Elements and Performance Criteria
- Identify features of equine anatomy relevant to farriery services
- Identify the anatomical features and basic biomechanical functions of the equine lower limb and hoof
- Compare differences between ideal and problematic hooves and describe their impact on hoof protection needs
- Identify the general principles of hoof care for equines
- Recognise the symptoms of hoof malformation, injury, excessive wear and disease
- Determine the hoof protection requirements and a hoof care program
- Determine the type of work undertaken by equines through questioning carers and assess any special needs according to their natural gait and conformation
- Apply workplace health and safety procedures and safe work practices to the selection of personal protective equipment to suit the situation
- Use safe zones and handling techniques when observing and examining equines
- Examine the wear patterns of existing shoes, other hoof protection or hooves and determine the condition of hooves
- Report hoof malformation, injury or disease to carer or owner
- Discuss the hoof care and hoof protection plan and get agreement on a proposed course of action
- Advise on routine and preventative hoof care and undertake agreed actions
- Maintain records on each equine according to workplace practices
- Provide non-veterinarian equine health care
- Identify signs of common equine ailments
- Take appropriate action when malformation, injury or disease are suspected
- Advise on, or apply, non-veterinarian treatments within scope of practice
- Seek advice from, and refer to, a registered veterinarian or other equine professional where specialist treatment is required
- Apply disease and infection containment procedures