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?
This clinic is intended to help both the hoof care professional and the owner of horses with abnormal hooves better understand the theory and practice of properly caring for horses with pathological hoof conditions. The clinic will discuss: principles of anatomy & biomechanics as they apply to the abnormal hoof, diagnosing & treating common causes of underlying pathologies, and identifying physiological landmarks necessary for proper trimming. We will then examine, discuss, and formulate treatment plans for, a number of hooves exhibiting abnormal pathologies. Each hoof will then be trimmed in a step-by-step manner while being displayed via large-screen live video.
Is any prior hoof care knowledge or experience required?
Although prior knowledge is not required, this clinic will use the hoof model advocated & taught by the Association for the Advancement of Natural Horse Care Practices and Liberated Horsemanship as a point of departure. Therefore, some prior knowledge of this model will maximize potential benefit to the participant.
How long is the clinic?
The clinic will begin at 9AM and attempt to conclude by approximately 5PM.
What up-front and/or additional costs are involved?
This clinic is paid for in advance through the Liberated Horsemanship website registration system, which accepts PayPal payments. There are no other costs for the clinic.
Tell me about the cadaver hooves used during the clinic.
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.
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?
Attendance to the clinic is limited to fifty (50) 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?
A notebook and writing instrument are recommended, and a camera may be useful. Clinic participants should also 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 probably would not enjoy it.
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.