Frequently Asked Questions
What trim do you teach?
Is online learning for me?
What are the technical requirements to use this course?
What is the difference between taking the certification course and taking the online courses just one by one?
Do I have to take all 5 modules?
Do I have to take the modules in sequence?
How long is the Professional Student course?
Are there any exams?
How much does the certification course cost?
Do I have to take the final certification test?
What do mentor days consist of?
Who are the mentors / instructors?
Where can I sign up for mentor days?
Do I have to stay with the same mentor during the course?
Who else is on your staff?
What trim do you teach?
The instructor team at Equine Soundness Inc. does actually not teach or practice any special trim, as no one trim method fits all horses. Instead we are teaching all the details that enable you to make the right decisions in every day trimming.
From the regular performance hoof to complicated pathologies, we pass on our knowledge based on the physiologically correct anatomy of the horse and especially the hoof.
Many years of experience and the studies of holistic hoof care with various instructors in the United States and Europe are shared with our students. We have taken the very best from our studies and combined it in the courses offered.
Individual horses have individual needs based on their conformation and environment but there are core principles of how the hoof is designed to function physiologically and mechanically that apply to every hoof. A well educated trimmer is able to sculpt the exterior of the foot to precisely fit the position and alignment of the internal structures.
The correct form and function of the hoof is the only basis on which the horse can perform without constraints and ramifications for his entire organism. Form and function must be thoroughly understood, pathologies must be classified and remedied according to their significance.
Nice hind hoof (left), improved after several months of correct trimming (right)
Badly foundered hoof (left), corrected after several months of trimming (right)
Still lame after 9 months of stall rest (left), sound after a couple of trims (right) and very rideable (below)
Is online learning for me?
Online learning is flexible and convenient for anyone who has access to the Internet and is motivated to learn.
Use this checklist to determine whether you have the technical skills to participate in an online course:
- I can send and receive e-mail.
- I can find a specific web site if I receive a link by e-mail or see a URL on paper.
- I can download files from e-mail messages and Web sites.
- I have taken a quiz or filled in a form online.
If you can check “yes” for each item, you are ready to enroll in an online course. If you have questions about any of these technical skills, our client support team is ready to help, please call 803-647-1200 or e-mail info@equinesoundness.com.
To succeed in an online course you need motivation, commitment, good time management skills and self-discipline.
What are the technical requirements to use this course?
Software
· Adobe Reader version 5.1 or later; download free software
· Microsoft Office applications or viewers for PowerPoint and Word; viewers available free:
Internet Connection
· Internet Service Provider (ISP)
· Minimum 56K modem for dial-up connection; high-speed connection (DSL, broadband cable or T1/T3) recommended
Web Browser
· PC users: Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher, Netscape 6.1 or higher, or Mozilla FireFox 1.0 or higher (all with JavaScript enabled)
· Macintosh users: Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher, Netscape 6.1 or higher, or Mozilla FireFox 1.0 or higher (all with JavaScript enabled)
Media-Player Software (one of the following free downloads)
What is the difference between taking the certification course and taking the online courses just one by one?
If you decide to enroll in the certification course, you will have to study the same online courses as everyone else. But you also have to complete assignments, mail in your exercises and case studies as you progress through your studies. The certification course requires more time and commitment to the learning process and is geared to those students who wish to take up holistic trimming as a career.
Do I have to take all 5 modules?
No, you may take the first module and study the contents. If you decide to take the next one, you put it in your shopping cart and we will assign the material to you.
Do I have to take the modules in sequence?
No, you can take module #1, #2, #3 and #5 in any order you like, even so we do not recommend that. You can take module #4 only after you have taken modules # 1and # 2, as there is a progression to this specific material
How long is the Professional Student course?
The majority of the course time is spent at home, studying on line and fulfilling assignment requirements.
Every theory module (except for # 3) should take you about two months to study. Mentorship days can be arranged after you have completed module 1 through 3. We recommend about 15 mentorship days. How often you can arrange mentorship days depends on you and your instructor's schedule.
Are there any exams?
Yes. Throughout the certification course participants will perform online self tests and submit assignments which are graded. At the end of the final practicum there will be a written test and a practical test.
How much does the certification course cost?
Module # 1: $ 350.00
Module # 2: $ 350.00
Module # 3: $ 50.00
Module # 4: $ 750.00
Module # 5: $ 350.00
Module # 6: $ 200.00Mentorship Days: $ 200.00 each
Final on-site 5 day practicum: $ 1000.00
Final testing day: $ 400.00
Repeat testing: Written exam: $ 200.00 Practical exam: $ 200.00These fees do not include tools, travel and accommodations during the mentorship days and the final practicum. There are no further books to buy.
Do I have to take the final certification test?
No. You can go through the entire course without taking the final test. The final exam is for certification only.
What do mentor days consist of?
There will always be some theory and a lesson plan for each mentor day. This plan will be structured to meet the goals of this course. There will be no more than 4 students on each mentor day. You will learn to trim on bio-specimen, observe live trimming and later perform live trims yourself.
Who are the mentors / instructors?
The mentors are seasoned professionals, well versed in the theory taught in this course. They have experience with many different scenarios and are active trimmers themselves.
They are
Mr. Jerry Schmidt, Port Angeles, WA
Mrs. Audrey Bryant, Sequim, WA
Mrs. Claudia Garner, Hopkins, SC
Mrs. Carola Adolf, Bass, Victoria, Australia
Mrs. Mary Gallagher, Port Angeles, WA
Mrs. Rachael Coggins, Alvin, TX
Where can I sign up for mentor days?
You sign up for mentor days through the school (shopping cart). The school will then contact you to assign a mentor. At this time we have mentors on the West Coast, in the Mid West, and on the East Coast of the United States
Do I have to stay with the same mentor during the course?
No. Mentors can be changed during the course. Depending on your location and your ability to travel, we may be able to assign you to several mentors, which will expose you to many different horses and scenarios, a great learning experience.
Who else is on your staff?
Dr. Odette Suter - Veterinary consultant
Ms. Linsey McLean - Nutritional consultant
Robin Bailey - Editor
Danielle Dempsey - Artwork
