Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners is holding an Advanced Anatomy and Radiographs clinic Nov. 15-16, 2025, in Bristol, Tenn. The clinician is Lorie Fleenor.

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 2 to 4 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 techniques 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 attend Day 1 of this clinic.

We will use the assessment techniques learned in the advanced anatomy clinic to make trimming decisions. We will do a basic introduction to reading radiographs before we begin the exercise. Feet will be radiographed prior to trimming. Using this information, 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.

Accommodations

I highly recommend staying in downtown Bristol for the best food and entertainment options. However, there is a B&B big enough for people to share across the fence from my farm (walking distance to my shop). There are also cheaper hotel options 20 minutes away with food close by. Three options on West State Street, Bristol, Tenn., and two options on Linden Drive, Bristol, Va.

Travel

People should consider flying into TRI airport and be prepared to rent a car. We are in the country, so Uber will be expensive or unrealistic.

Start time is 9 a.m. each day and we will finish up between 4-5 p.m.

Lorie Fleenor, PHCP practitioner, mentor and clinician, is an 8th-generation farmer in Bristol, Tenn. Knowledge of animal welfare has always been a priority for Lorie, and whole horse hoof care has been her passion since she first learned to trim in 2007. She continues her education so that she can better help people and horses find a pathway to health and happy trails. Each year, Lorie hosts multiple clinics at her ranch for riding and hoof care, and is very active in her local horse community. Her husband and two children help her on the farm where they run a 265-head cattle operation, board and care for 75 horses, teach riding, and offer training services. She serves clients in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. She has a huge variety of horses, hooves, and pathologies on her farm. The horses live out 24/7 in herds on hilly pastures, so it’s fun to watch rehab and healthy hooves happen as new horses come in! As we all know, diet, exercise and the trim go hand in hand!

Lorie can be contacted at Magna Vista Farm in Bristol, Tenn.

Sign up

Day 1, Advanced Anatomy and Morphology, may be purchased and attended on its own. To attend day 2, Radiograph Guided Trimming and Dissection, you must attend day 1.

Certified Practitioners auditing will receive 4 CE  credits per day.

Cancellations made one month in advance of the clinic start date will receive a full refund. Between a month out and two weeks in advance of the clinic, cancellations will receive a 50% refund.

If the clinic is cancelled for any reason the student will receive a full refund. Purchasing refundable airline tickets is recommended.