LAMENESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
One day workshop
Course outline
This workshop is designed to give students an overview of issues relating to lameness management and introduce them to the 5-step trimming process.
The workshop has 5 on-line learning modules totalling 90 minutes which must be completed before the practical trimming day. On the day of the workshop you will need to bring your gumboots, overalls, clothing suitable for the weather and your lunch.
Another Option:
GROUP DAYS – are catered to a farm/community where the farm/farm group organises the students to attend and the Dairy Hoofcare Institute delivers the training.
Group days options are available with the following costings (*conditions apply):
- Group of up to 8: $3240 + gst ($405 + gst pp)
- Group of up to 10: $3850 + gst ($385 + gst pp)
If this is an option you are interested in please phone 03 662 8015 or complete the Group day enquiry form below the references.
Certificate will be issued on full completion of online modules and full attendance at the practical workshop.
What you will learn
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Anatomy and function of the hoof
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Animal management and its impact on lameness
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Safe trimming techniques
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Hoof trimming according to the 5-Step Process
5 Step Trimming Process - click to download
Costs and location
Location: On-Farm (Location to be confirmed in the week prior to the workshop)
Time: 9am – 3pm (one day only)
Free Course Textbook: “Foot Care in Cattle”
Cost: $435 + GST
Please note:
- Course Fee: 100% payable in advance to secure booking. Substitute participants will be accepted. For no-shows no refund will be provided.
- For attendees to receive their certificate of attendance, they must attend the full duration of the workshop/courses between the hours stated.
- *Group Days will be invoiced as one fixed price – either group of 8 or 10.
This workshop has been developed and presented over many years by DHINZ
founder, Fred Hoekstra, who is NZ’s only fully qualified Hoof Trimming
training instructor.
That’s why, we provide all of our students with a 100% ‘Satisfaction Guarantee’ that they will improve their skills immediately, saving you a small fortune with lost productivity etc.
You’ll also learn hoof trimming techniques that are guaranteed to save you time and physical stress – and of course increase your productivity with this demanding work.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries on
03 662 8015.
Full payment is required prior to the date of the workshop.
Workshop dates & locations:
Events listed below highlighted green, are available for immediate booking. For events highlighted in blue, you can register your interest now, and we will be personally in touch with you as the farm locations and dates within your region are confirmed.
To book, click the day and location of your choice and follow the prompts.
October 2026
November 2026
December 2026
January 2027
What others gained from this one day workshop
“Brilliant, Fred really got me thinking more logically and I found it very interesting. Went home with better trimming skills, whole new view on stones and more confident in the anatomy. I’m glad we focused more on preventing lameness/trimming well but I’d have loved to see Fred take on some really bad feet to see how he attacks them. The day also has left me with a huge amount of information I can use to improve the farm and cow wellbeing. Thoroughly Enjoyed.”
– Katie Barrett
It was an experience I’ll never forget, to learn the logical reasons behind lameness instead of aimlessly blaming “Stones”. Fred took the time to properly explain and teach his techniques to all of us, making it easy and simple for us to learn.
It was an awesome and fun day of hoof trimming, Fred is the man!
– Laeqwon Gurnick
Great experience to gain hands-on knowledge and skills for hoot trimming. Wonderful discussions that challenged my developing prior knowledge when it comes to hoof issues and lameness problems. I look forward to continuing to practice these skills gained
– Grace Adams
“It was a great experience, with very clear information on the online modules and the practice was really productive. I finally understood the cause of lameness in cows and I did enjoy working with the guys and the teacher.”
– Simon Restrepo, Ashburton
“As a total beginner to hoof trimming, the deliverance of knowledge from the modules and Fred in person was exceptional. Thank you for a great day. Looking forward to putting it all into practice. Highly recommend.”
– Julie Robinson, Gore
“Fred taught our class a lot in the one day course and doesn’t hesitate to explain any questions in great detail. Highly recommend it to anyone to do. Will be doing a refresher next time he’s in North Island.
DHI is polite and easy to deal with. They are happy to help with any issues over the phone after the course is completed. The best course and enjoyed a lot.”
– Scott Bonk, Tirau
My husband and I attended a one-day seminar with DHI and we simply expected to learn a few tips to better our trimming knowledge. But what we went home with was so much more! Fred challenged us to think outside the box of what we believed to be the causes of lameness and opened our minds to consider the cows’ health as a whole, including her environment, diet and state of mind if you will.
Since we have implemented some changes suggested by Fred we’ve seen our lameness decrease, a lot! We will be back, and we look forward to it!
– Mel, Patea
It is a really good way to learn all of the things that contribute to lameness and it is explained very well. It also helps to be able to do the practical section and know that someone is there to guide you.
– Margot, Gore
You have no idea how lameness works – do the course. It will change your mind!
– Johan, Morrinsville
Very good, I like Fred’s view on feeding and the health of the hoof.
– Kieryn, Otautau
Fill in the enquiry form below to find out more about Group day options
Meet your instructor
Fred Hoekstra is widely known throughout New Zealand for his skill and experience in hoof trimming and for his ability to train others in this crucial aspect of farm management.
Originally from Friesland, Holland, Fred moved out to NZ in 1990 to work on dairy farms but quickly realized that there was an opportunity for raising the standard of Hoof care so returned to Holland, gained his Diploma in Hoof Care from PTC Oenkerk, returning to start his own business.
Fred is passionate about lameness and related issues, and gained his Instructors Diploma in 2011. He is enthusiastic about extending the availability of hoof care training workshops nationwide. He is keen to conduct further research into lameness treatment and the benefits of preventative hoof care.
For the past few years, he has also presented a 2 day course for final year vet students at Massey University on the theory and practice of hoof trimming as part of their ‘Bovine Procedures Special Topic’.
