single learning post

Recognizing and developing healthy hooves

Would you like to create a solid lameness prevention strategy for your horses?

Due to the Covid-19 situation, Maia Chaput (Metta Equus) and Catherine Larose (Services Equus) are bringing level 1 of their training program to you via webinar. This webinar is applicable for all horse owners, and is also the entry point for those who would like to work towards actively participating in the maintenance of their horse’s hooves.

This webinar will give you a foundational understanding of:

• Anatomy and physiology of the hoof
• Recognizing proper biomechanics
• Navicular and caudal pain issues
• Digestive system, nutrition and its effect on hooves
• Laminitis and founder
• Techniques for assessing hoof health and balance
• Strategies for hoof protection and development of internal structures
• Thrush and white line disease

Part 1

Anatomy, biomechanics and problems related to the development of the back of the foot (navicular). Learn to recognize good locomotion from bad locomotion with the help of videos. Question period.

Part 2

Factors that influence the development of laminitis and founder: nutrition, insulin resistance, Cushing’s disease. Recognize the subtle signs of laminitis before they become too severe. Question period.

Part 3

Problems related to infections such as thrush, white line disease and abscesses; prevention and treatment strategies. Types of protection; their advantages and disadvantages (boots, metal and composite shoes). Live demo of a maintenance trim on a cadaver foot to finish followed by a question period.

For those who would like to eventually trim their own horses or do some maintenance between farrier visits, this training is a prerequisite for level 2: introduction to trimming.

Maia Chaput is a PHCP Mentor and has developed this introductory training program with her colleague Catherine Larose.