The Balance Method, developed and instructed by the Midwestern Hoof Trimming School, emphasizes the precise balance of the bovine hoof's bone structure. This comprehensive four-day course features personalized instruction, combining classroom learning with practical laboratory sessions that involve trimming cadaver hooves and live cows. Each component of the course holds equal significance, equipping students with the necessary knowledge to comprehend the anatomy and functionality of bovine hooves, thereby enhancing their ability to assess every hoof they encounter.

The classroom instruction is scheduled for the first three days in the mornings, covering topics such as terminology, anatomy, trimming procedures, bone structure of bovine legs, stress factors in cattle, hoof horn production, lesion identification, and causes, and blocking and wrapping techniques. The afternoons of days one through three focus on the dissection and trimming of cadaver hooves. This hands-on experience allows students to practice on real hooves without the anxiety of making mistakes. Moreover, it provides a unique opportunity to gain insights into their work, as they can evaluate their techniques by examining the hoof after trimming. This aspect of the course distinguishes Midwestern Hoof Trimming School from other training programs, as we meticulously dissect each hoof from front to back and side to side, ensuring an even sole thickness throughout.

On the fourth day, students will engage in live cow trimming within a supportive one-on-one environment. They will have the chance to trim under my guidance while also observing a professional hoof trimmer in action within a typical setting.