Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to fit shoes to equines that exhibit a range of common faults and defects where the level of assessment and remedial technique is regarded as moderate. It includes the shaping, fitting and modification of shoes, including shoes to ease break over, sole relief and various forms of clip placement
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 shoeing needs of individual equines | 1.1 Handle equines to reduce stress and alarm, monitor behaviour to eliminate risks to equine or handlers, and use restraints according to workplace practices 1.2 Observe gait and conformation, including trotting the equine to identify any signs of lameness 1.3 Observe and identify moderate faults and defects that may be alleviated 1.4 Adopt a working position that maintains comfort of the equine and ensures comfort and personal safety 1.5 Use appropriate tools to remove shoes, ensuring no damage is caused to the feet 1.6 Clean feet of foreign bodies to facilitate examination of the hoof 1.7 Examine the shoe and assess implications of the wear pattern 1.8 Report any conditions requiring higher-level treatment by a veterinarian or other specialist 1.9 Amend the shoeing plan, taking into account conditions of the feet not previously identifiable |
2. Trim and prepare feet | 2.1 Use shoeing tools to trim and prepare feet to achieve balance, level and shape, and to correct any identified foot defects 2.2 Conduct trimming operations without injury to equine feet 2.3 Check work while in progress and on completion to ensure quality outcomes of foot preparation have been achieved |
3. Fit shoes | 3.1 Select correct type, material and size of shoes, and make modifications according to shoeing plan 3.2 Select suitable tools to fit shoes 3.3 Shape selected shoes to incorporate any ancillary features as determined by the shoeing plan 3.4 Fit shoes to fore and hind feet and assess the need for any final adjustments 3.5 Make final adjustments to the shape and size of the shoe and any ancillary features to achieve correct fit |
4. Attach shoes and finish shoeing process | 4.1 Select suitable tools and nails for attaching and clenching shoes 4.2 Attach the shoe safely, securely and in the correct position 4.3 Finish the hoof using clenching process, and assess the finished job and welfare of the equine 4.4 Trot and/or walk the equine to identify any signs of lameness 4.5 Inform the responsible person of farriery procedures completed, and advise on future foot care requirements and the welfare of the equine 4.6 Update records of service according to workplace practices |
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 |
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 using industry-standard terminology and concepts suitable for audience |
Get the work done | Observe and examine equines, using safe handling techniques, to determine foot and shoe care requirements Plan, sequence and prioritise tasks and assemble equipment to make shoes to meet specific requirements of equines |
Sectors
Farriery (FAR)