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Beginning clinic

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 at 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

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.

Lunch is included.

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.