The International Gateway Clinic
The Foundation For LH Equine Hoof Care Training Programs
The Gateway Clinic originated from a revolutionary event held nearly 20 years ago at the Fairgrounds in Warren County, Missouri. It was the first time authentic experts in complementary fields came together to teach people about the interaction of the many forces that impact hoof health. Since then, Gateway Clinics have been regularly held in Missouri, at the Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, and at the White Stallion Ranch in Arizona. We have also held invited clinics at Texas A&M University’s Parsons Mounted Cavalry facility and at wonderful locations in British Columbia, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. People from more than 20 countries have attended a Gateway Clinic.
What makes the Gateway Clinic stand apart from other hoof-trimming clinics? Well, the trimming instruction is based on time-tested principles with plenty of hands-on practice. Extensive information about hoof form and function is also provided, giving context to the trimming instruction. Even more importantly, Gateway Clinic participants are challenged to think critically about managing hoof health. There are no magic formulas. Far too many factors impact hoof health for that to be effective. Trimming is one important element. But, hoof health is also significantly influenced by common life factors, especially management practices, the environment the animal lives in, and its overall well-being. Optimal hoof care requires an understanding and approach that integrates all of these factors.
The International Gateway Clinic is now a modern hybrid, blending high-quality, in-person instruction with online presentations from internationally recognized experts. If you are aspiring to be a first-rate hoof care professional, the Gateway Clinic is the starting point toward certification. It’s also the perfect opportunity for non-professionals who want to know more about horse and hoof care. We hope you’ll join us at the next Gateway Clinic.
There will be two international clinics in 2026
- March 26 – 29 in Wellerlooi, The Netherlands
- September 24 – 27 in the Scottish Borders
Clinic Instructors
Ann Corso, Co-founder of the LH Barefoot Initiative, Director of LH Barefoot Training Programs, Owner of Liberated Hoof Care, LLC, and Master Hoof Care Professional certified by two international entities.
Sarah Oliver, (the Scottish Borders only) Master Hoof Care Professional certified through multiple organizations, LH Field Instructor, LH Evaluator for Certification, and LH UK Liason.
Cindy Hall, (via the internet) Animal Operations Manager at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens in Naples, Florida, Director of the LH Zoo Hoof Health Program, and certified Master Zoo Hoof Care Professional.
Cynthia Niemela, (via the internet) Certified Master Hoof Care Professional, certified by three international hoof care organizations. Cynthia is also an Equine Osteopath, EDO. Cynthia has been teaching hoof care for more than 20 years.
Dr. Bruce Nock, MS, PhD., (via the internet) LH owner, biomedical scientist, retired medical school professor, and author of books and articles on hoof and horse care, training, and physiological and biochemical mechanisms.
To register for the Netherlands clinic and for information about housing, lodging, and clinic facilities, etc, contact Coen Huisman at coen@throughfeel.nl.
Registration Fee:
€985 Including VAT
€814 Excluding VAT (for EU participants outside the Netherlands who have their own valid VAT number)
50% Discount: For those who have previously participated in a Gateway Clinic.
To register for the Scottish Border clinic, and for information about housing, lodging, and clinic facilities, etc, contact Sarah Oliver at s.oliver302@gmail.com.
Registration Fee:
£700 for new participants (includes clinic only).
£350 for returning participants (includes clinic only).
Cancellation & Refund Policy: One month before the event, we will email a message to all registered participants confirming that there has been no unexpected occurrence to prevent the clinic from going forward. We suggest you wait until then to make non-refundable travel reservations. 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.