About the event
Evidence-based, welfare-focused integrative hoof care is the foundation of soundness, lasting resilience and longevity in domestic horses. In this unique 2-day immersive event, you will learn how to document, objectively assess the hoof and posture of the horse, and formulate, implement, and even appreciate the efficacy of your hoof care plan, which is aimed at optimising welfare parameters.
This event is perfect for anyone working professionally in the industry as well as conscientious horse owners looking to understand the impact of hoof care on the whole horse, who wish to objectively identify hoof and posture related issues, discuss the evidence and documentation with your horse’s professional team, track changes as a result of hoof care interventions, and even apply a safe maintenance trim between professional visits.
Attendance on both days is not compulsory but strongly recommended to appreciate the art and science of a whole horse approach to hoof care. The aim of this event is not to provide you with the knowledge to trim a horse - this simply wouldn’t be possible in a 2-day course; however, having some practical knowledge in basic maintenance trimming is useful to support shoeless horses, and help prevent cracks and chips from developing between professional visits.
Day 1: Objective evidence-based assessment of the hoof and posture of the horse
· Basic functional anatomy of the hoof
· Connecting the hoof and horse – trimming horses versus hooves
· How to document the hoof, gait and posture of the horse
· Mapping and assessing the hoof and the science behind this
· Assessing posture and development and the impact of hoof balance
· Assessing gait and behaviour to determine welfare states
· Live horse assessment, documentation and mapping demo
· Formulating an integrative and proactive hoof care plan
Day 2: Practical application of a proactive hoof care plan
· Compassionate horse handling
· Live horse trim and tool use demo inc. objective assessment pre and post trim
· Mapping a model hoof
· Basic tool use (practice on model hooves)
· Basic maintenance trimming guidelines (practice on model hooves)
· Assessing the intervention objectively - have you improved the horse’s welfare parameters?
· Welfare focused hoof care - when to use an additive intervention (boot or shoe)
Who is this event for: This event is perfect for anyone curious about the intricate relationship between the hoof and horse and optimising welfare states in horses. It is ideal for compassionate equestrians who wish to be able to document and objectively assess the hoof and posture of the horse to understand the welfare state and facilitate the sharing of objective evidence with a horse's team. It is particularly useful for anyone involved in the equine industry, as well as conscientious horse owners. No prior knowledge or experience is needed.
Date: 2-3rd August 2025, 9am – 5pm (recommended arrival time of 8:30am to register and grab a drink)
Location: Tilefield Equestrian, Tilefield, Tilebarn Ln, Brockenhurst SO42 7UE, UK:
https://tilefieldequestrian.com/about/
Cost: Day 1: £150*
Day 2: £250 including dopplehoof trimmable model*
*£50 discount to attend both days: total cost £350
What to bring: For this event you will need an open mind, a smart phone with camera, and if you attend the second day and wish to trim a model hoof you will need basic trimming tools (gloves, rasp, rasp handle and a trimming knife if you wish to also trim bars/frogs on the model hoof).
This is a summer event however please also be prepared for inclement weather. Tea and coffee is provided. There will be a short lunch break so please bring your lunch and snacks with you to eat on-site.
Number of places for each day: minimum 10 required to run the course, maximum 20 attendees.*
Cancellation policy: Refunds are not provided once purchased, unless a replacement attendee is found by the ticket holder.
If, for whatever reason, the event is cancelled, a full refund will be provided for ticket sales. *In addition, if the minimum number of ticket sales isn’t met by 22nd July, the event will be cancelled and full refunds provided for ticket sales only. The event host or Holistic Equine are not responsible for any additional fees or travel expenses incurred in the event of a cancellation, for any reason.
About your teacher: Beccy Smith BSc ADAEP EBW is an integrative equine podiatrist and therapist and has over 30 years of professional industry experience in training and rehabilitation of horses from an integrative perspective, with a focus on equine podiatry and the neuromuscular health of the horse as well as the equine-human connection and the impact his has on our evolution and well-being.
Beccy is the founder of Holistic Equine, the equine dedicated branch of Holistic Reflections CIC, a 100% non-profit organisation supporting the wellbeing of horses and humans and compassionate equestrianism, for the benefit of all. To learn more visit www.holisticequine.co.uk
About the venue: Tilefield Equestrian is a purpose built education centre, with top quality, comfortable classroom and rest room facilities for year round learning. There are horses on site for demo purposes and undercover facilities for inclement weather. It is also extremely accessible and convenient for international travellers (nearby airports include Southampton and London airports). Here is a google link too:
https://g.co/kgs/jwLXB6g
Accommodation: there is ample local accommodation available via www.booking.com or www.airbnb.com
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out:
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