​​5 Day Hands-On Trimming Course ​
Course Cost is $2499.99 CAD plus applicable taxes


​2025 Course Dates:

​This comprehensive course will give you the skills needed to confidently assess and evaluate a horse's hoof care needs and trim to achieve natural hoof mechanics and function based on each horse's individual conformation and hoof shape. This course is ideal for someone interested in trimming their own horses and is a stepping point for those interested in trimming as a professional. 

Included in your tuition is the prerequisite course to this one, our Online Hoof Theory Course. We start in the barn on Day 1, with a group discussion and a quick review of the online course content and then we jump right in and get our hands on the horses. The remainder of the week we will do as much hands on guided trimming as we can do. This will vary student to student depending on experience level, but everyone will get to trim and see a variety of hooves, with one on one guidance and instruction. By the end of the week you will have a thorough understanding of the inner workings of the hoof, and how to trim to maximize function, health and comfort.

The full course balance is due at registration to secure your space. Course fees are non-refundable but are transferable to future course dates if notice to do so is given 30 days before the course start date. In the event of a course price increase, previously paid fees will be applied towards the balance of the new course price that the student registers for. 

In some cases payment plans are available, please contact me for options. 
​

​Remember to book early as courses are limited to a maximum of 6 students and spaces fill up quickly. Click on a specific course date above or the register now button to see the availability of each course date.

​This course is suitable for anyone, whether you have any previous trimming experience or not. Class sizes are kept small, and students are grouped according to experience level. This makes it easy to allow more experienced students to learn more advanced techniques and beginner students to take their time and learn the foundations of trimming. We will see a variety of horses throughout this course. We have 6 resident school horses, 6 boarded horses, a local EAL facility where we will travel to trim their 8 horses, and a few haul in clients.

This course also covers rehabilitation of founder, caudal hoof failure, and many other pathologies and the application of glue on composite shoes in various applications. 

​Tools will be provided for the in-class trimming, and all students will receive a tool kit to take home. The tool bag includes: a rasp, rasp handle, gloves, ruler, hoof knives, tool bag, hoof pick and a knife sharpener. Items not included but suggested for purchase are hoof nippers, a hoof stand and chaps. These items are available for purchase at the school, and we recommend waiting until you are here so that you can try them out before you buy them to find suitable sizes/styles for your needs.

It is recommended you wear steel toed shoes or horse appropriate boots for the hands-on trimming portion of class. 

Participants will receive a certificate of completion upon finishing this course. For follow up coaching and guidance, students are urged to join our Virtual Classroom.
​
Course Outline

Day 1
Introductions
Tool Handling
Trimming synthetic cadavers
Trimming Demonstration
​Assessing the Horse
Formulating a Plan
Hoof Mapping
Days 2/3/4
Hands on trimming
Composite shoe application and prep
Day 5
CLOSING
Hands on trimming continued,
Composite shoe application and prep continued.

Student hoof photo review
(for students who would like to bring photos of your horse's hooves to review and formulate a trimming plan)
​
Closing group discussion

Course Details:


All classes run approx. 9am - 3/4pm daily with a lunch break. Classes may end a bit early or run late depending on the amount of material to be covered, our schedule is flexible to allow students to work at their own pace. Our schedule is dependent on how much material we have covered and how many horses we have to trim.

Coffee and water are provided, participants must bring their own lunch. We do have a fridge and microwave available.


Accommodations and Travel:
​

The closest hotels are the 4 Points Sheraton at the Kelowna Airport or the Hampton Inn Kelowna Airport, for something a little more economical in price but a little bit farther away the Super 8, or the Lake Country Inn in nearby Lake Country have been a good fit for past students. Our street address is 5981 Old Vernon Rd, Kelowna BC V1X 7V2. If you need assistance finding accommodations please contact me.
​

​If you are flying in you would fly into Kelowna International Airport (YLW)

Bring your own horse:

Overnight paddocks are available at a rate of $20 plus GST per night. Students are responsible for bringing their own hay and cleaning paddocks daily. Hay can be purchased at a rate of $20 per bale. Overnight stall board is also available at a rate or $25 per night. 

Paddock/stall space must be reserved prior to your arrival as limited spaces are available. Please contact me after your course registration to book a paddock or stall.

Our facility includes a 60ft round pen and large outdoor arena that you are welcome to use during your stay. Horses must be of good temperament and health. As we have a lot of horses coming and going from our barn on a regular basis it is highly recommended to make sure your horse is up to date with their vaccinations prior to attending.