Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to effectively plan and complete daily work activities as a farrier, according to industry guidelines and regulations.
The unit applies to individuals who have experience in handling equines and who use technical knowledge and skills to perform farriery or 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 requirements related to providing farriery or hoof care services in equine industries | 1.1 Identify basic industry structure, relevant industry associations and employment roles, functions and responsibilities 1.2 Identify the characteristics of equine industries and the relationship between key industry sectors or disciplines and farriery or hoof care services 1.3 Ensure personal dress, grooming and presentation is appropriate for different work environments and tasks to be performed 1.4 Comply with duty of care, confidentiality and security requirements of the client or equine establishment when providing services 1.5 Maintain knowledge of relevant regulations and codes of practice, relating to animal welfare and safety when interacting with horses and other equines in the workplace 1.6 Comply with restrictions on advice that can be given and avoid perceptions of diagnostic or treatment advice which must be given by veterinarians |
2. Communicate effectively | 2.1 Use appropriate industry terminology and communication methods to respond to enquiries and communicate with others 2.2 Use communication technology and appropriate communication techniques to clarify information to implement agreed outcomes or undertake tasks 2.3 Engage with social media responsibly according to workplace and relevant industry sector protocols 2.4 Participate in conversations with equine owners or carers providing firm and clear information relating to equine health and animal welfare issues |
3. Follow workplace health and safety procedures | 3.1 Select and use personal protective equipment according to the type of worksite activities undertaken, and ensure correct procedures for maintenance and storage 3.2 Assess hazards and potential risks to self, others and equines, and take actions to control or report if beyond own control or authority 3.3 Check all safety equipment consistent with manufacturer's recommendations 3.4 Demonstrate behaviour that contributes to a safe work environment, reflects duty of care and encourages safe behaviours in others |
4. Maintain environmentally sustainable work practices | 4.1 Identify environmental principles and regulations relevant to farriery industry 4.2 Investigate own practices in relation to resource usage 4.3 Set targets to improve resource usage and efficiency 4.4 Monitor and revise improvement plans and targets on a regular basis 4.5 Comply with site hygiene controls and biosecurity procedures and protocols when visiting sites to conduct services |
5. Manage personal health and fitness for job role | 5.1 Assess personal health for job function and develop strategies to improve fitness and core strength 5.2 Adopt positions and posture to avoid injury and fatigue while working with equines 5.3 Develop and apply strategies to avoid health risks at work 5.4 Identify common rehabilitation regimes available following injury or illness |
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 instructions and equine records to determine work requirements |
Writing | Use clear language and accurate industry terminology for completing records |
Numeracy | Estimate, calculate and record materials and resource requirements to carry out farriery services |
Oral communication | Use active listening and questioning to clarify and confirm information Conduct professional discussions with other animal professionals and paraprofessionals |
Navigate the world of work | Maintain own professional conduct and ethics and work within the limits of own authority, expertise, training, competence, experience and legislation relevant to providing a service to others Recognise issues associated with providing animal health and welfare services, and responsibilities and accountabilities of own actions |
Get the work done | Plan, sequence and prioritise tasks and manage time to complete farriery or hoof care services, taking safety and risk factors into consideration Reflect on and evaluate decision-making processes involved in providing equine care |
Sectors
Farriery (FAR)