The Perfect Choice: If you want the most up-to-date and innovative education on the equine foot and its hoof this course is the perfect choice. The innovative modules of study included in this AEP 1 course offer more relevant material than any onsite hoof care course that you will attend, except for our onsite practical applied equine podiatry course. Although this is a self-paced course, you are assigned a one-on-one faculty mentor.

Who should take this course? Horse owners, trimmers, farriers, chiropractors, equine body workers, saddle fitters, breeders, veterinarians, veterinarian technicians and assistants, barn managers and anyone in the equine care industry who would like to expand their current knowledge of the equine foot.

Note: No prerequisite is required. This course represents the academic portion of the school’s (Entry Level) AEP 1 diploma program (DAEP).

You will also find it beneficial if you plan on attending a farrier, trimming, bodywork, bio-mechanics, or lameness workshop now or in the future. Learn how to communicate with podiatrist, farriers and veterinarians. If you are serious about learning hoof care and becoming a professional, communication is vital to your success.
If you are going to attend one of our practical/onsite courses, signing up for this course allows you the luxury of studying ahead of time.

What will you learn: After completing this course the student will be able to

• Identify anatomy and functional anatomy of the hoof and equine digit
• Understand the veterinary terminology, vocabulary and directional terms enabling the student to communicate with others in the field and continue with self-learning exercises
• Apply visual and palpation skills to the hoof’s surface anatomy enabling a comparison of external anatomy to internal anatomy
• Distinguish and label the vital foundations, structures, and apparatus of the equine foot
• Understand and implement the “Spectrum of Usability” to accurately determine the current state of health of the equine digit (hoof/foot)
• Become empowered as a hoof care provider by learning Physiological Sequencing
• Develop your internal eye
• Know the five dimensions of balance to the horse’s benefit
• Understand how to achieve balance of the hoof to that of the internal foot for achieving health and performance
• Understand the HPT Method (trimming) and tool use within the method

Methods of Instruction and Delivery: This is a self-paced course, although you are assigned a one-on-one faculty advisor. The course is designed to be completed in less than six months; students have one year from the time of registration to complete the program. Each lesson of study is posted to our “virtual classroom”. You may begin immediately upon purchase/enrollment. Each lesson is divided into topics, including videos, PowerPoint, white papers, and exercises. Upon completion of each topic there will be a mini assignment that must be completed before moving on to the next lesson. There is also a mid-term and final exam. All lessons and quizzes are taken in real time.  The mid term and final exam are reviewed and graded by your mentor/faculty.
Hard copy of the eCourse text is available for purchase at a cost of ($29.95); Spiral bound and printed in color on quality paper, media shipping rates apply.
Please remember you do not have to finish the AEP 1 online program in advance to attend one of the Institute’s practical/hands-on applied equine podiatry workshop or course.
Note: You may attend any AEP practical course or workshop before enrolling in this course. The AEP 1 course is not a prerequisite for our onsite courses.

Course Requirements: A computer and internet access is required for students in order to access the Institute’s virtual classroom and to communicate with faculty. Access will be granted upon enrollment and establishing of the student’s profile. Students will be introduced to their mentor, who will evaluate their mid term and final exams, to help ensure their success in completing the program. The internet connection should be no less than 256K and high-speed access is preferable (cable, LAN, etc.)