Course content
Basics Hoof and horse
This seminar develops the basics around the hoof and the needs of the horse to its environment, as well as the links between the environment and hoof health.
Deepening of Hoof and hoof trimming:
The knowledge of the hoof acquired in the basic course is deepened and extended to derive the correct treatment from the evaluation of the hooves. The anatomical knowledge of the lower horse leg is also developed.
Conformation and gait assessment, lameness diagnostics:
The basis for the work on the horse is knowledge about correct conformation and gait patterns, their changes and the diagnosis of lameness. In this seminar we develop theoretical knowledge and deepen this through practical exercises. The subject of gait assessment and lameness diagnostics goes through the whole practical training, as it is not possible to learn it in one day.
Hoofboots
The use of hoof shoes is particularly important for Natural Hoofcare, as not every horse can be worked entirely without hoof protection. But they are also important as therapeutic aids for unphysiological feet or sensitive hooves. In this way, it is almost always possible to relieve pain in horses with problem hooves immediately and to give them the pleasure of running again.
Nutrition
You are what you eat, of course, this also applies to the horse. This seminar discusses in detail the individual sections of the digestive system, the resulting guidelines for a healthy diet, the identification of nutritional problems and possible approaches.
Herbage science, related to organs
Using herbs and herbal mixtures, healing processes can be very well supported with. For example in healing laminitis. What are the options and how do you apply them?
Hoof diseases I-III
At the Hoof Disease Seminars the individual diseases are considered in symptomatology, causes and treatment options. The seminars I to III are closed and do not build one another.
Academic medicine treatments
The causes, diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of the most common hoof and leg diseases are discussed from a veterinary perspective. The seminar will also provide understanding of the veterinarian’s approach, which may differ from the NHC approach.
Alternative medicine treatments
Some problems cannot be solved with Natural Hoofcare alone. What additional diagnostic and treatment options exist in the field of alternative medicine?
Metabolic diseases
Metabolic diseases usually have a direct effect on hoof health. This seminar discusses the most important with symptomatics diagnosis and therapy.
X-ray diagnostic
The basics of X-ray technology and knowledge for "reading" X-ray images are conveyed.
Biomechanics
This seminar is about the influence of the rider on the horse, the recognition of movement restrictions in the area of the legs, as well as simple physical therapy measures against them.
Business developement
You will learn how to start your business as a hoof trimmer. What advertising opportunities are to choose from and which ones are effective in attracting customers.
Hoof casting
It is not always possible to use horseshoes in problematic situations. One reason for this may be the hoof situation or the owner is unable to provide the necessary care. In this case, the temporary use of "individual" hoof shoes in the form of Hufcasts may be appropriate. We develop the indications and practice the application on the hoof.
Practice
In the practical seminars you gain experience in the recognition of hoof situations and the corresponding hoof trimming. We start on the isolated horse leg, but as soon as enough routine has been acquired we switch to the living horse, so that most of the practice takes place on the living horse. Other topics include tooling, safety and health care at work.
Practical training, work experience (25 days minimum)
The traineeships are held, by agreement, throughout the course, among selected colleagues. You will get an extensive insight into the practice, which is not just working on hooves, and work within the limits of your possibilities on the horse.
Final exam
The final exam consists of a written examination, an oral and practical exam and gives you the assurance that you will meet the quality requirements of the Barhuf Institute.