“Steve and Dora Hebrock have helped me understand the hows and whys of proper hoof care. Their personalized instruction has been instrumental in helping my patients. As a fellow speaker at the American Veterinary Chiropractic Annual Conference, I always look forward to Steve’s talks on hoof care and proper trimming. They are easy to understand and useful on day one.”

– Dr. Paul Brumett, DVM, CCRP, cAVCA

We’re firmly convinced, as our many years of experience have so clearly and frequently demonstrated to ourselves, our clients, and our students the world over time and again, that proper hoof care is about more than trimming the bottoms of the hooves – much, much more! Optimal hoof form provides a solid foundation for the horse, enabling optimal movement and preventing compensatory limb and upper-body  movements that can ultimately lead to spinal misalignment. And that’s why the Comprehensive Hoof Care for Equine Chiropractors workshop goes far beyond the mere mechanics of basic hoof care. You’ll learn how optimal hoof function and form are achieved through consistent proper hoof care, and how to identify them. Understanding the significance of the various tissues of the equine foot, why they’re structured and arranged as they are, and why their function and form is so intimately tied not only to movement and terrain, but also to a host of other aspects of the life of the horse, will enable you to correctly assess the health of each foot as an individual. You’ll be equipped to identify common hoof issues and their underlying causes – both at the ground level and above. Solve long-term hoof problems that have been limiting your ability as an equine chiropractor to do all you can for your patients and clients, and get the horse back on the path to long-term comfort and soundness!

This five-day workshop is held at the beautiful White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, AZ in the heart of the spectacular Sonoran Desert. The 20 hours of instruction are held in the mornings so your afternoons are free to enjoy horseback riding, shooting, archery, e-biking, and other activities. Or, just relax by the pool, have a massage at the spa, or relish time with old or new friends in the bar. There’s something for everyone at the White Stallion, so consider bringing a friend or family member along – all at a special discounted room rate!

For workshop pricing, please visit the Fees & Registration page. Accommodations information and pricing can be found on the Accommodations page.

Here’s a brief description of each of the workshop classes –

Trimming the Non-Equine Hoof (45 min.)

While trimming the hooves of other ungulates such as giraffe, zebras, antelope, goats, pigs, and cows may seem daunting, the principles learned from horses can be successfully applied to the hoof care of all other hooved animals. We’ll explore their anatomical similarities and differences, and how these affect the trim process.

Lessons from the Feral Horse & the Natural Trim (45 min.)

Understanding where the horse comes from and how the environment affects hoof function and form helps us come to terms with what can – and cannot – work for hoof care, and why. This understanding forms the basis for true natural hoof care.

Hoof Boots & Boot Fitting (60 min.)

Hoof boots can be an invaluable tool under certain circumstances, and provide far superior protection to any type of horseshoe. We’ll discuss when the use of hoof boots is appropriate, how to select an appropriate boot for a particular horse, and examine the different types of boots offered by various manufacturers. We’ll also discuss measuring and fitting techniques.

Optimal Hoof Function & Form (45 min.)

Hoof form is the product of hoof function, not the other way round; therefore, one cannot successfully force optimal form on a sub-optimally-functioning hoof. We’ll examine this cause-and-effect relationship, and the forces behind, and physical characteristics of, the properly-functioning hoof.

Chiropractic Implications of Hoof Care (120 min.)

This veterinary chiropractor-led class offers the opportunity for participants to hear about how the knowledge shared in the workshop can be integrated into their practices to yield a more successful, comprehensive approach to chiropractic patient care.

Functional Distal Limb Anatomy (75 min.)

A basic knowledge of the structures of the horse’s lower leg and foot, how they interconnect, and how they function, is an important and necessary step in preparing oneself for proper hoof trimming and for assessing the work of others.

Case Studies (60 min.)

An in-depth look at useful and interesting real-world hoof trimming and horse management examples from the instructors’ years of experience, accompanied by before- and after-trimming photos.

The Trim Process (45 min.)

A step-by-step examination of the process of properly trimming horses’ hooves, accompanied by videos showing each part of the process in detail, helps prepare participants to identify proper and improper hoof trimming.

The Plan for Long-Term Soundness (45 min.)

Understanding how, and more importantly, why we trim as we do enables us to come up with a proven plan for keeping our horses as healthy and sound as possible, regardless of any underlying conditions that may exist.

Techniques for Visual & Auditory Trim Evaluation (60 min.)

Identifying proper and improper hoof form can seem like a daunting undertaking, but an understanding of the true causes of hoof form coupled with some fairly simple photographic, video, and listening techniques will well-prepare the horse owner to successfully evaluate hoof form.

Fundamental of Equine Nutrition (120 min.)

Healthy hoof function & form is impossible without the necessary nutritional building blocks, which means a diet tailored to the specific requirements of the horse. This PhD equine nutritionist-taught class will cover the basics of a proper equine diet, including advice about what and when to supplement.

Problems Caused by Incorrect Trimming (60 min.)

Hoof problems can arise from a number of sources directly related to improper hoof trimming. We’ll examine the most typical problems likely to be encountered by the horse owner, and how best to manage or resolve them through proper trimming.

Understanding Navicular Disease (60 min.)

Navicular disease is arguably the most frequently-diagnosed cause of lameness in the horse, yet few truly understand what navicular disease is – and isn’t. We’ll help the hoof care practitioner make sense of the “navicular” diagnosis, and offer proven advice on prevention and management.

The Hoof Consequences of Horse & Rider Asymmetry (60 min.)

Distorted hoof forms are often mistakenly attributed to improper hoof care when the real culprit may in reality be issues with the horse’s conformation and/or how the rider positions him/herself when riding. We’ll explore these common causes and their effects on hoof form.

Equine Lameness Identification (60 min.)

Although the foot is usually assumed to be the source of any lameness in the horse, it’s often located elsewhere. But the first step in addressing any lameness is identifying the affected limb, which can be a truly daunting undertaking. Class discussion will include techniques for determining the location and cause of lamenesses.

Feeding for Healthy Horses & Hooves (75 min.)

Obesity among horses is an increasingly-common problem and can lead to serious metabolic issues and hoof difficulties. This step-by-step walk through the diet-planning process, including worksheets, will enable the horse owner to plan an appropriate diet for his/her horse.

Basics of Equine Behavior (60 min.)

As equine care providers, much of our efforts in dealing with client horses end up being unnecessarily lengthy and frustrating because of behavior issues. This class will focus on equipping the provider with an understanding of equine behavior principles so he/she may better advise and assist the client in dealing with difficult behaviors.

Problems Caused by Care & Management Issues (45 min.)

Although the point of departure for healthy hooves is always a proper trim, the hoof cannot attain – or maintain – a truly healthy state without control over other diet, management, and environmental factors that affect hoof function and form.