Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and assess equine behaviour and catch and control equines for farriery or hoof care work.
The unit applies to individuals who are required to handle equines and use technical knowledge and skills to perform farriery or 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. Assess equine behaviours and level of education before handling | 1.1 Assess hazards in the environment and potential risks to self, others and the equine, and take steps to minimise 1.2 Identify and respond to equine behaviour using knowledge of horse behaviour, senses, and equine communication methods 1.3 Determine the level of education of the equine 1.4 Observe equine to identify factors that cause the equine’s behaviour to change 1.5 Proceed with services after considering equine behaviour and level of education and environment |
2. Identify, catch and control an equine | 2.1 Identify and isolate the equine using safe handling techniques 2.2 Use gear for catching, handling and controlling equines including personal protective equipment 2.3 Create and maintain a calm and reassuring climate for the equine following animal welfare principles 2.4 Catch, handle, and control the equine safely |
3. Control an equine during farrier or hoof care service | 3.1 Select appropriate equipment or methods to safely control the equine 3.2 Take evasive or humane corrective action to avoid personal danger 3.3 Warn others of risk when any adverse reaction from an equine is anticipated 3.4 Adopt positions and posture to avoid injury and fatigue 3.5 Take steps to shape equine behaviour to respond compliantly when handled |
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 |
Navigate the world of work | Follow workplace procedures, including workplace health and safety, and animal welfare requirements, relating to own role and work area |
Interact with others | Work cooperatively with others using clear communication techniques to support achievement of work outcomes |
Get the work done | Assemble resources and follow clearly defined practices to approach, catch, lead and handle equines safely Make decisions about safety risks and take action to control risks within own work area or role |
Sectors
Farriery (FAR)