570 + travel expenses)

NOTE: You must be a Comprehensive Hoof Care Practitioner to undertake the Specialist certification path.

  1. Document hooves on twelve (12) horses in at least five (5) different locations, with at least three (3) of the horses having a preexisting acknowledged hoof pathology e.g. laminitis, White Line Disease, sheared heels, central frog sulcus infection, for one (1) year (6 – 8 trims per horse). Document hooves each trim, and spend a day with us for feedback and discussion. ($150)
  2. Come to an Advanced Practices Day: Advanced Classes and attend four (4) classes. ($395)
  3. Take the written examinations on each of the four Advanced Classes subjects, and score at least 85% on all four subjects. ($25)

Upon successful completion of the Comprehensive Hoof Care Specialist path, you will receive:

  • A certificate asserting that you have successfully completed the Comprehensive Hoof Care Specialist certification program
  • Your name and contact information listed on our website
  • A box of business cards with “Enlightened Equine Comprehensive Hoof Care Specialist” and your name and contact information

NOTE: The Comprehensive Hoof Care Specialist must return to the Hoof Care for Horse Owners Workshop at least once every five (5) years to maintain certification. ($370)

 

Comprehensive Hoof Care Master ($215 + travel expenses)

NOTE: You must be a Comprehensive Hoof Care Specialist to undertake the Master certification path.

  1. Choose a research project involving some aspect of hoof or horse care e.g. examining the connection between hoof growth and diet. Submit a proposal for the research project outlining your goals, protocol, etc.
  2. Meet with us to discuss your research proposal. ($150)
  3. Carry out and document your research project, submit your findings in written form, and present your findings at a Hoof Care for Horse Owners Workshop. ($90)

Upon successful completion of the Comprehensive Hoof Care Master path, you will receive:

  • A certificate asserting that you have successfully completed the Comprehensive Hoof Care Master certification program
  • Your name and contact information listed on our website
  • A box of business cards with “Enlightened Equine Comprehensive Hoof Care Master” and your name and contact information

NOTE: Although we highly recommend it, the Comprehensive Hoof Care Master is not required to return to the Hoof Care for Horse Owners Workshop to maintain certification.