Hoof clinic being offered

A hoof rehabilitation clinic—entitled “From Training to Trimming, Understanding What Our Equine Friends are ‘Saying’; Their Language, Their Hooves”—will be offered at the Adventure Inn in Fort Frances on June 10-11.
Pete Ramey, principal instructor for the American Association for Natural Hoof Care Practitioners, will be the featured speaker.
Betty Anne Lucke of Stratton, who is organizing the clinic, noted Ramey travels all over the globe but this will be his first stop in Canada.
“It’s a chance of a lifetime to have a chance to get him here,” she stressed, adding Ramey also has written a book entitled “Making Natural Hoof Care Work for You.”
“There will be a lot of valuable information being presented,” Lucke added.
She said the clinic will focus on natural hoof care, with participants learning rehabilitation methods for under-run heels, splitting hooves, and thin flat soles, as well as hear research reports and see anatomical models of inner hoof structures.
“It’s a non-traditional approach to trimming,” Lucke noted, stressing the understanding of a natural hoof is key to encompassing movement and its effects on the horse.
“Sometimes it’s the habits of trimming which are causing the damage,” she indicated. “And with [natural hoof care], horses stay healthier longer.
“It’s all about growing a healthier hoof.”
Lucke said research is being done on both wild and domesticated horses regarding their hoofs and movement.
“Domesticated horses responded very positively,” she remarked, noting these horses’ hoofs were treated similar to those in the wild.
“They develop tougher feet because of the trimming,” Lucke continued. “And it’s becoming more and more mainstream with the public.”
Lucke wants local residents to hear about this type of hoof care. “Anyone interested in hoof care is welcome to attend,” she said.
The two-day clinic promises to answer all hoof care questions, as well as meets the requirements for 20 hours of continuing education credit for veterinarians.
It also qualifies for the entry level to apply into the certified practitioners program.
“There are not many instructors in Canada,” Lucke noted, adding she is looking to become qualified.
The 20-hour course is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. both days, and includes practical and theoretical information.
“There will also be a live trimming demonstration at a local farm,” she added. “[The owners of the farm] have a digital projector and screens so everyone can see what’s going on.”
You can register for the clinic online at www.hoofrehab.com
The cost is $300 (U.S.) and meals will be available for purchase. It also is recommended you read Ramey’s book beforehand to build background knowledge.
For more information, contact Lucke at 483-5347.