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Beginning clinic – California

This three day clinic fulfills the beginning clinic requirement for PHCP students.

Days 1 and 2 will cover anatomy and trimming.
Day 3 will cover hoof protection and shoe removal.

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.*
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 and booting on live horses

*glue on protection is not included in this clinic

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 web site and get familiar with the distal limb anatomy before you attend the clinic.

What to bring

Trimming tools if you have them and are able to travel with them; gloves, nippers, hoof knife, rasp, chaps/apron, and hoof stand. Shoe pullers are optional. If you aren’t able to bring tools, please let us know so we can have extras on hand.

A notebook and pen

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.

Dress in layers and be prepared for warm or cool weather. We will be outside and will have cover if necessary. Quincy is at 3500′ so it can be chilly!

Lunch and beverages will be included and provided at the clinic. If you have dietary restrictions there are grocery stores and restaurants nearby. We will take an hour lunch and will have plenty of time to enjoy a meal.

Accommodations

Quincy is a lovely small town (population 5000) and the clinic is located downtown, near hotels, grocery shopping, and restaurants. Depending on your preferences and budget, Quincy has bed & breakfast type accommodations, hotels, and there are also beautiful places to camp if that is your style. Make your reservations sooner rather than later as beds fill up in this area.

Travel

Reno-Tahoe International Airport is an easy 1.5 hours drive away.

I encourage folks to coordinate with other clinic attendees for car rentals and hotels if you’d like to save on money. If you would like to explore this option, email or text me at 530-521-2379 and I will help put you in touch with other attendees who are also interested in sharing.

Start time is 9:00am each day and we’ll finish up at 5:00pm.

Melody founded her business, Whole Health Hoof Care & Trimming, in 2010. It is rooted in the understanding that healthy hooves depend on consistent, non-invasive trimming, proper and balanced nutrition, and plenty of movement. She strives to educate and empower horse owners to care for their horses in a way that optimizes their overall health and well-being. She is an Easy Care and Scoot Boot dealer, and fits horse for other boots companies as well. She utilizes glue-ons and composite shoes when necessary. Melody is a PHCP Mentor and Clinician, and serves Plumas County, CA.