Northern Maine Community College is offering an eight-week course to train professional farriers. The class, which will run Sept. 4 to Oct. 26, comes on the heels of a successful workshop in equine hoof care hosted by the college this spring.

With the backing of Gene Ovnicek and the Equine Lameness Prevention Organization, instructor Bob Solman, a certified natural balance farrier, will guide students through whole horse anatomy and foot function, how to evaluate the horse’s movement, and foot mapping to recognize distortions, complete maintenance of barefoot horses, as well as prep and application of standard and natural balance shoes.

In addition to introductory coursework and hands-on basic forge work, participants will focus on the recognition of common lameness issues and how to treat minor pathologies, how to render first aid treatment to laminitic and foundered horses and develop a firm understanding of newfound abilities and limitations relating to hoof care.

Tuition for the course is $5,775, and NMCC is also offering an on-campus room-and-board package. Financial loan packages are available. Enrollment is planned for only six students.

For information or to register, call Leah Buck at 768-2768 or e-mail lbuck@nmcc.edu. Details can be found at www.nmcc.edu.