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. If you would like to become a professional hoof trimmer, this course is for you.
This is an intensive 5-day course that covers both the theory and the practice of hoof care and hoof trimming techniques led by our director Fred Hoekstra, who is NZ’s only fully qualified hoof care instructor.
In fact, because of Fred’s vast experience in this field, he’s been invited by Massey University to provide two-day courses in hoof care and hoof trimming to final year vet students, so you can be sure the information is completely up-to-date and highly practical.
There is no prerequisite training required to do the advanced course.
We were given an overview of hoof anatomy and biomechanics and then spent every day on farms trimming under Fred’s supervision. Those five days were absolutely vital for obtaining the correct technique.
The preventative aspect of hoof trimming has got a major benefit financially. You only need to save a cow or two, and the cumulative effect on production makes the course well worthwhile. I can now prevent cows even becoming lame, but any that do I can fix easily, quickly and properly. The recurrence of lameness in those cows is reduced significantly.
Fred is an excellent teacher with heaps of experience, knowledge and patience. What you will learn may surprise you, but it will all make perfect sense. If you are the one to do the feet, do the course. Don’t let your staff loose on the feet if they haven’t!
– Paul McClintock, Dairy Farmer/Owner
Thank you for the fantastic opportunity. The course was brilliant- it was some of the best learning that I have ever had. I am most appreciative to you for sharing your years of accumulated knowledge. I certainly feel more equipped to work with farmers and other vets in hoof trimming and treatment as well as in a lameness advisory role. The experience has been invaluable to my future career and I am enthusiastic to continue to build on it. If anything- I will absolutely never forget the five steps!
– Kate Mackersey, Massey University Vet Student
It definitely changed my knowledge around hoof trimming and treatment and I highly recommend if you want to minimise lameness in the herd!
– Fabiano P Barboza, Ashburton
Fred Hoekstra is a qualified professional hoof trimmer who has been working in New Zealand for over 20 years. He holds his instructor’s Diploma in Hoof care from PTC+ in Holland and has been teaching final year Vet students at Massey University for the last 4 years.
Take a moment and watch this video, which is the back story to DHI.
Following the successful completion of the Advanced Hoof Care Management Course, you can then progress further to gain a Diploma in Bovine Hoof Care.
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)
154 Coplands Road, RD 2, Ashburton 7772
Phone: 03 662 8015
Email: info@dhi.ac.nz
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