Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to make shoeing plans for ae equine and contribute to the maintenance of equine health and wellbeing by applying disease and infection containment to their lower legs and feet.
The unit applies to individuals who use specialised knowledge and technical skills to perform farriery services across different equine industry sectors.
No occupational licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Work health and safety and animal welfare legislation relevant to interacting with horses applies to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and state/territory jurisdictions. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority for specific requirements.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify features of equine anatomy relevant to farriery services | 1.1 Identify the features and biomechanical functions of the lower limb and foot that apply to farriery 1.2 Compare differences between ideal and problematic feet and describe their impact on shoeing needs 1.3 Identify the general principles of foot care for equines 1.4 Recognise the symptoms of foot malformation, injury and disease |
2. Determine the shoeing requirements and a foot care program | 2.1 Determine the type of work done by the equine according to its gait, conformation and way-of-going 2.2 Use safe zones and handling techniques when observing and examining equines 2.3 Examine the wear patterns of existing shoes and determine the condition of feet 2.4 Report foot or hoof malformation, injury or disease to carer or owner 2.5 Discuss the foot care and shoeing plan and get agreement on a proposed course of action 2.6 Advise on routine and preventative hoof care and undertake agreed actions 2.7 Maintain records on each equine according to workplace practices |
3. Provide non-veterinarian equine health care | 3.1 Identify symptoms of common equine ailments 3.2 Take appropriate action when malformation, injury or disease are suspected 3.3 Advise on, or apply, non-veterinarian treatments 3.4 Seek advice from, and refer to, a veterinarian or other specialist where specialist treatment is required |
4. Apply disease and infection containment procedures | 4.1 Demonstrate isolation and quarantine strategies for infection control 4.2 Follow defined procedures for notifiable diseases and biosecurity maintenance 4.3 Dispose of waste material safely according to workplace hygiene and biosecurity procedures |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Writing | Record specifications and shoe plans for individual equines accurately in workplace documentation |
Numeracy | Use measuring devices and take measurements accurately |
Oral communication | Use clear language, accurate concepts and industry terminology to ensure clarity of meaning when reporting and requesting information |
Navigate the world of work | Take responsibility for adherence to workplace procedures and codes of practice, including safety, animal welfare and biosecurity requirements, relating to own role and work area |
Interact with others | Follow accepted communication practices and protocols for reporting information to clients and specialists |
Get the work done | Observe and examine equines, using safe handling techniques, to determine foot and shoe care requirements |
Sectors
Farriery (FAR)