Horse Owner Hoof Care Training

Horse Owner Natural Hoof Care Training And Assistance Program

LIBERATED HORSEMANSHIP

Watershed Farm

PO Box 546

Warrenton, MO 63383

Phone: 314.740.5847

Skype: LiberatedHorsemanship

Liberated Horsemanship

Frequently Asked Question

Why should I learn to trim my horses’ hooves?

•You can be confident that it will always be done correctly.
•You will no longer have to pay someone else to do it.
•No more worries about scheduling a farrier.
•You can be sure your horses will be treated kindly.
•Hoof health reflects horse health and happiness. Trimming provides an opportunity to catch negative trends early.
•If, in the long-run, you decide to have someone else trim your horses’ hooves, you will have a knowledge base for selecting the person and evaluating his/her work.

A local natural hoof care practitioner teaches horse owners to trim. Why should I learn through Liberated Horsemanship?

•You will learn from world class experts who have taught people from around the world.
•You will not only learn how to trim but how to trim in a way that encourages the proper alignment of internal and external joint and bone structures. This is important to long-term soundness.
•In addition to how to trim, you will learn about environmental and life style factors that are important to developing strong healthy feet.
•You will learn about performance boots and their role in natural hoof care.
•You will get two to three days of hands-on experience trimming cadaver hooves under the supervision of some of the top hoof care professionals in the world.

Will I have to invest in a lot of tools?

You can expect to spend US$ 300 – US$ 500 for a good set of tools, an apron, and hoof stand. You will receive training in the Gateway Clinics that will help you maintain the tools so you get the maximum use out of them.

I’ve never trimmed a hoof. Can I learn to do it well just from this course?

Yes. You should be able to trim normal hooves. Abnormal or pathological hooves should be trimmed by professionals.

Is there any chance I will make a mistake and hurt my horse?

No, not if you follow the trimming guidelines you will be taught. The method you will learn is safe and non-invasive.

What if I change my mind and decide to become a natural hoof care professional?

The Gateway Clinics are taught by the same instructors and you get the same information and experience whether you are on the track for horse owners or professionals. So, if you decide to pursue a career in natural hoof care after attending the Gateway Clinics, you just continue along the professional track toward certification.

Can I get help with my horses if I need it?

Yes. You can get on-site help from one of our field instructors. Often the first natural trim on a horse, the so-called setup trim, is the most challenging. You might be more confident if a field instructors helps you get started on the right foot so to speak. The fee for this service is $350 plus travel expenses for the field instructor.

Two years ago I was out spoken against teaching people how to trim their own horses. I saw natural hoof care professionals holding one or two day clinics for horse owners and I new it wasn’t good enough. It seems when we learn a little bit about something we are often over eager to begin instructing others.

I still don’t think you can become competent to trim horses in just a couple of days. It takes longer to learn about the natural trim and gain adequate skills to do it. And the training has to be done by instructors with a superior understanding of the fundamentals of the natural trim and factors which can affect its outcome. Our Gateway Clinics now fit the bill. These clinics were originally designed for people who intended to continue on toward certification ... to become natural hoof care professionals. But these clinics also provide an excellent foundation for horse owners who want to trim their own horses. Six days of intense practical training and supervised trimming experience. The fee for this six day event is US$ 1,425. ~Bruce Nock, Ph.D.

Visit The Gateway Clinics page to learn more.

Or Contact Ann Corso or Bruce Nock