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We provide practical training for farmers, farm staff and professional hoof trimmers, whether you’re learning to trim your own cattle, working towards a professional qualification or keeping your existing skills up to date.
Our training is grounded in our experience as hoof trimmers. Small groups, supervised trimming on live cattle and individual feedback give you time to practise and understand the decisions you make at the foot.
Professional Foot Trimming Course
Our four-day professional hoof trimming course gives you a practical foundation in cattle hoofcare and is the first stage towards the Dutch Diploma in Hoof Care.
Whether you’re bringing trimming in-house or planning to work as a professional hoof trimmer, we help you develop your technique and understand the decisions you make at the foot.
With a maximum of nine participants, supervised trimming on live cattle and individual feedback throughout, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practise under the guidance of qualified hoof trimmers.
Who is the course for?
The course is suitable for farmers, farm staff and people looking to work as professional hoof trimmers.
You must be aged 16 or over and have experience of handling cattle. If you already have trimming experience, or are unsure whether this is the right starting point, contact us to discuss your background and plans.
What you’ll learn
We teach the 5-step Dutch trimming method, combining practical technique with the knowledge needed to understand hoof health, recognise problems and approach cases appropriately.
Foot anatomy and lameness
Understand the structure of the cow’s foot and the main causes of lameness, connecting that knowledge with what you see when examining and trimming feet.
Routine and corrective trimming
Learn the 5-step Dutch method and put it into practice on routine and lame cows. We guide you through the process, explaining the purpose of each step and providing feedback as you work.
Recognising and treating claw problems
Learn to recognise claw problems and understand the approaches to treatment covered on the course, including the application of blocks, shoes and bandages.
Safe cattle handling and equipment use
Develop safe working practices when handling cattle and using a professional trimming crush and tools, with attention to both the cow and the operator.
Knife sharpening and tool care
Learn how to sharpen and maintain your trimming knives and care for your tools so they’re fit for the work you’re doing.
Lameness prevention
Understand the role of foot bathing and practical hoofcare measures in helping prevent lameness on farm.
How the course is delivered
The course runs over four days. Theory is combined with supervised practical trimming on live cattle, using modern professional hoof trimming crushes. We explain the principles, demonstrate techniques and support you as you practise.
Small groups allow us to give individual feedback throughout. You’ll have time to ask questions, discuss what you’re seeing and work on areas that need more attention.
Our experience as working hoof trimmers shapes the training, keeping it relevant to the situations you’ll encounter on farm.
Certification and your route to qualification
We’re the official UK and Ireland training partner for Dairy Training Centre (DTC), Netherlands, our awarding body. Our professional training is accredited through Utrecht University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
Successful completion of the four-day course leads to a provisional hoof trimming licence. This is the first stage of your professional qualification, with further practical experience and development required before the diploma examination.
The pathway includes:
- Completing the four-day professional hoof trimming course.
- Building your experience and completing three CPD days.
- Taking the diploma examination.
The diploma examination includes both theory and practical assessment. Candidates trim live cattle using their own crush and equipment, with their technique, treatment decisions, equipment condition and biosecurity assessed.
Before you book
The practical work is physically demanding and involves handling cattle and using trimming equipment.
If you have specific access or support needs, please contact us before booking so we can discuss arrangements.
The course is the start of a qualification pathway. It gives you the foundation to develop your skills through continued practice, CPD and assessment.
Course dates and booking
We deliver professional hoof trimming training in the UK and Ireland. Contact us for more information. If you’d like to discuss the course before booking, tell us about your experience and what you hope to achieve.
Farmer hoof trimming course
Our farmer course helps you develop the practical skills and confidence to take a more active role in your herd’s hoofcare.
Through supervised trimming on live cattle, you’ll learn how to recognise lameness earlier, carry out routine trimming and approach common claw problems. We also explain when a case needs a professional hoof trimmer or vet.
The course combines theory with practical work, giving you opportunities to trim, ask questions and receive feedback from qualified hoof trimmers.
Who is the course for?
The course is designed for farmers and farm staff who want to develop their hoofcare skills for use within their own herd.
No previous hoof trimming experience is needed. You must be aged 16 or over and have experience of handling cattle.
What you’ll learn
We teach the 5-step Dutch trimming method, alongside the knowledge needed to understand the foot, recognise problems and make informed hoofcare decisions on farm.
Understanding the cow’s foot
Learn the basic anatomy of the foot and the main causes of lameness, so you can better understand what you’re seeing when examining your cattle’s feet.
Recognising lameness early
Learn how to spot signs of lameness, including the use of mobility scoring, to help you identify cows that need attention.
Routine hoof trimming
Learn the 5-step Dutch method and practise it on live cattle under supervision. We explain the purpose of each step and provide feedback as you develop your technique.
Common claw problems and applying blocks
Learn to recognise common claw problems, understand the treatments covered on the course and practise applying blocks where appropriate.
Safe handling and equipment use
Develop safe working practices when handling cattle, using a trimming crush and working with hoof trimming tools.
Knife sharpening and tool care
Learn how to sharpen your trimming knives and maintain your tools so they’re ready for use.
Prevention and knowing when to seek help
We cover foot bathing and practical steps to help prevent lameness on farm. You’ll also learn to recognise when a case is beyond your experience and needs a professional trimmer or vet.
How the course is delivered
The course includes a short introductory theory session followed by two days of practical training.
You’ll work on live cattle using trimming crushes, with guidance from qualified hoof trimmers. Groups have limited numbers, giving you opportunities to practise and receive feedback.
Theory supports the practical work, helping you understand why you’re taking each step and how to apply what you’ve learned within your own herd.
What you can take back to your farm
The aim is to give you a more informed approach to everyday hoofcare: recognising cows that need attention, developing your routine trimming skills and understanding your own limits.
You’ll leave with practical experience to build on and a clearer understanding of how trimming, early detection and prevention fit into managing hoof health on your farm.
Course status
This is a practical farmer course and does not lead to a professional hoof trimming licence or the DTC diploma.
For those looking to pursue professional qualification, we offer a separate professional hoof trimming course and CPD pathway.
Before you book
The practical work is physically demanding and involves handling cattle and using trimming equipment.
If you have specific access or support needs, please contact us before booking so we can discuss arrangements.
Course dates and booking
We deliver farmer hoof trimming training in the UK and Ireland. Contact us for more information. If you’re unsure whether the course suits your experience or your farm’s needs, contact us and we’ll talk it through with you.
One-Day Sessions and Demonstrations
We also offer one-day sessions aimed at discussion groups, larger farms or companies, who want practical tips and transferable knowledge they can bring back to their own farms and customers. Please contact us directly at info@ekohoofcare.com if this is of interest to you or your company.
