International Gateway Clinic

The International Gateway To Hoof Care

The Foundation For LH Equine Hoof Care Training Programs

 

The Gateway Clinic grew from a revolutionary event that was 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 been invited to present the clinic at Texas A&M University’s Parsons Mounted Cavalry facility and 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.

The International Gateway Clinic

Potential Locations Are Currently Under Consideration

A 4-day hoof care clinic

Dates to be determined

Clinic Instructors

To be determined. The 2024 instructors are listed below.

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.

Sarah Oliver, Master Hoof Care Professional who has been certified through multiple organizations, LH Field Instructor, LH Evaluator for Certification, and LH UK Liason.

Cindy Hall, Animal Operations Manager at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, Liberated Horsemanship Certified Zoo Hoof Care Professional.

Dr. Bruce Nock, MS, PhD., LH owner, biomedical scientist, retired medical school professor, and author of books and articles about horse training and riding.

GC Schedule (in preparation)

 

Practical Details

To be updated after the locations and dates are decided.

Venue: “Classroom” presentations and discussions will be in the Henderson Room at the Newcastleton Bunkhouse, located in the village of Newcastleton in the Scottish Borders.

Trimming workshops, lunch, and dinner will be at the nearby Stonegarthside Hall.

Registration: To accommodate the preferences of as many people as possible, we offer two registration packages which differ only in sleeping accommodations. The Gateway Clinic itself is identical regardless of the registration package.

  1. On-Site Accommodations at the Newcastleton Bunkhouse. We have two rooms reserved, one for men and one for women, so space is limited. Check-in is at 4 PM on Sunday, September 15. Checkout is at 10 AM on Friday, September 20. Registration fees are 950 GBP for first-time participants and 450 GBP for returning participants. These fees include clinic participation, lodging, lunch, and dinner.
  2. Off-Site Accommodations. You arrange accommodations at a venue of your choice. Clinic registration fees are 750 GBP for first-time participants and 250 GBP for returning participants. These fees include clinic participation, lunch, and dinner, but not lodging. Lodging in the area includes Sorbietrees B & B, Black Burn Lodge B & B, and The Grapes Hotel, 16 Douglas Sq, Newcastleton TD9 0QD, United Kingdom• +44 13873 75585.

To register for the clinic, contact Sarah Oliver at s.oliver302@gmail.com.

Please note: Returning participants are now awarded 5 continuing education/professional development credits per full day of attendance toward the designation Master Hoof Care Professional. For more information go to Frequent Questions.

Registration Closes August 16 or when the clinic is full.

Cancellation & Refund Policy: No later than July 16, 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.