Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners are hosting an advanced anatomy and radiographs clinic June 21-22, 2025, in Erie, Colo. Philip Himanka is the clinician.

Day 1  – Advanced Anatomy and Morphology

Dissection and exploration of the internal and external structures of the foot.

We will start with a short review of anatomy; however, participants will benefit greatly from having a basic understanding of the internal and external structures of the foot prior to attending.

The dissection will be led by the instructor, but students will be hands-on in helping with the different stages of the dissection. We will pick two to four hooves that have different morphologies. The number of hooves we dissect may vary depending on what we find and how long we spend with each one. We will compare the differences between healthy and unhealthy structures in each foot. We will learn how to visualize where our internal structures are positioned by reading external landmarks.

Examples of common pathologies we will see may include deep sulcus thrush affecting the frog corium, stretched weak lamina, white line infection, wall cracks, P3 remodeling that is visible externally, wall delamination, abscesses, and thin soles.

Participants will go home with the following abilities to:

• Assess the health of the soft tissue structures in the back of the foot (digital cushion, lateral cartilages, frog corium).
• Assess and accurately estimate sole depth and medio-lateral balance.
• Assess palmar/plantar angles.
• Pinpoint the center of rotation of the coffin joint.
• Assess P3 position in relation to toe length.
• Read wear and loading patterns in untrimmed feet. We will speculate on whether the wear we see is static (postural) vs dynamic (created during movement).

Day 2 – Radiograph Guided Trimming and Dissection

To participate in Day 2, you must have attended Day 1 of this clinic.

We will use the assessment techniques learned on Day 1 – Advanced Anatomy to make trimming decisions. We will do a basic intro to reading radiographs before we begin the exercise. Feet will be radiographed prior to trimming. We will be able to critically assess how our trim impacts the position of the hoof capsule in relation to the bony column. Each participant will then complete a self-guided dissection/exploration of their foot.

What to Bring

If possible, students should bring their own tools (gloves, apron, nippers, rasp, knife, hoof pick, and stand), but we will have some to share.

If you have a cadaver leg of your own you would like to dissect with us, please let us know and bring it along.

Please bring lunch to eat on location. There are plenty of places to pick up prepared food in the area ahead of time. We will take an hour lunch break from 12-1.

Accommodations

Erie is a cute little town and the clinic is located north. Nearby hotels (Longmont, Lafayette, Boulder), grocery shopping, and restaurants. Depending on your preferences and budget. Some students have found really sweet places to stay on Airbnb.

Travel

Denver International Airport is about a 30-minute drive. Use Google Maps for directions. Apple Maps won’t quite get you there.

Most times, it’s cheaper to rent a car than Uber or Lyft. I encourage folks to coordinate with other clinic attendees for car rentals and hotels if you’d like to save money. If you would like to explore this option, text me at 858-882-7209 and I will help put you in touch with other attendees who are also interested in sharing. There is enough parking in the back. Closer to the date, I will email maps, weather forecast and more information.

Start time is 9 am each day and we’ll finish up at 5 pm.

Philip Himanka is a PHCP-certified practitioner, mentor and clinician. He also has the APF-I certification with the International Association of Professional Farriers.  He has been applying glue-on hoof protection for over 10 years, has 2500+ trims on his books each year and has extensive rehabilitation experience. “I try to learn every day from every horse. I love to teach and help prospective practitioners to be successful.” Philip owns and operates Not Only Barefoot in Erie, Colo. This clinic fulfills the PHCP radiograph requirement for students enrolled in the training program.

*This event is approved for 16 CE credits with the IAPF.