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Uniting hoof care practitioners maple leaf decorative graphic

Standardizing excellence in hoof care.

Our practitioners strive to promote and educate about the importance of a wholistic view of equine podiatry, including an understanding of hoof function, new trimming techniques and how changes in equine management, diet and husbandry promote healing and soundness for the hooves and the whole equine, as well as promoting the practice of maintaining healthy hooves with flexible protection.

In January 2021, a small group of barefoot trimmers got together to chat about a few needs each saw in the trimming industry in their provinces. At the end of this informal meeting a decision was made to rise to the occasion, bring more trimmers to the table, and create some guidelines for the profession. It took about six months of weekly meetings with trimmers across the country to create a “codex” for the practice and standards of the profession.

The CEHCA codex reflects the work that is being done in other fields of animal health care, with the goal of creating a clear set of standards for the benefit of professionals, animal owners, and of course, the horses themselves.

CEHCA operates as a registered not-for-profit association uniting its members in an ongoing quest for personal and industry-wide development. We invite you to join us in creating a professional, pan-Canadian community.

Why become a member? maple leaf decorative graphic

What it means to be a member

The CEHCA community is here to support one another through our professional network, where members can connect on a regular basis. Whether you are in search of insight on a hoof care case, or just want to stay up to date regarding upcoming clinics and workshops, every member is welcome to reach out through the membership. Networking with fellow trimmers in your area offers additional resources. Certified mentors are also available to support you with your tough cases.

Just a few of the many good reasons for professional practitioners to become CEHCA members :

  • To be part of a growing movement to professionalize our trade
  • To be a part of a professional community and get support from your colleagues.
  • To be invited to special professional development events.

Visit the membership page for details about how to join.

Recent updates maple leaf decorative graphic

Below the Surface: A hoof trim as a covert assessment of mobility

Trimming day for your horse can be more than just a day where their hooves get taken care of, it can also be a good gauge to check in on your horse’s mobility in a routine way.

19 February 2024 / Read more

Dealing with winter laminitis

Winter Laminitis is a condition we hear more and more about each year.
Why is it happening? who are the horses that are susceptible to this condition and how we can prevent it?
Here is more information to explain winter Laminitis and some references at the end for more documentation.

10 January 2024 / Read more

Evolution in Whole Horse Soundness conference wrap-up

Thank you to all who attended the Canadian Equine Hoof Care Association’s very first conference, and helped make it a big success! It was a joy to be able to meet and catch up with everyone in person. The diversity amongst the attendees spoke to how much the equine community as a whole values education. We welcomed barefoot trimmers, farriers, body workers, veterinarians, dentists, horse owners, students and more into an atmosphere of collaboration and learning.

14 October 2023 / Read more