OKANAGAN SCHOOL OF NATURAL HOOF CARE

This is our most inclusive learning package!

This 3-day trimming course goes far beyond what most weekend clinics offer. Before you even arrive, you’ll gain access to our comprehensive Online Hoof Anatomy, Theory and Trimming Course, giving you the knowledge foundation to get the most out of your hands-on experience.
But the learning doesn’t stop when the weekend ends.
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All participants receive 3 months of continued mentorship through our Virtual Facebook Classroom, where you can ask questions, share progress photos, and get direct feedback as you continue trimming at home.
This isn’t just a clinic—it’s an education, a support system, and a community.

​2026 Course Dates:

Click on the each course date above to see the availability of each course date and to register.

This comprehensive course is designed to give you the skills and knowledge to confidently assess a horse’s hooves and trim for optimal function, comfort, and natural mechanics—tailored to each horse’s unique conformation and hoof shape.
 Whether your goal is to care for your own horses or take the first steps toward a professional trimming practice, this course is the ideal starting point.
 Your tuition includes access to our Online Hoof Theory Course, which provides the essential groundwork in anatomy, biomechanics, and trimming principles. We begin Day 1 in the barn with a group discussion and quick review of the online material, then move straight into hands-on work.
 Over the next three days, you’ll receive personalized, guided instruction while trimming a variety of hooves—at a pace that suits your individual experience level. Every student gets time under the horse with one-on-one feedback and support.
 By the end of the course, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how to evaluate hoof health and trim for soundness, balance, and long-term success.

Who is this course for?

This course is open to everyone—whether you're brand new to trimming or already have some experience. With small class sizes (maximum of 6 students), you'll receive personalized instruction in a supportive, hands-on environment. We typically pair students based on experience level, allowing beginners to focus on solid foundational skills while more advanced students explore finer techniques and complex trimming challenges. You'll have the opportunity to work on a variety of horses, and you're welcome to bring your own if you'd like.

What You'll Learn

In addition to foundational trimming, this course covers real-world rehabilitation strategies for conditions like founder, caudal hoof failure, and other common hoof pathologies. You'll gain practical insight into how trimming can support recovery and comfort in compromised hooves.

What’s Included

Tools Provided: All trimming tools are supplied during the course. You're welcome to bring your own, but we recommend waiting until you've had a chance to try different styles and sizes here before making a purchase. Tools and hoof stands are available on-site if you wish to buy.
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Hoof Stand Recommendation: A custom OKSNHC Hoof Stand makes trimming easier on both you and the horse. If you plan to purchase one, please order ahead of time as they are custom-made.
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Course Details:​

All classes run from 9am to approx. 3-4pm daily with an hour long lunch break. Classes may end a bit early or run late depending on the amount of material to be covered as our schedule is flexible to allow students to work at their own pace. Our schedule is dependent on how much material we have covered and how many horses we have to trim.

Water is provided, participants must bring their own lunch. We have a fridge and microwave available.

​Course Daily Outline

What people are saying about this course:

I’ve been interested in farriery for a couple of years and this course gave me the knowledge, skills, and confidence I needed to jump start a part time trimming business. The online pre-requisite course was fascinating and enlightening and I felt well-prepared for five intensive days under horses! I’m going to hear Kristi’s voice ringing in my ears for years to come. I really love that a virtual classroom is offered to provide ongoing support. This really is the structure and community I needed to take the leap!
Christine Krolewicz, Buffalo NY

I learned a lot at the hands on course and I can now comfortably trim my own horses . Definitely gives owners the tools to manage their own herd and a solid stepping stone if you're interested in trimming professionally. Take the plunge and just do it! totally worth it, Kristi is a great teacher!
Tyne Pickering, 100 Mile House BC

WOW!! I had the opportunity to take Kristi's six day hands on course and it was time well spent. All I had to bring was me - and a keen interest in learning, and learn I did. The course was set at a pace which built confidence; easy first steps and steady progression - recognizing what you are seeing and how to mitigate to get the results best suited for your horse.
Kristi’s wealth of knowledge and experience contributed significantly to her teaching style. She is about the horse and shares her passion for helping horses - and spread the knowledge so other people can help horses too. Starting off with the on-line course, moving to a Doppelhoof and finally onto horses of all shapes and sizes. I walked away with a much greater understanding of the hoof and inspired to continue learning.
Thank you Kristi.
Coralie Nairn, Vernon BC

I highly recommend this course! I learned so much more than I expected to learn and gave me to confidence to trim my horse's hooves. The online course is so in-depth so when you arrive at the barn for the hands on training, you get right to it. Kristi is truly an expert in her field and has empowered me to take my horse's hoof health into my own hands.
​Kalee Erickson, Gibsons BC

Absolutely loved it! In a short time, Kristi can make you quite comfortable working under a 1200 lbs animal. She's incredibly patient and has a plethora of knowledge. I highly recommend taking this course.
Curtis Lovell, Vancouver BC

I can’t say enough good things about the hands on trimming course. You get to experience hands on trimming a variety of hooves. Truly helped me to be confident in trimming my own horses & properly understanding what I am doing. Kristi is a great teacher, very helpful & knowledgeable! Highly recommend this course!
Melody Mcivor, Merritt BC

Training was hands on with one on one instruction. Kristi not only showed the proper way to trim a horse's feet, but gave me the confidence and resolve to go shoeless with our horses. The setting, the horse trimming volunteers, and tools were all top notch and led to an incredible experience that will go a long way to overcoming any foot problems my horses may have. Thanks so much Kristi, 

Ken Cox, Burnaby, B.C.

I signed up for the October 2020 course as I was curious about barefoot trimming and because I wanted to learn more about hoof structure. I always rode shod horses before and never really thought about another option. So I was a total beginner when I arrived at the OKSNHC and felt absolutely out of my comfort zone. At the same time I was very curious and excited to learn new skills. Kristi is a very knowledgeable, sympathetic and patient instructor! Her passion shows in her teaching and is hard to resist... Every morning I was looking forward to the day ahead and the time was just too short. I feel much more confident now 'barefoot' and can't wait to be back next year! 
Lilian Dilling, Edmonton AB

I can't say enough good stuff about Kristi and the OKSNHC. I learned far more than I expected to learn, Kristi is an incredibly good teacher, she's clear, concise and an expert in her field. I wish the course never would have ended, I wanted to learn more and more and more! The course is incredibly good value, the amount of information and depth of theory in the online course is amazing and is an essential foundation for the hands on course. The hands on course includes lots of trimming and Kristi tailors it to suit what her students want to learn. Included in the cost of the course are also most of the tools you'll need for trimming and on going support afterwards. I'm incredibly grateful for Kristi sharing her knowledge and I'm excited to get out there and trim my little herd!
Jennifer Moriarty, Enderby BC

Where do I even begin! This course was a life changer, everything I had hoped it would be it was that… and so, so much more. Stepping onto Kristi’s farm on the first day I had no idea that merely a few days later I’d leave with a lump in my throat and tears welling in my eyes driving away from the barn. Kristi’s wealth of knowledge and experience combined with this incredible passion for what she does… helping horses, for helping people help horses… its poured into everything she teaches. I am a recent graduate in engineering and in 4 years of being in school with numerous instructors and classes I’ve never felt anything even close to what I felt learning from Kristi Luehr at OKSNHC. It was incredible! I can’t wait to go back again to learn more from her, share my experiences trimming my horses and learn some more and never stop learning. It was truly truly an honor and a privilege to learn from you Kristi. Thank you for giving me purpose again and for helping me help my horses. Till next time."
Ashley Burns, Kimberly BC

I have used Kristi to trim my horses for years and she has transformed more feet than I can even remember. I have brought her horses with horrifically overgrown hooves cracked up to the coronary band and she never seems overwhelmed or concerned because she knows that with proper trimming she can grow out a new, perfect foot.
I recently took the online and hands on course and was absolutely blown away by Kristi’s knowledge and understanding of the anatomy and mechanics of horses and their feet. The online portion was filled with knowledge broken down in a very well organized and easy to follow fashion. It was a perfect precursor for the 6 day hands on trimming course. Coming into the course I had never touched a trimming tool not trimmed a horse in my life and thought that I might be overwhelmed. Kristi carried our class through step by step starting with cadaver hooves, then easy maintenance trims, until we were confident tackling more difficult stuff. Her patience and willingness to help out and answer any questions made the course an absolute delight to be a part of. I just finished the course and I am very sad that our time together is over. I now feel confident trimming horses and know that I have Kristi’s support when I need it. I would 100% recommend this course to anyone who has a horse!
Kristen Olychuck, Kelowna BC

Kristi and her family are wonderful hosts, very kind and accommodating. The meals she provides are excellent and she takes special consideration for people with dietary concerns. The knowledge base that Kristi teaches is very sensible, hands on and quite extensive. She has put a great deal of thought, research, and follow through with this course. Thanks to the easy going atmosphere of the course there is little to no stress about learning at a certain pace. Students seem to progress at a steady even pace through the course even if they have never trimmed before. Through the hands on portion of the course she helps students gain confidence with their trimming skills. Different sized horses are provided for trimming practice and all trimming is overseen by Kristi before any is started and during the process. Safety of the animals and students is a top priority for the duration of the course. Some tools are also provided with the course for students to take home to continue trimming if they wish. There are also some tools available for purchase on site. I can't recommend this course enough to anyone wanting to learn to trim. Great consideration has been given to students wanting to attend from out of town. The price of the course and what you take home from it will last a student a life time.
Brett Qually, Hanceville BC

I usually live in Germany and it was one of my dreams to take a course from a school that works with the Wild Horse Hoofs model. So my dream came true when I took the hands on course in June. I wish every horse owner would at least be open to learn all these amazing things about a healthy hoof which makes a healthy and happy moving horse. The course is very informative and I gained a lot of knowledge. I love Kristi's way of teaching as she does not say her way is the only way to go. Unfortunately in the horse world too many people think their way is the best and only way you should follow. So I was every happy to learn from Kristi and get constructive feedback. Everything around the course was awesome as well. I camped in their yard, the food was great and Kristi took very good care of us. We were very lucky as we got to go for a ride on her horses as well! So I can only recommend her courses and hope more people learn about Natural Hoof Care, the money was totally worth it and I hope to be able to come back one day as well. Thank you for this great experience!
Jo Landi, Germany

I took the natural hoof trimming course through OKSNHC back in July of 2015. I had a bit of a background with hoof care already, and I am an educated horse person-I have a diploma in Equine Sciences through Olds College, but I wanted to get a handle on the more natural side of trimming. The reason I originally took the course was specifically for my own horses benefit as I didn't believe I would ever be confident enough to trim for clients. Kristi was such a phenomenal teacher.... She was so patient with me, encouraged me to think for myself and work through to find the right answer rather than just showing me and moving on. I couldn't believe how much I learned in my week, and all of it seemed to stick even after I arrived home. Once I got home I got right to work on my own horses, and the difference in them now is just amazing. My main riding horse that used to be tender on gravel is now confident cantering down our gravel lane way. I have become confident enough at this point to start taking a couple clients in my area and they all have seemed pleased with the work, as well as my veterinarian who is starting to pass my name out to people in the area looking. Through it all I have still been able to email Kristi pictures and questions and have her support afterwards. I don't think I'll ever be able to thank her enough for all she has taught me and for guiding me on this new journey!
Melissa Beattie, Vancouver Island BC