Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and provide routine and emergency race meeting farrier services. It requires knowledge of horse behaviour in high-pressure racing environments, safe handling techniques and applicable rules of racing.
The unit applies to individuals who perform farrier duties at harness or thoroughbred race meetings. The scope of duties of a race meeting farrier may vary between codes and from state to state.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, in accordance with applicable state/territory animal welfare and workplace health and safety legislative requirements.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit. Users are advised to check with the relevant Principal Racing Authority (PRA) for current licence or registration 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. Prepare for race meeting | 1.1 Confirm booking of farrier services for race meeting 1.2 Verify adequate supplies of shoes, nails and other equipment 1.3 Confirm invoicing system with race club prior to race meeting 1.4 Interpret and comply with rules of racing that relate to hoof care, shoeing and farrier services at race meetings |
2. Provide hoof care and shoeing service at race meetings | 2.1 Assess hazards associated with handling and shoeing horses, and control risks according to workplace health and safety and safe operating procedures 2.2 Inspect hoof and shoe condition, report options for treatment or adjustment that comply with rules of racing to relevant parties, and agree on procedures 2.3 Remove shoes, prepare hooves and shod (plated) horses according to rules of racing and wellbeing of the horse 2.4 Observe horses in pre-race activities and inspect shoeing or hoof status if situation warrants or as requested by stewards, starter or other relevant party 2.5 Report status of emergency to steward and starter 2.6 Carry out emergency repairs in a safe and timely manner |
3. Finalise race meeting farrier services | 3.1 Prepare tax invoice for farrier services and present to race club within agreed timeframe 3.2 Provide reports to stewards on hoof and shoeing injury and incidents 3.3 Ensure farrier work area is left clean and tidy according to track 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 | Prepare invoices and injury reports accurately and legibly according to race club or industry requirements |
Numeracy | Calculate costs of services, including resources and time, for invoicing and present in accepted business format |
Navigate the world of work | Take responsibility for complying with applicable rules of racing and safety and animal welfare requirements in carrying out role |
Interact with others | Follow communication protocols and practices for reporting and responding promptly to farriery issues with racing officials and other personnel |
Get the work done | Plan, sequence and prioritise farriery activities and assemble resources for race meeting making adjustments to plans to deal with contingencies Make decisions, often under pressure, taking action to prevent problems arising or escalating Use key features of familiar workplace technology to prepare and present invoices and reports |
Sectors
Racing performance (ROP)