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Suggested Class Sequence

What order should you take classes?

The suggested class sequence is Exploring the Equine Hoof, Hoof Wear Patterns, Beginner Trim, Intermediate Trim, Booting and Protection (coming soon), and Advanced Trim (coming soon). However, don't miss the combo class, the grad classes, the free library, and the Hoof Nerds Unite Membership!

Disclaimer

To be clear: I am not a vet, doctor, ballerina, pharmacist, or proctologist...

The information contained in this website and classes are for general information purposes only and certification if you choose to follow that pathway. The information is provided by MackinawDells2 and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website or classes for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website or classes. Through this website or classes you might link to other websites which are not under the control of Mackinaw Dells 2. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. Every effort is made to keep the website and classes up and running smoothly. However, we take no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website or classes being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.

FAQ

  • Can I do the full Certification thru the online classes? Do I have to certify?

    Yes! We are continually working to make this a complete program and have a good communication channel between students and Professional Trimmers! Absolutely not:) Ida offers the online certification path for the convenience of her students and anyone that wants to learn. If you prefer to not take the quizzes or do the homeworks - you absolutely don't have to! Just enjoy the material and learn at your own pace:)

  • Do I have to use HammerHoof for my trims?

    No, you do not. We wanted to create something that gave people options, but it is not required.

  • How long are online classes good for?

    Unless otherwise noted, all online classes are good for 1 year. Then they automatically expire from your dashboard. IF you have bought the Hoof Nerds Unite Membership, then all classes stay viable through 2027.

  • Do I need a Paypal Account to purchase a class?

    Nope! When you click on a class to purchase, you may choose the 'Pay with Credit Card or Debit Card' option. Paypal will ask for an email for your receipt, but otherwise you will be using a credit card to purchase.

  • What is the class progression and are there any prerequisites?

    The best ordering of classes: 1) Exploring the Equine Hoof - must be taken first 2) Beginner Trim - first of the 'trimming' classes and must be taken before Intermediate and Advanced 3) Hoof Wear Patterns - goes nicely after Beginner and before Intermediate 4) Intermediate - must be taken after Beginner Trim and before Advanced 5) 3 Day Hoof Protection class - should be taken before Advanced 6) Advanced Trim - you will need 25 trims before this class, if you haven't yet completed the trims BEFORE completion of this class, you can certify as a Fellow, not a Professional. This designation will switch over after satisfactory completion.

  • How much is the 8day core class certification series?

    The classes themselves are $1650, plus your tools and equipment.

  • Is there suggested reading?

    Yes! So glad you asked:) The Essential Hoof, Care and Rehabilitation of the Equine Foot, and I do have my handbook out now. If you want more reading, let me suggest joining our Hoof Nerds Membership and Community.

  • Do you need prior experience to become a trimmer?

    It is always helpful having horse experience, but it is not 'required.' You do need a willingness to learn, AND KEEP LEARNING, get dirty, have some grit in your soul and starch in your pants. It is not an easy occupation, it will keep you humble, but also incredibly grateful. There are a lot of equines to help in this world and there is always room for another good trimmer:) Oh, we also suggest a sense of humor!

  • Can you mix online and in-person classes?

    Absolutely! Most of our students take both!

Media Grab

Ida Hammer


Ida Hammer is the creator and owner of MackinawDells 2 Whole Horse Hoof Care, founded in 2009. She has taught over two thousand people around the globe about hoof care and personally trimmed over 200,000 hooves, making her one of the most experienced trimmers and equine educators in the world. She has been a member and instructor for the AANHCP and the AHA, and is a current member and mentor for the PHCP.

 Ida's classes, available online and in-person, are based on her own vast experience and learning from other equine professionals such as Dr. Deb Taylor, Dr. Bowker, Pete Ramey, Ray Hunt, Jillian Kreinbring, Dr. Kerry Ridgeway, Deb Davies, and so many more. Ida believes to be a true student of the horse, you never stop learning and growing, and her educational material reflects that hunger to know.  

Ida has exercised horses on the track, enjoyed competitive trail rides, trained horses, loved mounted shooting, and has been blessed to have horses with her partner, Ada, for many years. When two of their heart horses were diagnosed as hopeless navicular cases in 1992 and again in 2004, Ida decided to dedicate her life to making the world a better place for horses and the humans who love them.

What could have been a senseless tragedy, instead birthed Mackinaw Dells 2 Whole Horse Hoof Care. There are now over 100 certified trimmers from Ida's program and that number is growing every year to serve more horses. The online classes and revolutionary educational tools have made it possible for people to learn to trim all over the world. Ida is also working on her new book that will be released March 2022. 

Ida currently trims 20-30 head a week to keep her hand in the game, and is now focusing on sharing information and teaching future trimmers, horse professionals, and fellow HoofNerds:) 

All for the love of the horse.

Ida's website with more information and in-person class information is: www.mackinawdells2.com



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