HOOF CARE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM 

CURRICULUM    

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The ESA Hoof Care Certification Program is two part program as outlined below.  Completion time will vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, your schedule, ability to pass all required elements before progressing, prior experience etc.  The program is flexible and is designed to accommodate different schedule requirements.  

 

Anyone enrolled in the program may challenge and "ACE" (Academy Course Exemption) an online course and receive credit with a passing grade.  If you have prior experience, this may allow you to complete the program in a shorter time frame.  All practicums are still required.   

 

The first part of the program includes three terms of online courses and three practicums. You may register for each term as a complete module, or take courses individually.  Online course work is then done at your own pace, and practicums are scheduled with an instructor at the appropriate time.  Once you have completed all the requirements for the the first term, you may register for the second and so on. Upon successful completion of these requirements you will have earned the Equine Sciences Degree.  (This is offered as a stand alone program for those not wanting certification in hoof care) 

 

The second part of the program includes three detailed case studies, verifiable ongoing field work and two practicums. Upon successful completion of these requirements you will have earned the Hoof Care Practitioner Certification.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it" 

 

...   Aristotle  

 

 

 

***  IMPORTANT *** 

 

As with any school or university, the curriculum may change from time to time.  Be assured, however, that once enrolled, your graduation requirements will not change.  The published curriculum at the time of your enrollment will remain in effect until you graduate.  Courses may be substituted, but no requirements will be added at a later date.  In the event that new courses or requirements are added to the catalog during your enrollment, you will have the option to take them, but they will not be required for your graduation.  A copy of each year's curriculum and course catalog will remain on the website for reference. 

 

Also important to note, as with a college diploma, once you are certified by the ESA your certification cannot be revoked at a later date due to changing and/or additional requirements. 

 

PART 1 - EQUINE SCIENCES DEGREE OUTLINE    

 

First Term  -  Online Courses 

    Foundations of Natural Hoof Care 

    Understanding Farrier Science and practices 

    Equine Anatomy -  Distal Limb 

    Hoof Pathology - Part 1 

    Equine Behavior 

    Critical Thinking 

 

First Practicum -  Three day practical instruction, location varies - in instructor's home area. 

The first practicum must be taken sometime during first term courses. 

 

Second Term  -  Online Courses 

Passing all First Term classes and first term practicum are a pre-requisite. 

    Equine Anatomy - Digestive System / Internal Organs 

    Fundamentals of Equine Nutrition 

    Fundamentals of Equine Dentistry 

    Understanding Veterinary Science and practices 

    Complementary Equine Health Care - Part 1 

    Hoof Pathology - Part 2 

 

Second Practicum -  Three day practical instruction, location varies - in instructor's home area. 

The second practicum must be taken sometime during second term courses. 

 

Third Term  -  Online Courses 

Passing all Second Term classes and second practicum are a pre-requisite. 

    Equine Anatomy - Musculoskeletal  

    Complementary Equine Health Care - Part 2 

    Equine Bio-mechanics 

    The Effects of Environment on Equine Health 

    Business Basics 

    Hoof Pathology - Part 3 

 

Third Practicum -  Three day practical instruction, location varies - in instructor's home area. 

The third practicum can only be taken after completion of third term courses.  

 

Graduation Application  

The Academy will verify eligibility based on completion of all requirements. 

 

Graduation 

If your graduation application is verified, you will then have earned your Equine Sciences Degree and be ready to start Part II of the program. 

 

CONGRATULATIONS !!!! 

 

PART 2 - HOOF CARE CERTIFICATION OUTLINE 

 

Case Studies 

You will be required to complete three separate case studies.  You may do these studies concurrently if you wish.  Each will require a case history of a client horse with pathology that includes detailed notes, pictures, actions recommended and taken and outcome assessment. The format for the study will be provided by the Academy and be mentored. 

 

First Internship Practicum - Three day practical instruction, location varies - in instructor's home area. 

The first practicum can be taken anytime during your case studies. 

 

Second Internship Practicum -   Final Evaluation 

The final practicum can only be taken upon completion of all case studies. Details will be provided during Intern studies. 

 

Hoof Care Certification Application 

The Academy will verify eligibility based on completion of all requirements. 

 

Certification 

If your certification application is verified, you will be Certified as an ESA Hoof Care Practitioner. 

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS !!!!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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