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Pink-gloved hands of barefoot trimmer working on hoof.

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Anatomy, Trimming and Hoof Protection – New York

This three-day clinic fulfills the beginner series clinic requirement for PHCP students.

Day 1 – anatomy and booting

Day 2 – more anatomy and hands on with cadavers for casting, power tools, and shoe removal

Day 3 – finish up with cadavers and live trimming (we will cover the first time seeing a client’s horse and trimming for the client)

A hands-on Reading Radiograph clinic is offered the day before at this same location.

Some of the topics covered

  • Basic distal limb anatomy
  • Exploration of anatomy through cadaver trimming and dissection
  • Trimming with power tools and grinder safety
  • Shoe removal for ease and comfort to both horse and trimmer
  • Transitioning to barefoot
  • Alternative forms of hoof protection
  • Fit and use of a wide variety of boots including EasyCare, Scoot Boots, Renegades, Soft Rides, Cavallo, Equine Fusion and more, based on performance, rehab or rider needs (glue on protection is not included at this clinic)
  • How and when to use hoof casting
  • Which padding options to utilize for various pathologies and rehab needs
  • How to perform modifications and repairs to hoof boots
  • Casting on cadavers
  • Booting on live horses

Prerequisite

Read through the PHCP Introduction to Equine Diet and Lifestyle.

Study the PHCP Introduction to Equine Hoof Anatomy.

Visit Anatomy of the Equine and purchase the Apps or Ebooks. Spend time on this website and get familiar with the distal limb anatomy before you attend the clinic.

What to bring

If possible, students should bring their own tools (gloves, apron, nippers, rasp, knife, hoof pick, shoe pullers, and stand) but we will have some to share.

If you have a cadaver leg of your own you would like to dissect with us please let us know and bring it along. Cadaver legs are getting harder to come by and can be quite expensive.  If you have access to some we would be grateful.

You can purchase a lunch, to be provided at the clinic, for $10 per day or bring your own. This selection can be made when you register.

Jeannean Mercuri lives on Long Island where she operates her hoof care business. She began her journey into barefoot trimming in 2001. She joined PHCP in 2009 and went on to become a Mentor, Clinician and Director of Education in our training program. Teaching and continuing her own education are passions for Jeannean. Years of working with Gerdas Equine rescue in Vermont and referrals from local Veterinarians on the tough founder cases have given her extensive experience with hoof protection in her rehab work as well as for clients needing hoof boots for everyday riding.