Farrier Science: Introduction to Horse and Cattle Hoof Trimming

Students interested in using draft power on the farm or in the forest will be faced with a myriad of challenges. To keep draft animals operating at peak efficiency, they must have sound hooves. Typically, an owner relies upon the work of a farrier to maintain hoof health and integrity. With an in-depth study of hoof anatomy and physiology, the impact of nutrition on hoof wall growth and a survey of the biomechanical analysis of gait coupled with proper tool selection and use and actual practice on live hooves, students will become independent of outside specialists in terms of hoof care. Students will learn to recognize quality hoof care and discern the difference between speculation and sound farrier theory, use the Natural Balance Hoof Analysis and Balance Template to develop a trimming plan for each animal with which they work, select, maintain, and use the appropriate tools for hoof care, and, by the end of the course, be prepared to pass the apprentice-level written examination from the American Farriers Association.