5 Day Barefoot Trimming Course
Course Cost is $2000 CAD plus applicable taxes
2023 Course Dates:
2024 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. 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.
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 into pairs 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 11 resident school horses, various boarded horses, and a variety of local locations with herds that are available for us to trim. Students can also bring their own horses to trim if we have paddock space available.
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 upon finishing this course. If you are interested in pursuing trimming professionally this course is a great starting point.
Course Outline
|
Day 1
Hands on Trimming
Tool Handling Trimming Demonstration Introduction to Hands on Trimming Assessing the Horse Formulating a Plan Hoof Mapping Live Trimming |
Days 2/3/4
Hands on trimming continued
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 - 3pm daily with a morning coffee break and 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.
Coffee, tea, and water are provided, participants must bring their own lunch.
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 want to fly into Kelowna International Airport (YLW)
Paddocks may be available for you to bring your horse at no extra cost as long as you supply your own hay and clean up after your horse. Horses must be in good health, and of good temperament.
Please inquire ahead of time for availability of paddocks.
