Certification Requirements:

Level 1 Requirements
First and foremost:

• Student must truly understand the important connection between a natural environment and healthy hooves, and feel comfortable sharing this with others.
• Student must be able to perform a balanced barefoot trim on a healthy hoof.
• Student must be able to identify and name the bones of the leg below the cannon bone.
• Student must understand the function of the hoof and identify all hoof parts.
  
• Student must be able to recognize and treat thrush, cracks, splits, club feet, contracted heels and white line disease.
• Student must be able to recognize founder, navicular. (Student may be able to trim such diseased hooves however, is not expected to, purely due to lack of experience on such diseased hooves.)
• Student recognizes the effects of shoes and the damage they can cause.

Level 2 Requirements

• Must be Level 1 Certified
• Student must have completed 3 case studies over a minimum of 9 month period, showing before and after pictures of the healing stages.
• Testimonials must accompany each case study.

Level 3 Requirements

• Must be Level 1 & 2 Certified
• Student must have compiled various photos of all types, breeds, and diseased, healthy, and shod hooves and be able to explain what each photo is.
• Student must have hoof bones, dried cadavors, and other tools to be able to fully show and explain the function of the hooves.
• Students must be able to teach half day session during trimming school, showing their understanding of the hoof and their ability to be understood by others.( or how easily others understand what they are telling them)
• Each Level will require the student to do a written and practical ( hands on) test.
• All students must be tested annually and have paid up memberships to remain part of the Guild.
• Random checks may be done by Kate at anytime.