SURE FOOT Practitioners are equine professionals who have completed the training to become an Authorized SURE FOOT Equine Stability Program Practitioner.
There are four levels of Authorized SURE FOOT Practitioners. Along with the authorizations for the preceding level, each HOOF requires additional training.
See forms below for applying to become a 1 HOOF Practitioner and for hosting a Practitioner Workshop.
Some of the requirements for each level are listed below. Please note that this is not a complete list. A Level of Proficiency document will be sent to applicants upon acceptance of the application.
Hoof Levels:
1 HOOF - May give private SURE FOOT Equine sessions
1 HOOF–entry-level prerequisites:
- Currently an Equine Professional (Trainer, Trimmer, Farrier, Veterinarian, Tellington TTouch, Practitioner, Masterson Method Practitioner, etc.).
- Attend a two-day SURE FOOT Practitioner Workshop
- Demonstrate the following:
- Safe practices for people and horses
- An understanding of the SURE FOOT Equine Stability Program
- Allow the horse to choose
- The ability to discuss SURE FOOT to others
- Ability to observe and describe changes seen in the horses
- Agree only use Murdoch Method SURE FOOT products
- Submit 6 case studies
- Approval by Wendy Murdoch and/or 4 Hoof Trainer
1 HOOF Professionals are authorized to:
- Give private lessons using SURE FOOT Equine Stability Program and SURE FOOT Pads
- Use the SURE FOOT Logo
- Listed on Murdoch Method, LLC website
2 HOOF - May give demos to small groups and offer SURE FOOT Pad Parties
2 HOOF– prerequisites:
- Completed 1 Hoof prerequisites
- Agree to requirements in the previous level
- Attend at least 2 SURE FOOT Professional Workshops
- Shadowing at least one SURE FOOT demonstration
- Submit case studies
- Approval by Wendy Murdoch
2 HOOF Professionals are authorized to:
- Private lessons using SURE FOOT
- Give SURE FOOT Pad Parties (see definitions below)
3 HOOF - Teach SURE FOOT Equine Stability Program clinics for the public
3 HOOF– prerequisites:
- Completed 2 Hooves prerequisites
- Attend at least three SURE FOOT Professionals Workshops
- Shadow at least three SURE FOOT Demos
- Shadowing at least two SURE FOOT clinics
- Submit case studies
- Approval by Wendy Murdoch
3 HOOF Professionals are authorized to:
- Private lessons using SURE FOOT
- SURE FOOT clinics (see definitions below)
4 HOOF - Train other Equine Professionals to be SURE FOOT Equine Stability Program, Practitioners
4 HOOF– prerequisites:
- Completed 3 Hooves prerequisites
- Attend at least four SURE FOOT Practitioner Workshops
- Assist at least one SURE FOOT clinic with a 4 Hoof
- Assist at least one SURE FOOT Practitioner Workshop
- Submit case studies
- Approval by Wendy Murdoch
4 HOOF Professionals are authorized to:
- Private lessons using SURE FOOT
- SURE FOOT demonstrations
- SURE FOOT clinics
- SURE FOOT professionals workshops (see definitions below)
Definitions:
SURE FOOT Private lessons:
The practitioner uses the SURE FOOT Equine Stability Program with a client on an individual basis. Preferably the Practitioner will train the client on how to use SURE FOOT with her horse so that she can continue the Program between Practitioner visits.
SURE FOOT Pad Party:
(1 – 3 hours) Horse owners bring their horse to learn about the SURE FOOT Program and experience how their horse responds to SURE FOOT. This is a low-key event with only the owners and horses present. This is not a demonstration although people may observe. The focus is on the individual horse and owner, not the audience. The number of horses in the arena at one time will depend on the space available and the number of SURE FOOT Practitioners present.
Typically, there are only one to two horses at a time in the arena so that the Practitioner is able to work with and observe how the horses are responding as well as show the owners how to use SURE FOOT pads.
SURE FOOT Demonstration:
The Practitioner demonstrates the use of the Program and pads to an audience. The audience observes the demo but does not participate.
Typically, 1 – 2 hours, the Practitioner will use approximately 2 – 4 horses either unmounted or under saddle with the owner or designated handler present in the arena with the horse.
SURE FOOT Equine Stability Program Clinics:
(1-2 days) Open to the public clinics are typically two days with unmounted and mounted sessions in order to see the change that occurs overnight. Often one horse is used as a demonstration and then two horses are in the arena at a time with a support person (rider or handler). Auditors are allowed.
The benefit of a two-day clinic is to see the changes that occur overnight and continue the process the next day. In some cases, SURE FOOT clinics may include riding instruction (Centered Riding, Connected Riding) or evaluation by the SURE FOOT Professional using approved techniques, such as Tellington TTouch, Masterson Method. Prior approval is required for listing the techniques the 3 Hoof Practitioner wishes to include and must be clearly stated in the marketing if it’s a clinic combining different techniques i.e. “SURE FOOT/TTouch Clinic”.
SURE FOOT Equine Practitioner Workshop:
(2 days) For equine professionals who wish to learn more about SURE FOOT and incorporate the Program into their work. Two-day workshops are a prerequisite for becoming a SURE FOOT Professional and/or moving up the levels.