Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to make hoof care and hoof protection plans for an equine and contribute to the maintenance of equine health and wellbeing by applying protection appropriate for its needs.
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. Identify features of equine anatomy relevant to farriery services | 1.1 Identify the anatomical features and basic biomechanical functions of the equine lower limb and hoof 1.2 Compare differences between ideal and problematic hooves and describe their impact on hoof protection needs 1.3 Identify the general principles of hoof care for equines 1.4 Recognise the symptoms of hoof malformation, injury, excessive wear and disease |
2. Determine the hoof protection requirements and a hoof care program | 2.1 Determine the type of work undertaken by equines through questioning carers and assess any special needs according to their natural gait and conformation 2.2 Apply workplace health and safety procedures and safe work practices to the selection of personal protective equipment to suit the situation 2.3 Use safe zones and handling techniques when observing and examining equines 2.4 Examine the wear patterns of existing shoes, other hoof protection or hooves and determine the condition of hooves 2.5 Report hoof malformation, injury or disease to carer or owner 2.6 Discuss the hoof care and hoof protection plan and get agreement on a proposed course of action 2.7 Advise on routine and preventative hoof care and undertake agreed actions 2.8 Maintain records on each equine according to workplace practices |
3. Provide non-veterinarian equine health care | 3.1 Identify signs 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 within scope of practice 3.4 Seek advice from, and refer to, a registered veterinarian or other equine professional 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 hoof protection 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, veterinarians and other equine professionals |
Get the work done | Observe and examine equines, using safe handling techniques, to determine hoof care and hoof protection requirements |
Sectors
Farriery (FAR)