The following should answer any questions you may have regarding the clinic. If not, please contact me directly and I’ll be glad to help.

 

What will the clinic cover? Will I be able to trim my own horse(s) after this clinic?

 This is intended to be a fairly in-depth look at the hoof, so the lecture portion of the clinic will discuss: functional anatomy of the lower leg & hoof, biomechanics & movement theory, the role of the hoof, traditional hoof care, the origins of natural hoof care, the wild horse model, management considerations affecting hoof quality, common hoof disorders, and the distinctive characteristics & advantages of natural hoof care. After the lecture, the clinic will continue with: elements of the natural hoof trim, selecting & using tools, a natural trim demonstration, and individual hands-on guided instruction through the trimming process using cadaver hooves. As with most skills, a single day’s instruction simply isn’t adequate to give a beginner the knowledge and experience necessary to go out and trim horses. However, it will give him/her a solid foundation in hoof care theory not readily acquired by other means, enable the participant to make informed decisions about hoof care, and help him/her decide if they wish to undertake further trimming instruction.

Is any prior hoof care knowledge or experience required?

No, although a basic knowledge of horses is helpful. However, longtime horse owners and industry professionals will also find the clinic extremely informative and useful.

How long is the clinic?

The lecture portion of the clinic will be from 9AM until approximately 2PM, including the lunch break. We will attempt to conclude the clinic by approximately 5PM.

What up-front and/or additional costs are involved?

There is a $50 deposit fee per participant. Additionally, cadaver hooves must be paid for in full at the time of registration. Cadaver hooves are currently $35 each, and we recommend that clinic participants purchase two (2) hooves for trimming. You can pay the entire cost of the clinic up front via PayPal, or you can mail deposits and cadaver hoof payments to: Steve Hebrock, PO Box 19175, Akron, OH 44319. Any balance due can be paid by cash or check at the clinic.

Tell me about the cadaver hooves.

The clinic uses frozen cadaver hooves for demonstration and trimming purposes. This permits safe instruction without any possible harm to humans or horses. Since the hooves are frozen, there is minimal smell, and participants rarely comment on it. If you’re concerned about the possibility of smell, you can apply something like Vicks VapoRub under your nostrils to mask the smell. Gloves are recommended for handling tools and frozen hooves.

Is there a discount for additional family members or groups?

There is no discount for additional family members; however if you belong to an officially-recognized organization such as 4H and you are interested in bringing a group, please contact us.

Is attendance limited?

Yes. In order to give ample personal attention to each clinic participant, attendance to the full clinic is limited to ten (10) people. The lecture-only portion of the clinic is limited to an additional forty (40) people.

Do I need to bring my own tools?

If you have tools, you are encouraged to bring them; however, some tools will be available for use by participants.

What else should I bring?

For lecture-only participants, a notebook and writing instrument is recommended, and a camera may be useful. Additionally, clinic participants should bring or wear old pants, and bring lightweight cotton, leather, or nitrile-coated fabric, gloves.

What about lunch? Is there a no-lunch option?

Lunch is included in the price. Depending on the number of participants, we may use box lunches from a local caterer, or we may go as a group to a local restaurant. There is no discount for not eating!

How do I find the clinic location?

It’s easy; just visit the OSU-ATI website.

What about hotels?

Wooster has several hotels. There’s a Hilton Garden Inn directly across the road from the clinic site. Additionally, participants may be able to stay in university housing for a modest cost.

What about local airports?

Wooster is about an hour from both the Akron-Canton (CAK) and Cleveland (CLE) airports, and about two hours from the Columbus (CMH) airport.

Is the clinic suitable for children?

Yes, although they may not find it particularly interesting if they’re not already involved with horses. Most 12-year-old horse owners would probably enjoy the clinic.

When will the clinic be offered again?

The clinic is generally offered at least once per year.

Can I purchase the clinic materials separately?

At this point, clinic materials are not available except by attending a clinic.

Are there additional opportunities for further education?

Definitely! Liberated Horsemanship has a training program based on a well-established hoof model and taught by seasoned industry professionals, and participants are encouraged to check out the many resources available on their website. I also offer additional training, so contact me for more information.