“It’s important to understand that an authentic natural trim is not a magic bullet. Assuming management practices and the animal’s environment and welfare are reasonable, a correctly-done natural trim will produce strong, healthy hooves – there is no question about that. But if they aren’t, nothing that is done to the hoof itself is going to prevent the development of, or fix, hoof problems.”

– Bruce Nock, PhD

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! And that’s why this Workshop goes far beyond just another “how-to-trim” clinic. Not only will you learn the “how” of proper hoof trimming – much more significantly, you’ll also learn about the all-important “why” of proper hoof care. 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 eluded your vet and farrier, and get your horse back on the path to long-term comfort and soundness!

So whether you’re contemplating ending your dependence on others for your horse’s hoof care, or just want a much better and deeper understanding of what proper hoof care entails, how to identify it, and how to troubleshoot and resolve common hoof problems, consider joining us at the beautiful White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, AZ for this four-day Workshop in spectacular surroundings and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

To give each student the personal, hands-on attention he/she deserves, enrollment of new students is limited to twelve (12).

We also have Lecture Only options available. Please see the Registration page.

Here’s a brief description of each of the Workshop classes & practicums –

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hoof Boots (75 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 your horse, and examine the different types of boots offered by various manufacturers.

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.

Boot Fitting Practicum (45 min.)

This class provides students with the opportunity to practice measuring hooves for boots using a variety of measuring techniques, and use cross-manufacturer boot-fitting software to help select appropriate sizes and models from leading manufacturers.

The Trim Process (60 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 prepares students to approach the Workshop’s four (4) trim practicums with confidence.

Trim Practicum (180 min.)

The third trimming practicum, where students will continue their trimming experiences with one-on-one assistance as required/desired. You’ll also have the opportunity to practice measuring a wide variety of hooves for boots if desired.

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.

Horse Training for Trimming – Live Demo (30 min.)

Teaching a horse to stand quietly and allow his feet to be trimmed is something that needs to be taught. This session will demonstrate science-based behavior modification techniques for teaching your horse to stand for trimming without fussing or pulling.

Intro to Tools & Trimming (60 min.)

An introduction to the tools used for trimming and shoe removal: how & why to select them, use them, and care for them. We’ll follow up with an overview of the trimming process and the significance of each part of the process as we begin our first trimming practicum.

Body Position & Trimming – Live Demo (90 min.)

There are better – and worse – stances for both the horse and the human when it comes to trimming. We’ll demonstrate how to position the horse and trimmer to facilitate a proper trim, use the hoof stand, and perform a trim on a live horse.

Trim Practicum & Shoe Removal Demo (180 min.)

The first of four cadaver leg hoof trimming practicums, where we’ll step through the processes of removing horseshoes and hoof trimming via demonstrations before students begin their first supervised hoof trimming experience.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Trim Practicum & Tool-Sharpening Demo (165 min.)

The final trimming practicum, where students should by now be well-prepared to trim hooves with minimal assistance. We’ll also have a demonstration of how to sharpen hoof knives & hoof nippers.

Trim Practicum & Dissection Demo (240 min.)

The second trimming practicum, beginning with a trimming demonstration and followed by one-on-one assistance with tool handling and trimming techniques. We’ll also have a lower leg & hoof dissection demonstration to help cement an understanding of the relationships between internal and external structures and their functions.

Questions/Answers & Closing Remarks (60 min.)

This will be the final opportunity during the Workshop to ask questions, raise concerns, offer feedback, etc. We’ll relax in the bar and wind things up with some last-minute advice and information about how/where to go from here should you require/desire future assistance.