Hoofcare Specialties LLC offfers  two day hands-on clinics designed specially  for horse owners wishing to learn the basics of everyday common sense hoof trimming using natural balance prnciples.  Patty will travel anywhere in the USA or Canada for the prices listed.

Owners will supply their own gentle horse(s) for live trimming instruction .
We do not encourage people to come with the intent of "de-shoeing" a previously shod horse!
These clinics are intended for learning to maintain already barefoot, sound horses.
We believe that some horses need shoes. 

In order to give you the most individual attention, Clinic attandance is limited to six paid participants plus one sponsor. No auditors ..... no exceptions.   All attendees including any horse handlers will be required to sign waivers of liability.  

In order to get the most out of your clinic , the clinic price includes a Natural Balance hoof trimming video or DVD (a $35 value). The video or DVD will be mailed to participants  prior to the clinic upon reciept of deposit. 
Because the information in the video supplies the basis for Natural Balance trimming, studying the video or DVD is required prior to attending .
Those who already own a copy will recieve a $35 deduction from the attendance price.
 
A few hand tools will be available for loan, but the number is limited. A recomended tool kit list will be supplied when you sign up.

In two full days horse owners will recieve the following instruction :
 
Saturday morning: 
 Detailed review and Q&A about the video, including:  
    Anatomy of the lower leg and foot
    How foot form affects function and motion
    How to recognize a good hoof form versus poor.
    Why hoof deformities occur 
    Why hoof deformities affect movement
    How to fix it . 

 Discuss why some horses may need shoes and when and why or when they can go barefoot.
 Discuss hoof boots and their use.

LUNCH
 
Saturday afternoon :
Basic instruction in tool use.
Safety around  horses
How to stand under the horse and hold the foot
Demonstration of a basic trim, step by step in great detail, on a live horse or two .  
Q&A during demo as requested .
 This will take a while.

Everyone will practice holding their horse's legs up in various working positions.
If available, we will trim specimen hooves. If not available , we will practice using nippers and rasps on practice materials .

Sunday AM :
   Review of trim procedure one more demo. 
   Everyone will practice the working positions and how to keep horse comfortable .  
   Each participant ,one person at a time, will trim one hoof on their own horse, with instruction
    all the way through.
    Others will observe with  Q&A.
 
This usually takes until lunch.


 Sunday after lunch :
 
  Everyone will then trim the other three hooves, with instructor watching everyone and helping as needed. Those with the energy and skill can do a second horse, if they brought one. 

These will be long, intense days. You will probably only be able to physically get one horse done. You will go home with a good understanding of what a basic common sense trim involves, and the basics requirements of how to do it.   
   
NEW LOWER PRICE! 2008 prices in Continental US : both days including video or DVD $395.00.
Non refundable deposit of $100.00 required in advance, at which time you will be sent the Natural Balance video or DVD to study before the clinic . 

Hosts needed for the 2009 season! Clinic hosts get one free attandance including the video or DVD 
and can have two (sometimes more) horses trimmed free as demonstration horses.

Hosts are responsible for the following:
1) Supply a facility where participants horses can haul in and stable safely overnight.
We *require* a facility that has an indoor or well covered large area to work on at least 6 horses safely, in case the weather is bad. 
Due to the fact that Patty will fly to some clinics, we cannot easily cancel clinics at the last minute due to weather.
2) Host will supply coffee, water or other drinks and morning snacks for participants.
3) Host will arrange transportation for the clinician to and from the airport and motel, or supply the clinician a private room on site. (Clinician will pay for her own lodging and meals if at a hotel. )

If you are interested in hosting a clinic, contact  Hoofcare Specialties llc ,at (719) 372-6703, or Email pstiller@bresnan.net.