Elements and Performance Criteria
- Determine special needs of individual equines
- Identify hoof defects or conformation problems that may be fixed or alleviated by a farrier
- Determine the types of remedial, orthopaedic or therapeutic shoes or modifications, or hoof protection that may fix or alleviate the problem
- Identify potential problems that can be remedied by a farrier
- Determine the hoof care needs of foals and young equines
- Report conditions requiring higher-level investigation or treatment to other farriers, veterinarians or equine professionals
- Arrange remedial actions
- Review equine symptoms and diagnostic images in consultation with the veterinarian
- Determine course of action and establish treatment regimen in consultation with a veterinarian and/or other equine professional
- Discuss and assess the implications of proposed actions
- Fabricate or modify remedial or orthopaedic and therapeutic shoes and/or other hoof protection products
- Trim and repair hooves
- Handle equines safely and select personal protective equipment according to safe work practices, and monitor behaviour to reduce risks to equine, handlers and self
- Trim and prepare hooves in a safe manner without injury to equine
- Identify and perform hoof reconstruction procedures according to hoof care plan developed in consultation with veterinarian
- Check work to ensure hoof preparation meets quality outcomes
- Fit remedial shoes and/or hoof protection
- Select tools, equipment and materials required for fitting remedial shoes and/or other hoof protection
- Shape, fit and/or adjust remedial shoes and/or other hoof protection according to plan
- Fit remedial shoes and/or other hoof protection to fore and hind feet and assess the need for any final adjustments
- Make final adjustments to the shape and size of the remedial shoes and/or other hoof protection
- Monitor risks and maintain safety of equine, self and others throughout the procedure
- Attach shoes or hoof protection and finish shoeing process
- Select tools and materials suitable for attaching and clenching shoes or securing other hoof protection
- Attach shoe and/or other hoof protection safely, securely and in the correct position
- Finish the hoof and assess the finished job and the welfare of the equine
- Identify any signs of lameness by trotting the equine in a safe manner
- Advise of actions taken and future hoof care requirements
- Maintain service records according to workplace practices