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:“Hoof Signals – Success factors for healthy hoofs” (supplied)
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)
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
Very informative, good practical experience, well organised, worth the financial investment (and yummy food!)
– Jess Everett, Kojonup, WA
Best practical course I’ve done that will have one of the largest financial impacts on my business!
– Will Ryan, Leongatha, VIC, Australia
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
Excellent way to learn correct methods of trimming and understanding why you do it that way – a better understanding of lameness and ways to prevent it.
– PJ Olivier, Waharoa
If you want to manage and treat lame cows correctly and get them back in the herd quicker, then do the course!
– Todd Arnold, Morrinsville
Workshop dates & locations:
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 farm locations and dates within your region are confirmed.
To book, click the day and location of your choice and follow the prompts.
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’.
