Elements and Performance Criteria
- Examine an equine and condition of its hooves
- Observe equine gait and conformation to identify common faults and defects or signs of lameness
- Identify, select, fit and use personal protective equipment according to workplace procedures
- Use safe handling techniques and control equines in a way that reduces stress and alarm and minimises risk to the equine and handlers
- Adopt a working position that maintains the comfort and safety of the equine, the farrier and assistants
- Use appropriate tools to safely remove shoes and clean hoof of debris
- Examine the shoes and hoof and assess the wear pattern for trimming and shoeing
- Report any conditions requiring higher level treatment by a veterinarian or other specialist
- Change the shoeing plan dependent on the condition of the hooves
- Trim and prepare hooves
- Correctly identify hoof defects, trim and prepare hooves to achieve balance, level and shape without injury to equine hooves
- Monitor work to ensure hoof preparation meets quality outcomes
- Select tools needed according to equine and situational requirements to fit shoes
- Select the type and size of shoe, and modify to fit individual equine hoof
- Shape shoes to incorporate any extra functionality identified in shoeing plan
- Fit shoes and assess the need for any final adjustments
- Make final adjustments to the shape and size of the shoe
- Attach shoes and finish shoeing process
- Select suitable tools and materials for attaching and finishing the job
- Attach shoe safely, securely and in the correct position
- Finish the hoof and check the welfare of the equine
- Check correct fit of shoe by inspecting the shoe with hooves on and off the ground
- Identify any signs of lameness by walking and/or trotting the equine on firm ground
- Advise clients, carers or other specialists of actions taken and future hoof care requirements
- Maintain service records according to workplace procedures
- Dispose of waste material safely according to workplace hygiene and biosecurity procedures