Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare the hooves of an equine to address particular needs and fabricate and apply an appropriate action (shoe or hoof protection) to alleviate problems.
The unit applies to individuals who have experience handling equines and who use specialised knowledge and technical skills to perform farriery 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. Determine special needs of individual equines | 1.1 Identify hoof defects or conformation problems that may be fixed or alleviated by a farrier 1.2 Determine the types of remedial, orthopaedic or therapeutic shoes or modifications, or hoof protection that may fix or alleviate the problem 1.3 Identify potential problems that can be remedied by a farrier 1.4 Determine the hoof care needs of foals and young equines 1.5 Report conditions requiring higher-level investigation or treatment to other farriers, veterinarians or equine professionals |
2. Arrange remedial actions | 2.1 Review equine symptoms and diagnostic images in consultation with the veterinarian 2.2 Determine course of action and establish treatment regimen in consultation with a veterinarian and/or other equine professional 2.3 Discuss and assess the implications of proposed actions 2.4 Fabricate or modify remedial or orthopaedic and therapeutic shoes and/or other hoof protection products |
3. Trim and repair hooves | 3.1 Handle equines safely and select personal protective equipment according to safe work practices, and monitor behaviour to reduce risks to equine, handlers and self 3.2 Trim and prepare hooves in a safe manner without injury to equine 3.3 Identify and perform hoof reconstruction procedures according to hoof care plan developed in consultation with veterinarian 3.4 Check work to ensure hoof preparation meets quality outcomes |
4.Fit remedial shoes and/or hoof protection | 4.1 Select tools, equipment and materials required for fitting remedial shoes and/or other hoof protection 4.2 Shape, fit and/or adjust remedial shoes and/or other hoof protection according to plan 4.3 Fit remedial shoes and/or other hoof protection to fore and hind feet and assess the need for any final adjustments 4.4 Make final adjustments to the shape and size of the remedial shoes and/or other hoof protection 4.5 Monitor risks and maintain safety of equine, self and others throughout the procedure |
5. Attach shoes or hoof protection and finish shoeing process | 5.1 Select tools and materials suitable for attaching and clenching shoes or securing other hoof protection 5.2 Attach shoe and/or other hoof protection safely, securely and in the correct position 5.3 Finish the hoof and assess the finished job and the welfare of the equine 5.4 Identify any signs of lameness by trotting the equine in a safe manner 5.5 Advise of actions taken and future hoof care requirements 5.6 Maintain service records 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 |
Reading | Interpret key information in instructions relevant to addressing special shoeing and hoof care needs of equines |
Writing | Record specifications and hoof plans for individual equines with special needs 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 and industry requirements, including safety, animal welfare and infection control and biosecurity, relating to own role and work area |
Interact with others | Work as part of a team with other professionals, including veterinarians Follow accepted communication practices and protocols for reporting information to clients and equine professionals |
Get the work done | Observe and examine equines systematically using structured problem-solving processes to determine requirements to meet their special needs Assess quality of outcomes to prepare future hoof care plans and advice |
Sectors
Farriery (FAR)