OKANAGAN SCHOOL OF NATURAL HOOF CARE

Hands-On Trimming Courses

available at our campus in Kelowna BC

 

At OKSNHC, we are not teaching a trimming method, and this is not just another weekend course.

 

Our goal is to help you develop the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and practical experience needed to assess the individual horse in front of you and make informed hoof care decisions.

Our hands-on training programs are designed as complete learning experiences and provide students with an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in hoof care education. Students travel from across Canada, the United States, and beyond to spend several days immersed in hoof care education, working with multiple horses, discussing biomechanics and pathology, and learning alongside like-minded horse owners and professionals.

Students begin with prerequisite online learning materials before attending, allowing more time for meaningful discussion and practical application during the courses themselves. After your course, continued support is available through our Virtual Classroom, ensuring that learning and mentorship continue long after you return home.

Whether your goal is to better understand your own horses, begin your journey into hoof care, or expand your existing knowledge, our programs are designed to provide education that extends far beyond the time spent in the classroom.

 

Learning doesn't end when the course is over.

5-Day Flagship Trimming Course 

  $2499.99 CAD plus applicable taxes

 

Our most comprehensive and immersive training experience.

 

Designed for students who want to go beyond simply learning how to trim, the 5-Day Flagship Trimming Course takes a deeper look at hoof care, biomechanics, trimming, pathology and rehabilitation.

This all-inclusive learning package includes access to our Online Hoof Anatomy, Theory & Barefoot Trimming Course prior to attending, allowing students to arrive prepared and ready to maximize their hands-on learning experience. Following the course, students also receive access to our Virtual Classroom for continued education, mentorship, and support.

Included in Your Registration 

• Online Hoof Anatomy, Theory & Barefoot Trimming Course
• Five days of hands-on instruction at OKSNHC
• Hands-on trimming experience with multiple horses and hoof types
• 3 months of access to the OKSNHC Virtual Classroom following the course

What You Will Explore

• Advanced hoof assessment and trim planning
• Movement, posture and biomechanics
• Distortion patterns and pathology
• Laminitis and founder rehabilitation case studies.
• Individualized trim planning and decision-making
• Hands-on assessment and trimming of a wide variety of horses

Is the 5-Day Flagship Trimming Course Right for You?

 

The OKSNHC 5-Day Flagship Trimming Course is designed for dedicated horse owners, aspiring hoof care professionals, and working trimmers who want to go beyond simply learning how to trim a foot. Over five immersive days, you'll learn to assess the whole horse and consider hoof morphology, movement, posture, biomechanics and pathology when making individualized hoof care decisions.

 

This course is for you if you:

  • Want to confidently assess and trim your own horses
  • Are considering a career in professional hoof care
  • Already trim and want to advance your assessment and decision-making skills
  • Want extensive hands-on experience working with multiple horses and hoof types
  • Want to better understand the relationship between the hoof, posture, movement and whole-horse biomechanics
  • Want to learn how to recognize pathology and develop appropriate rehabilitation strategies
  • Are looking for more than a trimming formula — you want to understand why you're making each decision

No previous trimming experience is required.
We meet each student at their current skill level and build from there.

Looking for a 2026 Course?

One final 5-Day Flagship Course remains this September.

September 16-20, 2026

2027 Flagship Course Dates

April 5-9, 2027
June 7-11, 2027
August 9-13, 2027
October 4-8, 2027

Courses are limited to just 6 students. Select a date above to view current availability and register.

 

Prefer One-on-One Training?

Two Private Winter Intensives are available this winter for students who prefer an entirely individualized learning experience.

Four consecutive days of concentrated one-on-one instruction, approximately 9:00am–1:00pm daily. Includes the same comprehensive online prerequisite and continued Virtual Classroom support as the Flagship Course.
One student per intensive. $2,499.99 CAD + applicable taxes.

December 28-31, 2026
February 22-25, 2027

Why Students Travel To OKSNHC

Students travel from across Canada, the United States, and beyond to experience a hands-on learning environment that goes far beyond a typical weekend clinic.

  • Work with multiple horses and hoof types
  • Small class sizes
  • Online prerequisite learning included
  • Ongoing support through the Virtual Classroom
  • Exposure to real-world pathology, rehabilitation, and performance cases
  • Beautiful Okanagan Valley location

Accommodations and Travel:

OKSNHC is conveniently located just minutes from Kelowna International Airport (YLW).

Nearby accommodations include the Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport and Hampton Inn & Suites Kelowna Airport, with more economical options available in Kelowna and nearby Lake Country. Past students have also enjoyed a nearby Airbnb just five minutes from the farm.

On-site dry camping is also available for students who would like to stay at the farm during their course. Please contact us after registering to reserve a camping space.

OKSNHC — 5981 Old Vernon Rd, Kelowna, BC

Need help planning your stay? We're happy to help with local accommodation suggestions.

Bringing your own horse

Students are welcome to bring their own horse to stay on-site during the course.

Paddock space is limited and must be reserved in advance. Students are responsible for providing their own hay and cleaning their horse's paddock daily.

While you're here, you'll have access to our 80-ft round pen and large outdoor arena, giving you the opportunity to work with your own horse outside of course hours.

For the health and safety of all horses on the property, visiting horses must be healthy, of suitable temperament, and up to date on routine vaccinations. Please contact us after registering to reserve a paddock and discuss your horse's stay.

Registration & Payment

Registration is required to secure your place. Course fees are non-refundable, but may be transferred to a future course date with at least 30 days' notice.

Payment plans are available. The course balance must be paid in full before the course start date. Please contact us to discuss payment options.

Courses are limited to 6 students, allowing for plenty of individualized instruction and hands-on experience.

Remaining 2026 Courses

Before we transition exclusively to our 5-Day Flagship format in 2027, two final short-format courses remain this October. 

Select a course date below to view availability and register.

3-Day Barefoot Trimming Course

$1,399.99 CAD

Designed for horse owners and beginners looking for a strong foundation in hoof anatomy, assessment and barefoot trimming. Includes the Online Hoof Anatomy, Theory & Barefoot Trimming Course, three days of hands-on instruction, and three months of Virtual Classroom access.

October 23–25, 2026

2-Day Composite Glue-On Shoe Clinic

$599.99 CAD

A practical hands-on clinic for horse owners, trimmers and hoof care professionals wanting to develop their skills in composite shoe selection, fitting, modification and application. Includes access to the Online Glue-On Shoe Course.

 

October 26–27, 2026

What people are saying about our courses:

I’ve been interested in farriery for a couple of years and this course gave me the knowledge, skills, and confidence I needed to jump start a part time trimming business. The online pre-requisite course was fascinating and enlightening and I felt well-prepared for five intensive days under horses! I’m going to hear Kristi’s voice ringing in my ears for years to come. I really love that a virtual classroom is offered to provide ongoing support. This really is the structure and community I needed to take the leap!
Christine KrolewiczBuffalo NY

I learned a lot at the hands on course and I can now comfortably trim my own horses . Definitely gives owners the tools to manage their own herd and a solid stepping stone if you're interested in trimming professionally. Take the plunge and just do it! totally worth it, Kristi is a great teacher!
Tyne Pickering, 100 Mile House BC

WOW!! I had the opportunity to take Kristi's six day hands on course and it was time well spent. All I had to bring was me - and a keen interest in learning, and learn I did. The course was set at a pace which built confidence; easy first steps and steady progression - recognizing what you are seeing and how to mitigate to get the results best suited for your horse.
Kristi’s wealth of knowledge and experience contributed significantly to her teaching style. She is about the horse and shares her passion for helping horses - and spread the knowledge so other people can help horses too. Starting off with the on-line course, moving to a Doppelhoof and finally onto horses of all shapes and sizes. I walked away with a much greater understanding of the hoof and inspired to continue learning.
Thank you Kristi.
Coralie Nairn, Vernon BC

I highly recommend this course! I learned so much more than I expected to learn and gave me to confidence to trim my horse's hooves. The online course is so in-depth so when you arrive at the barn for the hands on training, you get right to it. Kristi is truly an expert in her field and has empowered me to take my horse's hoof health into my own hands.
Kalee Erickson, Gibsons BC

Absolutely loved it! In a short time, Kristi can make you quite comfortable working under a 1200 lbs animal. She's incredibly patient and has a plethora of knowledge. I highly recommend taking this course.
Curtis Lovell, Vancouver BC

I can’t say enough good things about the hands on trimming course. You get to experience hands on trimming a variety of hooves. Truly helped me to be confident in trimming my own horses & properly understanding what I am doing. Kristi is a great teacher, very helpful & knowledgeable! Highly recommend this course!
Melody Mcivor, Merritt BC

Training was hands on with one on one instruction. Kristi not only showed the proper way to trim a horse's feet, but gave me the confidence and resolve to go shoeless with our horses. The setting, the horse trimming volunteers, and tools were all top notch and led to an incredible experience that will go a long way to overcoming any foot problems my horses may have. Thanks so much Kristi, 

Ken Cox, Burnaby, B.C.

I signed up for the October 2020 course as I was curious about barefoot trimming and because I wanted to learn more about hoof structure. I always rode shod horses before and never really thought about another option. So I was a total beginner when I arrived at the OKSNHC and felt absolutely out of my comfort zone. At the same time I was very curious and excited to learn new skills. Kristi is a very knowledgeable, sympathetic and patient instructor! Her passion shows in her teaching and is hard to resist... Every morning I was looking forward to the day ahead and the time was just too short. I feel much more confident now 'barefoot' and can't wait to be back next year! 
Lilian Dilling, Edmonton AB

I can't say enough good stuff about Kristi and the OKSNHC. I learned far more than I expected to learn, Kristi is an incredibly good teacher, she's clear, concise and an expert in her field. I wish the course never would have ended, I wanted to learn more and more and more! The course is incredibly good value, the amount of information and depth of theory in the online course is amazing and is an essential foundation for the hands on course. The hands on course includes lots of trimming and Kristi tailors it to suit what her students want to learn. Included in the cost of the course are also most of the tools you'll need for trimming and on going support afterwards. I'm incredibly grateful for Kristi sharing her knowledge and I'm excited to get out there and trim my little herd!
Jennifer Moriarty, Enderby BC

Where do I even begin! This course was a life changer, everything I had hoped it would be it was that… and so, so much more. Stepping onto Kristi’s farm on the first day I had no idea that merely a few days later I’d leave with a lump in my throat and tears welling in my eyes driving away from the barn. Kristi’s wealth of knowledge and experience combined with this incredible passion for what she does… helping horses, for helping people help horses… its poured into everything she teaches. I am a recent graduate in engineering and in 4 years of being in school with numerous instructors and classes I’ve never felt anything even close to what I felt learning from Kristi Luehr at OKSNHC. It was incredible! I can’t wait to go back again to learn more from her, share my experiences trimming my horses and learn some more and never stop learning. It was truly truly an honor and a privilege to learn from you Kristi. Thank you for giving me purpose again and for helping me help my horses. Till next time."
Ashley Burns, Kimberly BC

I have used Kristi to trim my horses for years and she has transformed more feet than I can even remember. I have brought her horses with horrifically overgrown hooves cracked up to the coronary band and she never seems overwhelmed or concerned because she knows that with proper trimming she can grow out a new, perfect foot.
I recently took the online and hands on course and was absolutely blown away by Kristi’s knowledge and understanding of the anatomy and mechanics of horses and their feet. The online portion was filled with knowledge broken down in a very well organized and easy to follow fashion. It was a perfect precursor for the 6 day hands on trimming course. Coming into the course I had never touched a trimming tool not trimmed a horse in my life and thought that I might be overwhelmed. Kristi carried our class through step by step starting with cadaver hooves, then easy maintenance trims, until we were confident tackling more difficult stuff. Her patience and willingness to help out and answer any questions made the course an absolute delight to be a part of. I just finished the course and I am very sad that our time together is over. I now feel confident trimming horses and know that I have Kristi’s support when I need it. I would 100% recommend this course to anyone who has a horse!
Kristen Olychuck, Kelowna BC

Kristi and her family are wonderful hosts, very kind and accommodating. The meals she provides are excellent and she takes special consideration for people with dietary concerns. The knowledge base that Kristi teaches is very sensible, hands on and quite extensive. She has put a great deal of thought, research, and follow through with this course. Thanks to the easy going atmosphere of the course there is little to no stress about learning at a certain pace. Students seem to progress at a steady even pace through the course even if they have never trimmed before. Through the hands on portion of the course she helps students gain confidence with their trimming skills. Different sized horses are provided for trimming practice and all trimming is overseen by Kristi before any is started and during the process. Safety of the animals and students is a top priority for the duration of the course. Some tools are also provided with the course for students to take home to continue trimming if they wish. There are also some tools available for purchase on site. I can't recommend this course enough to anyone wanting to learn to trim. Great consideration has been given to students wanting to attend from out of town. The price of the course and what you take home from it will last a student a life time.
Brett Qually, Hanceville BC

I usually live in Germany and it was one of my dreams to take a course from a school that works with the Wild Horse Hoofs model. So my dream came true when I took the hands on course in June. I wish every horse owner would at least be open to learn all these amazing things about a healthy hoof which makes a healthy and happy moving horse. The course is very informative and I gained a lot of knowledge. I love Kristi's way of teaching as she does not say her way is the only way to go. Unfortunately in the horse world too many people think their way is the best and only way you should follow. So I was every happy to learn from Kristi and get constructive feedback. Everything around the course was awesome as well. I camped in their yard, the food was great and Kristi took very good care of us. We were very lucky as we got to go for a ride on her horses as well! So I can only recommend her courses and hope more people learn about Natural Hoof Care, the money was totally worth it and I hope to be able to come back one day as well. Thank you for this great experience!
Jo Landi, Germany

I took the natural hoof trimming course through OKSNHC back in July of 2015. I had a bit of a background with hoof care already, and I am an educated horse person-I have a diploma in Equine Sciences through Olds College, but I wanted to get a handle on the more natural side of trimming. The reason I originally took the course was specifically for my own horses benefit as I didn't believe I would ever be confident enough to trim for clients. Kristi was such a phenomenal teacher.... She was so patient with me, encouraged me to think for myself and work through to find the right answer rather than just showing me and moving on. I couldn't believe how much I learned in my week, and all of it seemed to stick even after I arrived home. Once I got home I got right to work on my own horses, and the difference in them now is just amazing. My main riding horse that used to be tender on gravel is now confident cantering down our gravel lane way. I have become confident enough at this point to start taking a couple clients in my area and they all have seemed pleased with the work, as well as my veterinarian who is starting to pass my name out to people in the area looking. Through it all I have still been able to email Kristi pictures and questions and have her support afterwards. I don't think I'll ever be able to thank her enough for all she has taught me and for guiding me on this new journey!
Melissa Beattie, Vancouver Island BC

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