Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare the feet of an equine to address particular needs and fabricate and apply an appropriate shoe to alleviate problems.
The unit applies to individuals who have a moderate level of experience handling equines and who use specialised knowledge and technical skills to perform farriery services across different equine industry sectors.
No occupational licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Work 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.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative 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. Determine special shoeing needs of individual equines | 1.1 Identify hoof defects that may be fixed by a farrier 1.2 Determine the types of orthopaedic or therapeutic shoes or modifications that may fix the problem 1.3 Identify potential problems that can be remedied by a farrier 1.4 Determine the foot care needs of foals and young equines or other equines 1.5 Report conditions requiring higher-level treatment to other farriers or veterinarians |
2. Arrange remedial actions | 2.1 Determine course of action and establish treatment regime in consultation with a veterinarian 2.2 Discuss the implications of proposed actions 2.3 Fabricate or modify remedial or orthopaedic and therapeutic shoes |
3. Trim and repair feet | 3.1 Handle equines safely according to work health and safety practices, and monitor behaviour to reduce risks to equine, handlers and self 3.2 Trim and prepare feet without injury to equine feet 3.3 Identify and perform hoof reconstruction procedures according to shoe plan 3.4 Check work to ensure foot preparation meets quality outcomes |
4. Fit remedial shoes | 4.1 Select tools for fitting shoes 4.2 Shape remedial shoes according to shoe plan 4.3 Fit shoes 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 shoe 4.5 Monitor risks and maintain safety of equine, self and others throughout the procedure |
5. Attach shoes and finish shoeing process | 5.1 Select tools and nails suitable for attaching and clenching shoes 5.2 Attach shoe 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 5.5 Advise of actions taken and future foot 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 workplace procedures and specialist instructions relevant to addressing special shoeing and foot care needs of equines |
Writing | Record specifications and shoe 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 procedures and codes of practice, including safety, animal welfare and biosecurity requirements, 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 specialists |
Get the work done | Observe and examine equines systematically using structured problem-solving processes to determine requirements to meet special needs of equines Assess quality of outcomes to prepare future foot care plans and advice |
Sectors
Farriery (FAR)