The U.S. Gateway Clinic (GC)
The Foundation For LH Equine Hoof Care Training Programs
Participants in the GC receive four days of training that includes extensive hands-on, supervised trimming instruction, a hands-on anatomy lab, an X-ray analysis workshop, and classroom instruction. The classroom sessions provide in-depth information about the principles that guide successful trimming and the non-trimming factors that are crucial to understand for successful hoof care.
The GC is perfect for you if:
- You’re dreaming of a career in equine hoof care, or if you’re already a professional trimmer looking to boost your skills and knowledge, our certification program is just what you need!
- You take care of mounted working horses, like Search and Rescue or Mounted Police Horses. Fourteen officers from the Houston Mounted Police Force have attended a GC, and most have already completed our certification program.
- You want to trim your own horses or simply want to confidently assess their hoof health and the work of your professional hoof care provider.
Hosted by Naples Zoo, Naples, Florida.
October 23 — 26, 2026
Clinic Instructors
Ann Corso is the Co-founder of the LH Barefoot Initiative, the Director of LH Barefoot Training Programs, the Owner of Liberated Hoof Care, LLC, and a Master Hoof Care Professional.
Cynthia Niemela has been certified by three international hoof care organizations and is a Certified Master Hoof Care Professional. She is also an Equine Osteopath, EDO. Cynthia has been teaching hoof care for more than 20 years.
Cindy Hall is the Animal Operations Manager at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens in Naples, Florida. She is the director of the LH Zoo Hoof Health Program and a certified Master Zoo Hoof Care Professional.
Dr. Bruce Nock, MS, PhD, is the owner of Liberated Horsemanship, a biomedical scientist, and a retired medical school professor.
Registration Includes
- The four-day seminar.
- Light morning refreshments and lunch.
Registration
Registration is open and will close one month before the clinic begins (to ensure we have sufficient supplies for all participants).
Cancellation & Refund Policy: Approximately one month before the clinic, we will send an email message to all registered participants confirming that the event will take place. We suggest you wait until then to make plane reservations. This will prevent the loss of travel funds due to an unexpected cancellation of the clinic, e.g., an instructor’s illness, travel restrictions, etc. If such an event occurs, we will refund all registration fees in full. Registration fees will also be refunded in full up to 30 days before the beginning of the clinic upon the request of a participant. No refund will be granted thereafter.
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*Registration Fee for First-time Participants = US$1,450*
*Registration Fee for Returning Participants = US$725*