Over two weeks, we will explore the basic hoof anatomy building to advanced management strategies. Along the way we will discuss how the hoof contributes to overall equine health and athletic performance while incorporating the science behind the equine hoof. Written in plain English for experienced horse owners, this practical short course will equip you with greater knowledge regarding how the hoof functions and prepare you to be more involved in the care of your horse’s feet.

The course objectives are to:

• Identify the basic external and internal structures of the equine hoof and understand how they contribute to hoof function
• Understand the role of nutrition in the growth and development of the hoof
• Recognize the major environmental factors that affect hoof health and function
• Identify and describe common issues and diseases that can impact the equine hoof
• Recognize the importance of collaboration with your vet and farrier, and understand how you can effectively support this team as a horse owner
• Assess your current hoof care routine in the context of the biological functioning of the hoof
• Apply course concepts to develop a long term hoof care management plan for your own horse

Certificate of Completion

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from Equine Guelph – the horse owner’s Centre at the University of Guelph.

Time Commitment:

• Occurs over a 2-week period
• 5-10 hour time commitment is required during this period
• No set times to be online!  Log in at your own convenience and learn at your own pace.
• Recommended you visit the course site at least 5 times a week, preferably once or more each day
• Course is entirely online, so travel to the University of Guelph is NOT required

Materials

• All materials are provided online within course site

Prerequisites

• 16 years of age or older

For more information, please email [email protected]

Phone: 519 824-4120, ext. 54205

Renée Kierans

My involvement in the horse racing industry has spanned close to 40 years, and covers many facets of the industry. My involvement with horses in general has been life long.

Jobs throughout the years have been those of an exercise rider, pony rider, outrider, starting gate crew, trainer and owner. I worked for 12 years doing on air broadcasting and handicapping for Woodbine and Mohawk, covering both thoroughbred and standardbred racing. I have also been an instructor for the Woodbine presented groom school on several occasion.

Aside form working with race horses, I love the time I get to spend working with show hunters and, when my schedule allows, competing in a few horse shows throughout the season.  My partner is a Hall of Fame standardbred trainer, so racing, and horses in general, are really my life not just my job, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Julie Walker

Born and raised in Owen Sound, I grew up in harness racing as part of a long family history with the trotter. I have trained horses since I was 19 years old and have been driving Standardbreds for 12 years. Now living in Guelph, I am managing a stable of 30 racehorses (over $4 million in purse earnings) and also have a rescue Standardbred.

Other involvement in the Standardbred racing includes participation in women driving challenges across Canada, acting as a Central Ontario Standardbred Association board member, organizer of Ontario’s first Racing Under Saddle (RUS) organization as well as sticking my toes in on the breeding side!  I look forward to being your Standardbred Ambassador and, together, learning more about the equine athletes we are lucky enough to work with every day.