OKANAGAN SCHOOL OF NATURAL HOOF CARE
Online Courses
Imagine having the confidence to evaluate your horse's feet, understand the "why" behind hoof care decisions, and actively participate in your horse's soundness journey.
At OKSNHC our goal is to help you develop the knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking skills needed to assess the individual horse in front of you and make informed hoof care decisions. Rather than teaching students to follow a recipe or memorize a trimming method, our courses are designed to help you understand how anatomy, biomechanics, pathology, and movement influence the hoof and the horse as a whole.
For many students, online learning is the first step in their educational journey with us. Our online programs provide the foundation for successful hands-on learning, allowing students to build a strong understanding of hoof function and trimming principles before ever picking up a rasp. This approach allows students to arrive at hands-on training better prepared, making it possible to spend more time applying concepts and developing practical skills rather than covering basic theory.
Whether you are learning from home, preparing for a hands-on course, or expanding your existing knowledge, our online programs are designed to provide education that extends far beyond memorizing techniques. Lessons can be reviewed as often as needed, allowing students to learn at their own pace and revisit concepts throughout their hoof care journey.
Students from around the world have used these courses to gain confidence in caring for their own horses, prepare for professional hoof care work, and deepen their understanding of the relationship between the hoof and the horse. Wherever you are in your educational journey, our goal is to provide a strong foundation that will support your continued learning for years to come.
Online Hoof Anatomy, Theory & Barefoot Trimming Course
$199.99 CAD plus applicable taxes
The Foundation of OKSNHC Education
The Online Hoof Anatomy, Theory & Barefoot Trimming Course serves as the foundation for all educational programs at OKSNHC and is often where students begin their learning journey.
Whether you are a horse owner wanting to better understand your horse's feet, a beginner interested in learning to trim, or an experienced trimmer looking to deepen your understanding, this course was designed to help you move beyond simply learning what to do and begin understanding why.
Many people can learn how to trim a hoof. Far fewer truly understand how anatomy, biomechanics, movement, pathology, and compensation patterns influence the trim decisions they make. This course was developed to bridge that gap by helping students understand not only the hoof itself, but the relationship between the hoof and the horse as a whole.
One of the most common compliments we receive from students is that the course presents complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand and apply. Rather than overwhelming students with technical terminology and academic language, information is broken down into practical lessons that can be immediately applied to real horses and real-world situations.
Whether your goal is to maintain your own horses, prepare for hands-on training, or pursue hoof care professionally, this course provides the knowledge, confidence, and critical thinking skills needed to make informed hoof care decisions.
Included In This Course
✓ 30+ hours of online instruction (or whatever the current number is)
✓ Learn at your own pace
✓ Access from computer, tablet, or mobile device
✓ Progress tracking through Kajabi
✓ Lifetime access to course materials
✓ Foundation for hands-on training programs
✓ Certificate of completion
Then after that:
Topics Include:
• Functional hoof anatomy and physiology
• Understanding hoof form and function
• The relationship between the hoof and the horse as a whole
• Hoof growth, wear, and adaptation
• Hoof mapping and assessment
• Balance, distortion, and compensation patterns
• Breakover, leverage, and hoof mechanics
• The frog, digital cushion, bars, sole, and hoof wall
• Understanding movement and landing patterns
• White line integrity, flares, and hoof capsule distortion
• Concavity, sole depth, and coffin bone position
• Common hoof pathologies and rehabilitation principles
• Barefoot trimming theory and decision-making
• Trim planning for the individual horse
• Developing confidence and critical thinking skills in hoof care
Laminitis & Founder Course
$59.99 CAD plus applicable taxes
Specialized Education for One of the Most Challenging Conditions in Equine Hoof Care
Laminitis and founder are among the most misunderstood and emotionally challenging conditions horse owners can face. Whether you are currently managing a founder case, supporting a horse through rehabilitation, or simply wanting to expand your understanding of hoof pathology, this course is designed to provide practical, evidence-based education that can be applied to real-world situations.
Through a combination of anatomy, biomechanics, pathology, rehabilitation principles, and case studies, students will develop a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to laminitis and founder, how these conditions affect the horse and hoof capsule, and the challenges involved in long-term management and recovery.
Rather than focusing on quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions, this course explores the complexity of these conditions and helps students develop the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to make informed decisions throughout the rehabilitation process.
Topics Include
• Understanding the difference between laminitis and founder
• Anatomy and function of the lamellar attachment
• Distal descent, rotation, and hoof capsule distortion
• Mechanical and metabolic influences
• Understanding radiographs and common measurements
• Rehabilitation principles and trim considerations
• Environmental and management factors
• Comfort, movement, and quality of life considerations
• Real-world case studies and rehabilitation examples
• Setting realistic expectations throughout the recovery process
Whether you are a horse owner, hoof care professional, or equine rehabilitation practitioner, this course provides a deeper understanding of one of the most important topics in modern hoof care.
Composite Glue-On Shoe Course
$129.99 CAD plus applicable taxes
Expanding Your Hoof Care Toolbox
Composite glue-on shoes have become an increasingly valuable tool for horse owners, trimmers, and rehabilitation practitioners looking to provide additional protection, support, and comfort without relying on traditional metal shoeing.
This course is designed to help students understand when composite shoes may be appropriate, how to select and modify different shoe styles, and how these products can be incorporated into both rehabilitation and performance applications. Whether you are supporting a horse through a transition period, managing a rehabilitation case, or looking for additional hoof protection, composite shoes can provide flexible solutions for a wide range of situations.
Through detailed demonstrations, practical instruction, and real-world case examples, students will gain a deeper understanding of how composite shoes can be used to support the individual horse while maintaining a hoof-care approach that prioritizes function, comfort, and long-term soundness.
Topics Include
• Understanding the role of composite shoes in modern hoof care
• Selecting the appropriate shoe for the individual horse
• Hoof preparation and application protocols
• Shoe fitting and modification techniques
• Welding tabs and customizing composite shoes
• Adhesives, materials, and application methods
• Using composite shoes for transition horses
• Rehabilitation applications and therapeutic support
• Protection, traction, and performance considerations
• Troubleshooting common application challenges
• Removal, maintenance, and follow-up care
Whether you are a horse owner looking for additional options, a hoof care professional wanting to expand your skill set, or a rehabilitation practitioner working with complex cases, this course provides practical knowledge and real-world applications for one of the most versatile tools available in modern hoof care.
Continue Your Education
Learning doesn't end when a course is completed.
Many students begin with the Online Hoof Anatomy, Theory & Barefoot Trimming Course before progressing into specialized topics such as laminitis rehabilitation or composite glue-on shoe applications. Others use online learning as a foundation before attending a hands-on training program at OKSNHC.
For students looking for ongoing support, mentorship, and continued education, the OKSNHC Virtual Classroom provides access to live Zoom sessions, case discussions, educational resources, and a community of like-minded horse owners and hoof care professionals.
Whether you choose to learn online, attend hands-on training, or continue your education through the Virtual Classroom, our goal is to provide a pathway for lifelong learning and professional growth.
What people are saying about our online courses:
I just finished the Online Trimming Course. I took it to be able to assess my trimmer's work and guide the way I would like my horses trimmed. The course was jam packed with valuable information. I learned much more than I ever imagined about horse hooves. I am looking forward to putting it into practice with my trimmer and seeing my horses' feet improve! I recommend that everyone who has a horse take this course!
Susan Cafouras, Lisbon OH USA
What happens when you have 19 horses, trust local farriers and always believe that something is not quite right? It started with some of my horses getting cracks and one mare was lame the whole summer due to this impact. You start to get some books and still, there is always a gap due to lack of knowledge. Finally I spoke to Kristi and completed the Online Hoof Anatomy and Trimming Course. This course is just awesome and finally everything made sense! It was the best course I have ever taken with regards to my equine education and very inexpensive for what you get! Furthermore, Kristi was so helpful guiding me through a tough time with a mare who has been trimmed wrong for a long time by 'professionals'. She has so much knowledge. Thank you Kristi!
Elvira Brunner, Clearwater BC
I purchased the Online Hoof Anatomy/Barefoot Trimming course in an effort to educated myself about horse hooves solely to be able to converse a little bit with my farrier and get a basic idea of what she was doing. I'm embarrassed to admit before taking this course, I knew what the frog was and how to pick out a hoof. That's it. I hoped I wasn't in over my head with this course, and I wasn't. Kristi presented the information so clearly with excellent diagrams and dialogue that I found extremely easy to understand. I know this course isn't intended to make someone competent with no practice, but instead of just being able to get an idea of what my farrier is doing, I now feel empowered that I can learn to trim my horses myself and build better hooves over time, instead of having my horses "off" and not rideable after every single trim. And while this may not be important to some, I find her presentation style extremely easy to listen to; she has a lovely speaking voice with zero vocal fry and doesn't ever use fillers such as "like, um, ya know, right." For less than it costs me for one round of trimming on my 3 horses, I have this excellent source of information that I'm thrilled to have found. Zero regrets. Would purchase a hundred times over.
Amanda Temnykh, Pennsylvania Furnace, PA, USA
The Online Trimming Course has absolutely exceeded my expectations. I want to say thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge and explaining everything so clearly. The course is well structured and I truly believe every horse owner should do this course. I will recommend it to all my friends for sure.
Jess Lewin, New Zealand
This course blew my mind. I THOUGHT I knew about hooves, but I really only knew the very tip of the iceberg. This course provided me with so much knowledge about hoof anatomy and mechanics that I am now empowered to confidently trim my own horse. Thank you Kristi! I really hope to attend the Hands On Training someday.
Emma Daley, California
All The Tools You NeeThank you for a jam-packed Online Trimming Course! When I moved to (remote) New Mexico last summer, I didn't anticipate being the one to take over the trimming of my horses' hooves. I stumbled along for awhile before discovering your course. It's so full of information, detail and tips that now when I look at their feet, I can actually understand what's going on. What a great find - thank you for creating it!!
Katherine Turpin, New Mexico USA
All The Tools You I have been trimming my own horses for years with help from friends who are farriers or have farrier knowledge. This course is amazing. Many lightbulb moments going through the information. The course is well put together with lots of amazing information. I have a much clearer understanding of the hoof and how better to trim my horses. I would highly recommend this course for anyone interested in horses whether you plan to trim or not. I plan to take the hands on course in the future.
Selina Teghtmeyer, Dawson Creek BC
I highly recommend the Online Trimming Course for every person who owns a horse. Even if you never plan to trim on your own, this course will give you knowledge and understanding that every horse owner should know. The videos are great and the ability to work through the course at your own pace make it attainable for any busy schedule. THANK YOU!
Kara Viczko, Moosejaw SK