Workshop-related Questions
Why would I want/need to learn how to trim my own horse?
Although there are certainly plenty of people out there who trim horse hooves, the overwhelming majority of them have shockingly-little (if any) education in proper hoof care, and even fewer have an awareness of the environmental and management factors that can also profoundly affect hoof function & form. That means your odds of finding a truly qualified hoof care provider are quite slim. Learning to care for your own horse’s hooves will not only ensure that your horse always has hoof care that will maximize his performance, but will also guarantee that he’s on the path to long-term comfort and soundness. And, eliminating your reliance on others will both save you potential frustration with unreturned phone calls, missed appointments, etc. but also save you time and money!
I don’t work with horses, but work with zoo ungulates such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Would I benefit from attending this Workshop?
Absolutely! Although the feet of other ungulates can appear to be quite different from horses at first glance, in reality they’re all remarkably similar with nearly identical objectives to their care, and subject to the same problems and pathologies. We’ve trained a number of zoo ungulate personnel, and would be happy to work with you to learn how to correctly manage the hoof care needs of whatever ungulates you work with. If you’re interested, please contact us well in advance so we can try to arrange other cadaver legs closer to your specific types of ungulates for you to practice on at the Workshop.
I’m not a horse owner per se, but work with horses for a living as an equine veterinarian, chiropractor, body worker, or other equine professional. Would this Workshop help me in my equine practice?
Without a doubt. Hoof function and form are actively connected to other factors that fall within the purview of a number of equine professions, such as diet, symmetry in stance and movement, and general health. As regular presenters at various equine events such as the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association’s annual conference, we continue to teach a number of equine professionals how to identify hoof and foot issues that are the cause of, or the consequence of, problems elsewhere in the horse’s body and/or management, benefiting the horse, the horse owner, and the equine professional.
What style of trimming do you teach, and why?
Our trimming philosophy is remarkably simple in concept: We adhere to the principles so clearly demonstrated in Nature on the hooves of feral horses in their aboriginal environment, which yield optimal hoof function & form. Through understanding how and why these forces shape the hooves of the feral horse as they do, we’re able to replicate their effects on the hooves of our domestic horse and produce strong, healthy feet. We don’t consider this to be a trimming “style” – we consider it the only proper way to trim every horse’s hooves. And the short- and long-term benefits of this logical, consistent-with-Nature approach to hoof care has now been recognized by people the world over for more than 20 years.
Why 4 days? Are there shorter offerings available? Can I learn online? And how big are the classes?
In our more than 25 years of teaching hoof care, as well as our 50+ years as university-level technical educators, we’ve learned a few things about how people best acquire new skills. Specifically, we’ve found that learning to properly trim hooves requires:
- Trimming a number of hooves under the close, in-person supervision of someone – preferably, more than one someone – with considerable experience trimming normal and pathological hooves of all types, coupled with extensive experience in technical education. Being able to perform a task and being able to teach others to perform that task require different skill sets; having experience in only one of those is rarely effective. Also, teaching and learning styles can differ considerably, and some people will invariably relate better to one person’s teaching style than another’s teaching style, which is why we always have a minimum of two instructors present.
- Multiple trimming sessions with enough time between sessions to intellectually process what occurred in the last trimming session. Years of experimentation with different numbers of trimming sessions has demonstrated to us that spreading the trimming sessions over a 4-day period yields significantly more competent and confident trimming students than when spread out over fewer days, even if the total number of hours of trimming is the same.
- A low instructor-to-student ratio to ensure plenty of opportunities for hands-on, personal advice and one-on-one assistance. This is why we limit the number of new students in our Workshops to twelve (12) students.
- Ample classroom time to learn the all-important “why” of hoof care. Proper hoof care involves much more than just knowing how to trim the bottom of the foot; it’s about understanding that hoof health is also intimately tied to a number of lifestyle and management issues. Thus, we say our Workshop is “a whole-horse workshop in theory & practice.”
Will I be trimming live horses during the Workshop? And how many?
No, for several reasons. First of all, even with our limit of twelve (12) new students, a very large number of horses would be necessary to give each student a reasonable trimming experience. Second, keeping twelve students – and the horses – simultaneously safe would require a large number of instructors and handlers. And third, most people find it challenging enough to learn how to properly use the tools without the added complications of managing a live horse. To circumvent these potential issues, we use cadaver legs, stored frozen, to teach trimming; it allows students to stay safe while learning how to handle the tools, gives them the opportunity to see and trim many more hooves than would be practically possible using only live horses, and prevents any possible harm to live horses. Each student will typically trim 8 – 10 hooves over the four days of the Workshop.
What does the Workshop consist of?
Each day of the Workshop is made up of a half-day of lectures and a half-day of hands-on trimming. There are a total of approximately 14 hours of multimedia classroom instruction, 11 hours of hands-on trimming practice on cadaver hooves, and 1-3/4 hours of demonstrations on live horses over the four-day Workshop. Included in this time are: a horseshoe removal demonstration, a lower leg and hoof dissection, a hoof boot fitting demonstration, a tool sharpening demonstration, a demonstration of how to train a horse to stand and pick up its feet for trimming, and a demonstration of body positioning of horse and trimmer for successful trimming.
What will I be able to do after completing this Workshop? Will I be able to trim my own horses?
Our Workshop objectives are to impart in each student a solid grasp of not only why, how, and when to properly trim reasonably-normal hooves, but also to have a basic, working understanding of the other factors involved in aiding the horse in growing strong, healthy feet. So yes, by the time this Workshop is over, you should be well-equipped to begin the care of your own horses’ hooves.
Will I be eligible for any sort of licensing or certification at the conclusion of the Workshop?
Sorry, but no. A mere four days of study of any subject is, in our opinion, simply not adequate to ensure a sufficient grasp of the subject to call oneself a professional. Upon completion of the Workshop, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. And if you are interested in becoming a Certified Hoof Care Professional, stay tuned!
Are there any support and additional education opportunities available after the Workshop?
Of course! There are several options for further assistance and education following Workshop attendance, including: re-attending the Workshop at a greatly-reduced price; spending a day in-person with one or both of us; and private consultations via Zoom, telephone, and/or email. There will soon be options to attend an advanced topics day following the Workshop, and join our soon -to-be-announced hoof care certification program. Please see the Post-Workshop Support page for descriptions and pricing.
Why have the Workshop at the White Stallion Ranch? Why not somewhere less expensive and/or closer to my home?
A surprising number of factors must be considered when determining where our Workshops can be held. First and foremost, a local source must exist for the large number (> 125) of frozen cadaver legs we may use; on-site frozen leg storage and disposal is also required. Second, we need access to suitable classroom and trimming spaces in close proximity to each other. In order to provide minimal disruption to the Workshop days, a source for meals must be very nearby – preferably on-site. Because the vast majority of our students come from out of town, reasonable accommodations must also be readily available, as well as convenient access to an international airport. The White Stallion Ranch offers all of these, plus the added benefits of being in the diverse and beautiful Sonoran Desert and having access to the Ranch’s many amenities such as a pool, bar, fitness center, laundry, hot tub, recreation room, spa services, and more, should you choose to stay there. And, by the way, they’ve given us an extremely competitive price on rooms!
Is there an option to attend just the lecture portion of the Workshop? I’m not up to/interested in the actual trimming, but I want to understand what proper hoof care really consists of.
Yes! If you look at the Registration page, you’ll find two options for Lecture Only attendance: one for students staying at the White Stallion Ranch, and one for students staying elsewhere. In either case, you will not be permitted to attend the afternoon trimming practicums, although if you’re staying at the Ranch, you’ll be able to enjoy the Ranch’s many amenities.
What would I need to bring with me to the Workshop? Would I need to have tools?
The Workshop times (May and September) in Tucson are typically fairly hot, so you’ll want to bring appropriate hot-weather clothing. Before lunch, we’ll be in air-conditioned rooms. And although we’ll be trimming in the shade in the afternoons, you may still wish to bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen – particularly if attending the Ranch rodeo. Water will be available throughout the day.
For trimming, we recommend you either wear old jeans or purchase a shoeing apron to protect your legs, and you should also bring a pair of gloves to protect your hands. You’ll have the opportunity to change clothes before and after trimming. Please see the Tools section below for apron and glove suggestions.
You’ll also need to purchase or borrow a minimal set of tools prior to coming to the Workshop. As with all tools, there are definite quality differences and personal preferences, and you will have the opportunity to see and use a variety of tools at the Workshop. We believe any of the choices listed in the Tools section under each tool type will yield a good, basic set of tools that will allow you to trim practically any horse; however, if you have, for instance, only draft horses or only minis, please contact us for some different choices.
Travel-related Questions
Do I have to stay at the White Stallion Ranch?
No. Although the Ranch is offering us special discounted pricing, and we certainly recommend staying there both for the convenience and the added opportunities for interaction with the instructors and with the other students, you are not required to stay at the Ranch to attend the Workshop. The hotels listed below are the closest to the Ranch (approximately a 12-minute drive). If desired, you can purchase twice-a-day shuttle service to and from the Ranch (8:00 AM pickup & 8:00 PM drop-off) from/to these hotels each day of the Workshop for $40 total. The Ranch has also graciously offered to extend its TUS airport shuttle service to people staying at one of these other hotels for $25 per trip.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tucson North – Marana
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham NW Tucson Marana
- Comfort Inn & Suites North Tucson Marana
- Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tucson/Marana
- Super 8 by Wyndham Marana
can I bring a friend or family member along?
If you’re staying at the White Stallion Ranch, you’re welcome to bring someone along with you for the same discounted Bed & Breakfast rate! Keep in mind that your guest will not be permitted to attend any of the Workshop sessions, although he/she is certainly welcome to join us at meals, which can be purchased separately.
Would I need a rental car?
If you stay at the White Stallion Ranch, shuttle service from/to the Tucson International Airport is available from the Ranch for $25 per person per trip, so no vehicle will be required. If you stay in one of the hotels listed above and purchase the shuttle service to/from the Ranch, you can also purchase the Ranch’s airport shuttle service, and no vehicle will be required. However, if neither of the above scenarios applies, you will need to arrange for your own transportation. Tucson International Airport has a rental car center immediately adjacent to the terminal.
What is the closest airport?
The White Stallion Ranch is located in Marana, AZ, northwest of Tucson. It is a 35-minute drive from Tucson International Airport (TUS) and an hour-and-a-half drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). As mentioned above, the Ranch can provide airport shuttle service from/to Tucson International Airport to their guests and to our students staying at one of the aforementioned hotels.
What about meals? And can they accommodate my special dietary needs?
Because off-site travel for meals would be disruptive to delivering the best possible Workshop experience, on-site dinners Sunday through Wednesday and lunches Monday through Thursday are included in the Workshop price. Sunday lunch and Thursday dinner may be purchased separately if desired.
The White Stallion Ranch is accustomed to accommodating a wide variety of special diet requirements. If staying at the Ranch, please inform them when making your reservation. If staying elsewhere, please let us know after you register for the Workshop.
Tools & other useful Trimming items
Description & Selection
Tool selection can feel like a daunting undertaking. There are many choices available for every type of tool, and quality (and therefore prices) between brands can be considerably different. Some tools perform better with harder hooves, while some work better with softer hooves. And tool selection can also be very personal, as different styles/brands can be more or less comfortable for the individual using them.
The following are the four (4) essential tools for hoof trimming:
Hoof Nippers
Hoof nippers are used to rapidly remove larger amounts of hoof wall. They have thin, sharp cutting edges typically between ½” and 1” wide, and handles of varying lengths; longer handles mean easier nipping, but require both hands to operate. Many brands also have both “regular” and “race track” versions in the same length handles; race track nippers have a slightly narrower cutting head, shallower maximum depth of cut, and finer cutting edge, which some say make them better suited to smaller hands. We have found that 14” nippers are the best compromise size for most people, as they are long enough to cut all but the largest and hardest hooves, yet short enough to manage with one hand when necessary. Nippers are the most expensive tool we purchase on a somewhat regular basis. Their cutting edges can be re-sharpened, but only a limited number of times. Expect to pay approximately $90 for a reasonable-quality pair of 14” nippers, with better-quality ones costing well over $200. Note that there are a number of low-quality, essentially useless tools on the market that are referred to as “hoof nippers” that are not satisfactory for hoof trimming! Their cutting edges are much thicker, and therefore less sharp, than “true” hoof nippers. If the price is significantly less than $90, they’re probably not going to be satisfactory to work with.
- Nordic 14″ Viking Semi Polished Regular Hoof Nippers
- Nordic 14″ Viking Semi Polished Race Track Hoof Nippers
- Nordic 15″ Viking Polished Hoof Nippers
Hoof Rasp & Handle
The hoof rasp is used to remove smaller amounts of hoof wall with much more finesse than the nippers. One side of the rasp is usually coarse, providing more rapid material removal, while the other side and the edges of the rasp are of a finer pattern, allowing material to be removed in a controlled manner and leaving a finer finish. Rasp are nearly all the same size (14”), but the different cutting patterns offered by various manufacturers can be better suited to hooves with different moisture content. As they dull with use, rasps need to be replaced every 25 trims or so; it’s highly dependent on how hard the hoof material is. Although there are re-sharpening services for rasps, we’ve found it more practical and cost-effective to simply purchase new ones. Prices for single rasps are in the $25 – $30 range, with discounts for purchasing by the box of 5 or 6 (brand-dependent). Hoof rasps have a tang at one end, which is where the handle is fitted. The use of a handle is strongly recommended; it not only makes it easier to hold the rasp, but more importantly offers protection against the tang causing injury should a horse jerk his foot while rasping. Rasps do not come with handles; they must be purchased separately for between $5 and $20, and can be reused essentially indefinitely.
- Heller 14″ Red Tang Regular Rasp
- Bellota Classic 14″ Rasp
- Safe Edge Rasp Handle
- Heller Grip Rasp Handle
- Heller Plastic Rasp Handle
Hoof Knife
The hoof knife is used to exfoliate the sole, and trim the bars and frog. Like a pocket knife, they have only one edge sharpened; however, unlike a pocket knife, they have only one bevel on the edge so the material being cut comes off the surface on only one side of the knife. The blade is usually shaped into a gentle curve rather than being flat to allow easier access to the part of the hoof being trimmed, and has a small-radius bend in the end of the blade to prevent the user from stabbing either the horse or himself/herself. Hoof knives can have right-handed, left-handed, or loop blades, and come in a number of styles: long & short blades, wide & narrow blades, regular and dropped blades, blades with hoof picks on the back side, etc. They, too, dull with use and need regular sharpening. Hoof knife prices vary widely with brand and style, ranging from under $20 to over $150, with an average price of about $40. With so many options available, choosing a hoof knife can be challenging. Avoid the inexpensive, double-edged hoof knives, as they can be both frustrating and dangerous to use on all but the very softest hooves.
- Double ‘S’ Rhino Hoof Knife
Hoof Pick
The hoof pick is used to clean out the bottom of the foot before beginning work to avoid dulling your tools on sand, dirt, and small stones. Most horse owners are familiar with hoof picks, and this is the one tool where it’s difficult to go too wrong with your choice. Hoof picks can be purchased for under $1 for simple bent-metal picks to well over $50 for picks with machined aluminum handles. Hoof picks with attached brushes are inexpensive and can be very useful.
- Usually many varieties available at any tack supply shop
Although the four tools listed above will allow you to perform everything necessary for proper trimming, there are two other items that can/will make trimming easier and safer.
Gloves
Gloves are, in our opinion, an absolute necessity when trimming. Everything we work with, including the hoof itself, is sharp, and painful cuts and scrapes can often be easily avoided by wearing gloves. Gloves should be fairly thin with a snug fit, to allow the wearer to feel subtle inconsistencies in the trimmed hoof.
- Summit Glove Grip-Tech® 310GP gloves
Apron
The apron is useful for protecting your legs and clothing from harm from tools, sharp hooves, and even kicks. Unlike farriers, who deal with nails on a regular basis, our aprons don’t need to be as thick and heavy as theirs; practically anything in-between your clothing and the hoof is adequate. Most aprons have either one or two pockets for hoof knives; we prefer two-pocket aprons to keep both hoof pick and knife handy. Aprons vary considerably in cost, ranging from under $50 for canvas aprons to over $300 for heavy-duty leather aprons. You can find aprons on Amazon; search for farrier apron or farrier chaps.
- Halverson Canvas Apron
Tools can be purchased from a variety of online shops such as Equine Digit Support System, Inc. For your convenience, we’ve also put together an order form for a basic set of tools you can purchase from Yoder Blacksmith Supplies – an Amish-owned store in Fredericksburg, OH where we buy nearly 100% of our tools and supplies. Note that being Amish-owned, they don’t take credit cards, don’t have a website, and don’t answer the telephone. But you can mail in an order with a check or money order, and they’ll promptly ship your order via FedEx or UPS. Their shipping rates are as follows:
Print out the order form below, indicate the Quantity and Total Cost of each item you want to order, and send in the total plus appropriate tax and shipping. If ordering a hoof knife, don’t forget to indicate whether you want a right-hand (RH) or left-hand (LH) knife, and if ordering gloves, don’t forget to indicate the size you want (S, M, L, XL, 2XL). Note that both of us, who don’t have particularly large hands, wear size L.