ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify shoeing needs of individual horses

1.1. Horses are handled appropriately to reduce stress and alarm, behaviour is monitored to eliminate risks to horse or handlers, and restraints are used as required.

1.2. Features ofgait and conformation of the horse are identified.

1.3. Particular needs of the individual horse that may be alleviated by the farrier are identified, together with the types of surgical shoes or modifications that may alleviate the problem.

1.4. Needs of foals and young horses are identified.

1.5. A working position is adopted which maintains comfort of the horse and ensures comfort and personal safety of the farrier and any assistants.

1.6. Shoes are removed safely, using tools appropriate for the task and ensuring no damage is caused to the feet of the horse.

1.7. Feet are cleaned of all foreign bodies to facilitate examination of the hoof, ensuring all relevant factors are taken into account.

1.8. The shoe is examined, and implications of the wear pattern are assessed for trimming and shoeing.

1.9. Any conditions requiring higher-level treatment are reported to other farriers or to veterinarians involved with hoof care as required.

1.10. The appropriate course of action is determined, and intended treatment regime is established, and implications are discussed with the client.

2. Fabricate appropriate remedial or surgical shoes

2.1. A range of appropriate remedial or surgical shoes is fabricated or modified to assist in the correction and/or alleviation and treatment for a wide range of horses and their conditions.

3. Trim and repair feet

3.1. Appropriate shoeing tools are used to safely trim and prepare feet to achieve balance, level and shape, and to correct any identified foot defects.

3.2. Trimming operations are conducted without injury to the horse's feet.

3.3. Hoof reconstruction procedures are performed where necessary.

3.4. Work is visually checked, while in progress and on completion, to ensure quality outcomes of foot preparation have been achieved.

4. Fit shoes

4.1. Correct type, material and size of shoes are selected according to the shoeing plan and modifications are made as required by the individual horse.

4.2. Appropriate tools are selected for the purpose of fitting shoes.

4.3. Selected shoes are shaped to incorporate any ancillary features as determined by the foot care and shoeing plan.

4.4. Shoes are fitted to fore and hind feet, and the need for any final adjustments is assessed.

4.5. Final adjustments are made to the shape and size of the shoe to achieve correct fit, with any ancillary features being added to the shoe as determined by the work requirements of the horse.

4.6. Health and safety of the horse, self and others is maintained throughout the process.

5. Attach shoes and finish shoeing process

5.1. Tools and nails are selected, suitable for attaching and clenching shoes.

5.2. The shoe is safely attached, securely and in the correct position, ensuring the relevant factors are taken into account.

5.3. The hoof is finished according to specification, and the finished job assessed along with the welfare of the horse.

5.4. The horse is trotted to identify any signs of improvement or lameness.

5.5. The responsible person is informed of actions taken, and advised on horse's future foot care requirements.

5.6. Appropriate records of service provided are maintained.