PHCP logotype
Pink-gloved hands of barefoot trimmer working on hoof.

single learning post

Anatomy, Trimming and Hoof Protection – Florida

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)

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 Equine Fusions, Scoot Boots, Renegades, Soft Rides, Cavallo, EasyCare 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

Prerequisites

Read through the PHCP Introduction to Equine Diet and Lifestyle.

Study the PHCP Introduction to Equine Hoof Anatomy.

Visit Anatomy of the Equine to get familiar with the distal limb anatomy before you attend the clinic. Consider purchasing online coursework and ebooks.

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 that you would like to dissect, please let us know and bring it along. Cadaver legs are getting hard to come by and can be quite expensive, so if you have access to some we would be grateful.

To discuss the possibility of a mentorship with Jeannean contact her at 631-434-5032 or email at neanpiggy@me.com.

Accommodations

Contact Sara Kirkwood (502-727-0140) for clinic questions and travel/lodging recommendations. Tampa International Airport is closest to the clinic location.

Sara has stalls available if students want to bring a horse but the student must discuss the details with her prior to the clinic.

Travel

Tampa International Airport is closest to the clinic location.

Jeannean Mercuri, The Hoof Fairy, lives on Long Island where she operates her hoof care business. She began her journey into barefoot trimming in 2001 and joined PHCP in 2009, becoming a Practitioner, Mentor, and Clinician as well as the Director of Education (until 2023). Teaching and continuing her own education are Jeannean’s passions. 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 rehab work as well as for clients needing hoof boots for everyday riding.