Imagine Equine Education

The hoof may seem like a small part of the horse’s body, but its impact on overall soundness, performance, and well-being is enormous. In A Whole Horse Approach to Hoofcare, experienced hoofcare professional Hannah Nichols guides you through the foundational knowledge every horse owner—and equine professional—should have to better support their horse from the ground up.

This course goes beyond trimming tips. It’s a holistic look at the hoof in the context of the entire horse, empowering you to become an informed, proactive partner in your horse’s care.

You’ll learn:

• Hoof Anatomy Basics: Understand what lies beneath the hoof wall. Learn the key internal and external structures of the hoof and how each part contributes to support, circulation, shock absorption, and movement.

• Hoof Mechanics in Motion: Discover how the hoof functions dynamically, what a healthy hoof should look and move like, and how poor mechanics can lead to compensatory issues elsewhere in the body.

• Common Hoof Pathologies: Gain clarity on issues like thrush, white line disease, navicular syndrome, laminitis, and underrun heels. Learn what early warning signs to look for and how hoof dysfunction can relate to body pain and performance issues.

• Basic Care & Trimming Principles: Learn what goes into a healthy maintenance routine, how to recognize a balanced trim, and how diet, environment, and movement play critical roles in hoof health.

• Building a Team Approach: One of the most overlooked aspects of hoofcare is communication. Hannah shares practical strategies for fostering collaborative, respectful communication between horse owners, hoofcare providers, veterinarians, and bodyworkers—so your horse’s care team can work with you, not around you.

Whether you’re a dedicated horse owner, a new student of hoofcare, or an equine practitioner wanting to deepen your whole-horse perspective, this course offers valuable, practical insights to help you support soundness from the ground up.

Invest in your horse’s health—and your own confidence—with knowledge that can lead to better decisions, stronger partnerships, and healthier hooves for life.