Competence in carrying out basic hoof care procedures requires evidence of the ability to inspect and evaluate state of hooves, and perform required tasks in basic maintenance. It also requires the ability to assist professionals with intensive hoof treatment. Evidence must be demonstrated in complying with relevant legislative requirements.

The skills and knowledge required to carry out basic hoof care procedures must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, across a range of breeds, uses and ages of horses.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

the structure of the hoof and associated problems

hoof care and shoeing procedures

hoof injury

the need to maximise hygiene practices and awareness.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

competently handle and restrain horses of all classes for hoof procedures

handle horses and duties around them in a firm but calm, gentle and unhurried manner

complete horse records clearly and accurately

observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information (1) be applied?

In communicating with farriers and veterinarians.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (1)?

In organising treatment timetables and treatment regimes.

3. How are activities planned and organised (2)?

By organising personnel and contractors.

4. How can team work (2) be applied?

By working with others to achieve overall enterprise goals.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?

In estimating age and treatment intervals.

6. How can problem-solving skills (2) be applied?

When dealing with hoof injury.

7. How can the use of technology (1) be applied?

When calculating and communicating.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function, for example:

RTE3104A - Carry out basic dentition care procedures on horses

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed, in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines. Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet.

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available

Where might organisation work procedures be found for the work to be undertaken?

Work procedures will be based on sound agricultural principles and practices and may include supervisors oral or written instructions, organisation standard operating procedures, specifications, work notes, waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines, and OHS procedures.

What personal protective and equipment may be relevant to this standard?

This may include boots, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or face mask, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

What farrierytools might be need?

Hoofpicks, paring knife, farrier's hammer, anvil, clinching pliers, and horseshoe nails.

What does hoof care involve?

Hoof care, in particular for young horses will require regular attention to minimise hoof damage through cracking, cuts or abrasions.

What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise the OHS risk?

The range of actions are both systematic and run at an operational level. They are listed below:

safe work systems and procedures to reduce kicks, bites and crushing injuries from horses - this will include using calm and positive actions to avoid alarming stock

safe manual handling systems and procedures

safe horse restraining procedures used while working on horses

clear communication between workers, especially when working together within a close proximity

all procedures must be carried out in compliance with the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Acts, their regulations and the relevant codes of practice.

What type of shoeing is covered by this unit?

Cold shoeing is the only type of work covered by this unit. Hot shoeing is not covered in this unit or this Training Package.

What information might be recorded and how might it be documented?

Dates, times and periods of operation and maintenance, and substances used including quantities and methods.

Record keeping systems used may be either paper-based or digital, and information will be recorded into logbooks or other records.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment refer to the Sector Booklet.