Free Online Student Course

 

Introduction to our free course.

October 2011
After having developed hoof care material for the last 6 years, we now will turn it over to the general public, so that everyone may learn more about the hoof and the horse in general.

Are you teaching natural hoof care?

“Natural” has come to be a buzz word. Some have tried to make natural hoof care their trademark. To us there is nothing natural about hoof care. If our horses would live in a truly natural state they would not need hoof care. We are teaching what we know will benefit the domesticated horse in its various states of management within human care.

How is this course different from the Professional Student Course?

We still are teaching a professional student course at Equine Soundness. What you are getting here free of charge is part of the original. It contains a lot of essential information and serves horse owners, horse lovers and hoof care providers equally well.

On which teachings is this course based?

The originators of modern barefoot hoof care were Dr. Hiltrud Strasser and Jaime Jackson. One developed her theories in Europe, independent from the other who developed his theories in the American West. They briefly met and exchanged notes. Then they once again went their separate ways. All of this happened in the late 80’s and the 90’s. Today a lot of hoof care gurus spring up and take great pains to explain that they found their own truth long before these two Greats.

Equine Soundness is not one of them. We learned from a lot of sources, one could say we learned from all of them as far as their material is available.

Who is Equine Soundness?

The school came to life in 2007 as a private school, the first students graduated in 2010. We are proud of our students as they all, without exception, have become very capable hoof care providers. This proves that our method of teaching: one-on-one – the best teacher/student ratio, has merit and actually produces superior results. The professional course is no cakewalk. The students have to study mountains of material; they have 45 practical hours and 45 computer hours, all one-on-one, to pass. They only may advance to the next session if their instructor feels they have thoroughly understood the material. Once the instructor(s) feel(s) the student may pass the exam successfully the student may schedule his/her exam with the school administration.
To learn more about us, please go to http://www.equinesoundness.com/aboutus.htm.

Are there any hidden charges?

No, not at all. There are a lot of other schools and learning opportunities around that all, understandably & justly so, charge a fee. Likewise, there are also a few excellent websites around that are free of charge. We feel these sites, after having studied them in detail, do not go into enough detail in many pathologies of the hoof.

Why a free course?

We were often asked by our graduates: “How can we give some of the insights we have now to the horse owners we serve?” And: “It would be so good if we could share with colleague (name) what we know, but there is not enough time”. And lastly: “How can we help the horses better?”

Well, now everyone can share this knowledge. While this is not the entire theory offered in the professional student course, it is still a lot of material and requires some dedication to study. But we feel the material is well organized, and with some diligence you can learn a lot.

How do I study this course?

All the material is on a learning platform named Coursesites. You have to actually be on your computer (or at the library) to study.

There are many different learning styles; everyone has a different way to study. Here are a few ways that have worked for us:

1.) Make note cards

2.) Keep a journal

3.) Make drawings

4.) Discuss what you have learned with friend

I have studied this course material, what is next?

After you have viewed (and maybe studied) all the material, you still may want to know more. There are two ways to accomplish that:

You can sign up for individual training sessions (practical or theoretical http://www.equinesoundness.com/consultations.html)

or you can take the professional student course (http://www.equinesoundness.com/courses.htm).

You also may contact us to arrange a seminar in your area: info@equinesoundness.com

Will I get any recognition for taking this course?

There is no recognition, no certificate associated with the free course. The only way we can assess what you know is by the final exam, which you only can take after taking the professional student course. There are no other certifications through Equine Soundness.

Will I learn to trim in this course?

In theory, yes. But please be aware that the practical application cannot be taught over the Internet. Therefore, by signing up, we have you agree to the following:
The course provided free of charge by Equine Soundness is for informational and educational purposes only. The lectures should not be interpreted as diagnosis for self-administered treatment. This course is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult with your veterinarian regarding any health issues of your horse.

So, what is required to sign up?

You have to send your

Name,
Address (complete, incl. city, state, province, zip, country),
Phone number
E-mail address

to: info@equinesoundness.com.

We then will send you an invitation to this course. That is all. Please make sure you send all the information requested above. If you do not get an invitation, it may be that your information was incomplete. As these invitations have to be processed by a real person, please be patient, as we are expecting a high volume of inquiries.

Donations

The development of this course required a large amount of time and ultimately, money. Should you feel inclined to contribute to our efforts by making an online donation, please feel free to do so by using the button below.