Raising the standard of hoof care

We help farmers and industry professionals raise the standard of hoof care by delivering a range of courses and workshops to grow both knowledge and skills.

About Dairy Hoof Care Institute of New Zealand

Dairy Hoof Care Institute of New Zealand is aiming to set the standard for cattle hoof care in New Zealand and Australia.

Fred Hoekstra, DHI’s qualified instructor delivers hoof trimming courses and hold workshops throughout New Zealand to help farmers and industry professionals treat and prevent lame dairy cows.

Lameness is now amongst the top three health issues on the farm and it is costing the industry millions of dollars every year.  Our focus is to improve the skill and level of hoof care within the dairy industry to reduce lameness.

We are active qualified hoof trimmers. We currently offer best practice training to farmers in Canterbury, West Coast, Otago and Southland, and in various North Island regions.

To find out more, click one of our four workshops and courses on the right, or if you have any questions or concerns about lameness please feel free to contact us.

WORKSHOPS AND COURSES:

We offer exams which allows successful candidates an industry-recognised qualification

We are in a partnership with the Dairy Training Centre (DTC) in Oenkerk (Netherlands) along with the University of Utrecht (NL) to develop the functional methods of trimming

We teach the curriculum of DTC.

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Our Workshops and Courses

Our hoof care courses and hoof trimming workshops help farmers and industry professionals treat and prevent lame dairy cows in their herd.

We teach lameness prevention and hoof care with the most up to date scientific and internationally proven methods.

LAMENESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
LAMENESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
Overview:
This workshop is designed to give students an overview of issues relating to lameness management and introduce them to the 5 step trimming process according to the Dutch Method. The workshop has both theory and practical aspects, so bring your gumboots, overalls, warm clothing, lunch and refreshments. Certificate on full attendance.
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ADVANCED HOOF CARE MANAGEMENT COURSE
ADVANCED HOOF CARE MANAGEMENT COURSE
Overview:
This course is aimed at those who are serious about minimising lameness on their farm through gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the contributing factors , as well as becoming competent in the technical aspects of hoof trimming.
LEARN MORE
VETERINARIAN HOOF CARE WORKSHOP
VETERINARIAN HOOF CARE WORKSHOP
Overview:
The workshop is designed for veterinarians that want to improve their hoof trimming technique and broaden their knowledge of lameness management and treatment. The workshop is both theory and practical where everyone will get the change to trim cows according to the 5 Step Dutch Method. Bring your gumboots, overalls, warm clothing, lunch and refreshments. Certificate on completion.
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Upcoming Events

12oct(oct 12)9:00 AM23(oct 23)3:00 PMNorth Canterbury, Canterbury, Mid Canterbury, South Canterbury - 12 - 23 October 2026Farm locations and days to be confirmed. REGISTER TODAY

Event Details

Location: North Canterbury, Canterbury, Mid Canterbury, South Canterbury – 12 – 23 October 2026

Time: 9 am – 3 pm (one day only)

Free Course Textbook: “Foot Care in Cattle”

Cost: $415 + GST.

What will you learn:

Anatomy and function of the hoof

Animal management and its impact on lameness

Safe trimming techniques

5 Step Process of hoof trimming.

Outline: This workshop is designed to give students an overview of issues relating to lameness management and introduce them to the 5 step trimming process.  The workshop has both theory and practical aspects, so bring your gumboots, overalls, warm clothing, lunch, and refreshments. Certificate on full attendance.

Time

October 12, 2026 9:00 AM - October 23, 2026 3:00 PM(GMT+00:00)

Location

Canterbury

Register your interest

Make sure to RSVP to this amazing event!

Please let us know if you would like to register your interest for this upcoming event. We will be in touch as Workshop details for the region are confirmed at which point you can book a place on the workshop for the exact day and location of your choice.

Yes

OpenSpaces Still Available

09nov(nov 9)9:00 AM20(nov 20)3:00 PMNorth Island - 9 - 20 November 2026Farm locations and days to be confirmed. REGISTER TODAY

Event Details

Location: North Island – 9 – 20 November 2026

Time: 9 am – 3 pm (one day only)

Free Course Textbook: “Foot Care in Cattle”

Cost: $415 + GST.

What will you learn:

Anatomy and function of the hoof

Animal management and its impact on lameness

Safe trimming techniques

5 Step Process of hoof trimming.

Outline: This workshop is designed to give students an overview of issues relating to lameness management and introduce them to the 5 step trimming process.  The workshop has both theory and practical aspects, so bring your gumboots, overalls, warm clothing, lunch, and refreshments. Certificate on full attendance.

Time

November 9, 2026 9:00 AM - November 20, 2026 3:00 PM(GMT+00:00)

Location

North Island

Register your interest

Make sure to RSVP to this amazing event!

Please let us know if you would like to register your interest for this upcoming event. We will be in touch as Workshop details for the region are confirmed at which point you can book a place on the workshop for the exact day and location of your choice.

Yes

OpenSpaces Still Available

30novAll Day04decAdvanced Hoof Care Management Course - 30th November - 4th December 2026BOOK TODAY$2,750.00

Event Details

Date: 30th November – 4th December 2026

This course requires a minimum of 5 students to proceed on this date.

Location: The course is presented at DHI headquarters and on host farms

Time: Five days – 8.30am – 5pm.

Course Textbook: “Hoof Signals – Success factors for healthy hoofs” (supplied)

Cost: $2,750 + plus GST or Don’t miss out – Early Bird Special – Register by 31 October 2026 and receive a  $150 discount‼

(Note: Minimum 5 attendees per course).

There is no prerequisite training required to do the advanced course.

What will you learn:

  • Hoof care theory
  • Foot anatomy and function
  • Recognition and treatment of claw disease
  • Lameness prevention
  • The relationship between Nutrition and Lameness

Hoof Trimming – Best Practice:

  • Lameness treatment
  • Preventative hoof trimming (shaping the claw correctly)
  • Use of angle grinder for hoof trimming
  • Application of claw blocks
  • Knife sharpening
  • Hoof trimming tools and accessories

What’s included:

  • Morning/Afternoon tea and lunch
  • The option of 3 x trimming refresher sessions with Fred within the year after completion of Advanced Course (student to schedule)
  • Certificate awarded on completion of all elements of the course (Note: full Attendance for the duration of the course is a requirement)
  • Examination: Students are able to sit an examination following 12 months of practical trimming experience or on completing a minimum of 400 cows. The Diploma in Bovine Hoof Care will be awarded on the successful completion of practical and theory aspects of testing.  (Note: Additional cost involved)

Outline: This course is aimed at those who are serious about minimising lameness on their farm through gaining a more comprehensive understanding of contributing factors, as well as becoming competent in the technical aspects of hoof trimming.

Time

November 30, 2026 - December 4, 2026 (All Day)(GMT+00:00)

Get Directions

Event Booking

Price $2,750.00

How many attendees? -1 +

Total Price (Excl GST) $2,750.00

14dec(dec 14)9:00 AM18(dec 18)3:00 PMNorth Canterbury, Canterbury, Mid Canterbury, South Canterbury - 14 - 18 December 2026Farm locations and days to be confirmed. REGISTER TODAY

Event Details

Location: North Canterbury, Canterbury, Mid Canterbury, South Canterbury – 14 – 18 December 2026

Time: 9 am – 3 pm (one day only)

Free Course Textbook: “Foot Care in Cattle”

Cost: $415 + GST.

What will you learn:

Anatomy and function of the hoof

Animal management and its impact on lameness

Safe trimming techniques

5 Step Process of hoof trimming.

Outline: This workshop is designed to give students an overview of issues relating to lameness management and introduce them to the 5 step trimming process.  The workshop has both theory and practical aspects, so bring your gumboots, overalls, warm clothing, lunch, and refreshments. Certificate on full attendance.

Time

December 14, 2026 9:00 AM - December 18, 2026 3:00 PM(GMT+00:00)

Location

Canterbury

Register your interest

Make sure to RSVP to this amazing event!

Please let us know if you would like to register your interest for this upcoming event. We will be in touch as Workshop details for the region are confirmed at which point you can book a place on the workshop for the exact day and location of your choice.

Yes

OpenSpaces Still Available

18jan(jan 18)9:00 AM22(jan 22)3:00 PMOtago / Southland - 18 - 22 January 2027Farm locations and days to be confirmed. REGISTER TODAY

Event Details

Location: Otago/Southland – 18 – 22 January 2027

Time: 9 am – 3 pm (one day only)

Free Course Textbook: “Foot Care in Cattle”

Cost: $415 + GST.

What will you learn:

Anatomy and function of the hoof

Animal management and its impact on lameness

Safe trimming techniques

5 Step Process of hoof trimming

Outline: This workshop is designed to give students an overview of issues relating to lameness management and introduce them to the 5 step trimming process.  The workshop has both theory and practical aspects, so bring your gumboots, overalls, warm clothing, lunch, and refreshments. Certificate on full attendance.

Time

January 18, 2027 9:00 AM - January 22, 2027 3:00 PM(GMT+00:00)

Location

Otago - Southland

Register your interest

Make sure to RSVP to this amazing event!

Please let us know if you would like to register your interest for this upcoming event. We will be in touch as Workshop details for the region are confirmed at which point you can book a place on the workshop for the exact day and location of your choice.

Yes

OpenSpaces Still Available

03mayAll Day07Advanced Hoof Care Management Course - 3rd - 7th May 2027BOOK TODAY$2,750.00

Event Details

Date: 3rd – 7th May 2027

This course requires a minimum of 5 students to proceed on this date.

Location: The course is presented at DHI headquarters and on host farms

Time: Five days – 8.30am – 5pm.

Course Textbook: “Hoof Signals – Success factors for healthy hoofs” (supplied)

Cost: $2,750 + plus GST or Don’t miss out – Early Bird Special – Register by 31 March 2027 and receive a  $150 discount‼

(Note: Minimum 5 attendees per course).

There is no prerequisite training required to do the advanced course.

What will you learn:

  • Hoof care theory
  • Foot anatomy and function
  • Recognition and treatment of claw disease
  • Lameness prevention
  • The relationship between Nutrition and Lameness

Hoof Trimming – Best Practice:

  • Lameness treatment
  • Preventative hoof trimming (shaping the claw correctly)
  • Use of angle grinder for hoof trimming
  • Application of claw blocks
  • Knife sharpening
  • Hoof trimming tools and accessories

What’s included:

  • Morning/Afternoon tea and lunch
  • The option of 3 x trimming refresher sessions with Fred within the year after completion of Advanced Course (student to schedule)
  • Certificate awarded on completion of all elements of the course (Note: full Attendance for the duration of the course is a requirement)
  • Examination: Students are able to sit an examination following 12 months of practical trimming experience or on completing a minimum of 400 cows. The Diploma in Bovine Hoof Care will be awarded on the successful completion of practical and theory aspects of testing.  (Note: Additional cost involved)

Outline: This course is aimed at those who are serious about minimising lameness on their farm through gaining a more comprehensive understanding of contributing factors, as well as becoming competent in the technical aspects of hoof trimming.

Time

May 3, 2027 - May 7, 2027 (All Day)(GMT+00:00)

Get Directions

Event Booking

Price $2,750.00

How many attendees? -1 +

Total Price (Excl GST) $2,750.00

Inquire Before Booking
All Map

Meet Fred Hoekstra

Fred Hoekstra from Dairy Hoofcare Institute of New Zealand is widely known throughout NZ for his skill and experience in hoof trimming and for his ability to train others in this crucial aspect of farm management.

Fred Hoekstra is a qualified professional hoof trimmer who has been working in New Zealand for over 20 years. He holds his instructors Diploma in Hoof care according to the Dutch method of Hoof Trimming from PTC+ in Holland. This is a method adopted all over the world and is proven to be very effective.

Fred has been teaching final year Vet students at Massey University for the last 3 years on the theory and practice of hoof trimming as part of their ‘Bovine Procedures Special Topic’.

Where it all began

Testimonials

  • The 1-day course is invaluable, considering the hours I used to spend doing the hooves incorrectly – it is a day well spent!
    Wiremu Reid Southland

  • I finally realise how the hoof becomes damaged and why our procedures can affect the healing process. Also helped me understand the correct hoof shape and how it affects the cows locomotion.
    Duane Kristensen Gore

  • Lame cows are no longer a problem to deal with which makes the job a pleasure and so much safer for the person dealing with lame cows, thus less stress.
    Neville Harrison Hawera

  • I would just like to pass on that we thoroughly enjoyed the workshop we had on our farm, Fred definitely opened our eyes to some of the issues we were having and really made us think outside the box. We are having a meeting with the farm owner to discuss the knowledge we have gained and we are hoping to implement some of the changes sooner rather than later. Please thank Fred on our behalf, to be honest I wished there were more hours in the day or we didn’t have to do arvo milking just so we could do more cows!
    Riana Ram Dairies Ltd

  • It is a really good way to learn all of the things that contribute to lameness and it is explained very well. It also helps to be able to do the practical section and know that someone is there to guide you.

    Margot Gore

  • You have no idea how lameness works – do the course. It will change your mind!

    Johan Morrinsville

  • Very good, I like Fred’s view on feeding and the health of the hoof.

    Kieryn Otautau

Learn professional hoof trimming techniques with one of our specialised workshops/courses:

Contact DHI

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