ADVANCED HOOF CARE MANAGEMENT COURSE
Five day course
Course outline
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.
Diploma in Bovine Hoof Care
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)
What you will learn
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Hoof Care Theory
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Foot Anatomy and function
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Recognition and treatment of claw disease
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Lameness prevention
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The relationship between Nutrition and Lameness
Hoof Trimming – Best Practice
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Lameness treatment
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Preventative hoof trimming (shaping the claw correctly)
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Use of angle grinder for hoof trimming.
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Application of claw blocks
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Knife Sharpening
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Hoof Trimming tools and accessories
Costs and location
Location: Course is presented at DHI headquarters and on host farms.
Time: Five days – 8:30am to 5pm
Free Course Textbook: “Foot Care in Cattle”
Cost:$2,499+GST
This course has been developed and presented over many years by DHINZ
founder, Fred Hoekstra, who is NZ’s only fully qualified Hoof Trimming
training instructor.
That’s why, we provide all of our students with a 100% ‘Satisfaction Guarantee’ that they will improve their skills immediately, saving you a small fortune with lost productivity etc.
You’ll also learn professional hoof trimming techniques that are guaranteed to save you time and physical stress – and of course increase your productivity with this demanding work.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries on
03 662 8015.
- 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)
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR
Events listed below, highlighted green, are available for immediate booking. For events highlighted in blue, you can register your interest now, and we will be personally in touch with you as the dates are confirmed.
You can book your place on the course by clicking on the date you prefer and following the prompts.
Meet your instructor

Fred Hoekstra is widely known throughout New Zealand for his skill and experience in hoof trimming and for his ability to train others in this crucial aspect of farm management.
Originally from Friesland, Holland, Fred moved out to NZ in 1990 to work on dairy farms but quickly realized that there was an opportunity for raising the standard of Hoof care so returned to Holland, gained his Diploma in Hoof Care from PTC Oenkerk, returning to start his own business.
Fred is passionate about lameness and related issues, and gained his Instructors Diploma in 2011. He is enthusiastic about extending the availability of hoof care training workshops nationwide. He is keen to conduct further research into lameness treatment and the benefits of preventative hoof care.
For the past few years, he has also presented a 2 day course for final year vet students at Massey University on the theory and practice of hoof trimming as part of their ‘Bovine Procedures Special Topic’.

