Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners are conducting a 3-day clinic on anatomy, trimming and hoof protection in Quincy, Calif. The clinic fulfills the beginner series clinic requirement for PHCP students.

Days 1 and 2 cover anatomy and trimming. Day 3 covers hoof protection and shoe removal. Some of the topics covered:

• Basic distal limb anatomy
• Exploration of anatomy through cadaver trimming and dissection
• Trimming with power tools and grinder safety
• Shoe removal for ease and comfort to both horse and trimmer
• Transitioning to barefoot
• Alternative forms of hoof protection
  • Fit and use of a wide variety of boots, including EasyCare, Scoot Boots, Renegades, Soft Rides, Cavallo, Equine Fusion and more, based on performance, rehab or rider needs (glue-on protection is not included in this clinic)
• How and when to use hoof casting
• Padding options to utilize for various pathologies and rehab needs
• How to perform modifications and repairs to hoof boots
• Casting and booting on live horses

Prerequisites

Read through the PHCP Introduction to Equine Diet and Lifestyle. Study the PHCP Introduction to Equine Hoof Anatomy. Visit Anatomy of the Equine to get familiar with the distal limb anatomy before you attend the clinic. Consider purchasing online coursework and ebooks.

What to Bring

• Trimming tools, if you have them and are can travel with them (gloves, nippers, hoof knife, rasp, chaps/apron, and hoof stand). Shoe pullers are optional. If you aren’t able to bring tools, please let us know so we can have extras on hand.
• A notebook and pen.
• If you have a cadaver leg of your own you would like to dissect with us, please let us know and bring it along. Cadaver legs are getting harder to come by and can be quite expensive. If you have access to some, we would be grateful.
• Dress in layers and be prepared for warm or cool weather.  We will be outside and will have cover if necessary. Quincy is at 3,500 feet, so it can be chilly.
• If you would like lunch to be provided at the clinic for $10 per day, please select that option when you register. If you would like to bring your own lunch or have dietary restrictions, there are grocery stores and restaurants nearby. We will take an hour lunch and will have plenty of time to enjoy a meal.

Accommodations

The clinic is located in Quincy, Calif., and is an easy 1.5-hour drive from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Accommodations in Quincy include Airbnbs, hotels (I recommend the Quincy Courtyard Suites or the Ranchito Motel) or Bed and Breakfasts (The Feather Bed or Ada’s Place). There are also many camping options in and around Quincy. You will receive an email with more details when you sign up. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Melody with any questions.

Travel

Reno-Tahoe International Airport is an easy 1.5-hour drive away. I encourage folks to coordinate with other clinic attendees for car rentals and hotels if you’d like to save money. If you would like to explore this option, email or text me at (530) 521-2379 and I will help put you in touch with other attendees who are also interested in sharing.

*Start time is 9 a.m. each day and we’ll finish at 5 p.m.

Clinician

Melody O’Brien is a PHCP practitioner, mentor, and clinician. She serves clients in Plumas County, Calif. Melody founded her business Whole Health Hoof Care & Trimming in 2010. It is rooted in the understanding that healthy hooves depend on consistent, non-invasive trimming, proper and balanced nutrition, and plenty of movement. She strives to educate and empower horse owners to care for their horses in a way that optimizes their overall health and well-being. She is an Easy Care and Scoot Boot dealer, and fits horses for other boot companies as well. She utilizes glue-ons and composite shoes when necessary.

Sign up at https://progressivehoofcare.org/2025/11/anatomy-trimming-and-hoof-protection-california