Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to select and safely fit hoof protection boots and products for equines with healthy hooves or presenting with common abnormalities, injuries or pathologies. It does not apply to products that are nailed on.
The unit applies to individuals who use technical knowledge and skills to perform hoof care services across different equine industry sectors.
Workplace 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.
No occupational licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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. Examine condition equine feet | 1.1 Observe equine gait and conformation to identify common abnormalities, defects or signs of lameness 1.2 Identify, fit and use personal protective equipment according to health and safety in the workplace procedures 1.3 Use safe handling techniques to control equines in a way that reduces stress and alarm and minimises risks to the equine and handlers 1.4 Adopt a working position that maintains the comfort and safety of the equine and handlers 1.5 Use appropriate tools to safely remove shoes or hoof boots and clean hoof of debris 1.6 Discuss equine work activity and environmental conditions with client or carer 1.7 Refer conditions requiring higher level treatment to a veterinarian or other specialist 1.8 Review the hoof care plan and make amendments to it if the condition of the hooves warrants |
2. Trim and prepare hooves | 2.1 Trim and prepare hooves to achieve balance and shape without injury to the equine 2.2 Monitor work to ensure hoof preparation meets quality outcomes |
3. Select and fit hoof boots and related products | 3.1 Measure length and width and consider shape of hoof in selecting the most appropriate boot for individual equine and activity 3.2 Select equipment needed to fit hoof boots and associated products 3.3 Incorporate any extra protection or functionality identified in hoof care plan 3.4 Fit and secure boots safely and assess balance and the need for any final adjustments 3.5 Make final adjustments to the boot and check the welfare of equine |
4. Finalise hoof boot fitting process | 4.1 Check correct fit of boot by inspecting the boot with equine feet on and off the ground and trotting the equine 4.2 Identify any signs of lameness by walking and/or trotting the equine 4.3 Demonstrate boot fitting to clients or carers and provide instructions on how to adjust and care for boots 4.4 Maintain service records according to workplace procedures 4.5 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 hoof specifications accurately for individual equines in workplace documentation |
Numeracy | Use measuring devices and take measurements accurately |
Navigate the world of work | Take responsibility for adherence to workplace health and safety, animal welfare and infection control requirements, relating to own role and work area |
Interact with others | Follow accepted communication practices and protocols for reporting information to clients and carers using industry-standard terminology and concepts suitable for audience |
Get the work done | Observe and examine equines, using safe handling techniques, to determine hoof boot and protection requirements Plan, sequence and prioritise tasks and assemble equipment to meet specific hoof protection requirements of equines |
Sectors
Farriery (FAR)