Elements and Performance Criteria
- Identify the anatomical components of the horse of specific relevance to farriers
- Basic features of horse anatomy are specified, in particular anatomical features of the lower limb and foot of the horse.
- Basic functions of the foot with specific applicability to farriery are identified, in particular biomechanical functions of components of the lower limb and foot.
- Differences between ideal and undesirable feet in determining shoeing needs are identified.
- General principles of foot care for horses are identified, and specifically symptoms of malformation, injury and disease of the foot.
- Develop an appropriate foot care and shoeing program for the horse
- Type of work to be done by the horse is appraised, with reference to its gait, conformation and way of going.
- An examination of the feet and of wear patterns of existing shoes is conducted in order to assess thecondition of the feet.
- Personal responsibilities of the farrier are identified under relevant legislation and codes of practice.
- Relevant features of the horse and its health are reported to the owner, and to a veterinarian, as applicable.
- Agreement on foot care and shoeing plan is discussed with, and obtained from, the owner or person in charge of the horse.
- Advice on routine and preventative hoof care is provided, and applied.
- Records on each horse are maintained as required by the enterprise.
- Provide non-veterinarian horse health care under routine circumstances
- Apply disease and ailment prevention procedures to single or groups of horses