HOOF BUILDING CLINICS

with David Landreville

David’s approach to hoof trimming combines technical, precise, physical elements with emotional, intuitive, feeling based connection. The horse is the ultimate judge of the trim and the experience, and tuning into their feedback allows for a deeper understanding of just how much the details matter.

Method

The concept of hoof building puts the focus on the regenerative ability of the equine hoof. This ability is activated when the external material is carefully trimmed to align with its internal structures. We need to simulate the miles of wear that our domestic horses lack.

The hoof needs to be shaped for movement, not thought of as a stationary structure with set angles and measurements. It is not meant to be propped up, or nailed to steel. It is an amazing design system of complex curves and arches that thrives on movement. When you understand the hoof as a powerful and dynamic structure, you can learn to work with nature to build sustainably sound feet for every horse - this is what every horse deserves.

I believe that many horse owners are capable of being their own trimmers, and that learning proper hoof care should be accessible to everyone who wants to learn. I want these clinics, and all of the information I share, to be a support system for those that are on this trimming journey with horses. 

I would also like to see trimmers and farriers excited about each horse’s progress, and believe the key to this lies in a more detailed understanding of hoof form, and the opening up of communication with the horses. When they know you are listening, they will tell you what they need. When they know you care, they will trust.

Format

Clinics are held over 2 days, at venues with all weather arenas. David trims 2-3 horses each morning, with participants and auditors watching. Everyone is encouraged to ask questions and engage in the discussions.

In the afternoon sessions, participants (in pairs) have 1.5 hours to trim one horse together under David's supervision. There are two horses in the arena together at a time. Auditors and other participants are able to watch & ask David questions, and move between each horse to see a variety of hoof types.

There is a maximum of 16 participants & 24 auditors per clinic, so everyone has a chance to ask questions, feel involved and get in close to the trimming. The clinics are always led by the horses in attendance, making every clinic a unique experience.

Extra Details

Participants are encouraged to bring their own horse if possible, but it is not a requirement.

People of all levels of hoof experience are encouraged to attend, with the crowd regularly being made up of a mixture of beginner to experienced owner trimmers, professional trimmers and farriers, and bodyworkers. We have also had in attendance vets, veterinary students, and just interested owners.

Testimonials

Clinic FAQs

  • New Host Enquiries are open for a limited time in July/August each year, while we are planning the schedule for the following year. Please check back then for the link to the form.

  • We try and publish the Clinic Schedule for the following year by October each year, and sign ups open shortly after release. Thank you for your patience!

  • All clinic fees are set in USD. For two day clinics, the fees are $400 USD for participants and $300 USD for auditors.

    For three day clinics (Cumming GA), the fees are $550 USD for participants and $400 USD for auditors.

    International transaction fees may apply.

  • Participants and auditors are all in the arena together for the full two days, and everyone is welcome to ask questions and engage in discussions. The difference is that participants trim a horse (in a pair with another participant) during one of the afternoon sessions, whereas auditors are only watching for the whole clinic.

  • We encourage participants to bring their own horse if possible, but it is not essential. We ensure there are enough horses for all participants to have the opportunity to trim with their partner.

  • No - the afternoon trimming session is done in pairs. Participants who are bringing a horse can indicate when signing up whether they would prefer their horse is trimmed by David, or trimmed by themself with another participant in a team. All horses are checked and finished by David, and the pairs trimming is supervised.

  • No, the fee for participants is the same regardless of whether you are bringing your horse or not. There may be venue fees for yards or stables if overnight accommodation is needed, which are separate to the clinic fees.