Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:56 PM AWST
22/07/2026 9:56 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Select and fit shoes for normal healthy equines
Select and fit shoes for normal healthy equines
Unit of competency
National Code
ACMFAR309
ACMFAR309
State Code
BBE48
BBE48
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/06/2018
Field of Education
030799 - Mechanical And Industrial Engineering And Technology, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
20/06/2018
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely fit standard shoes for equines with feet in healthy condition or presenting with common faults and defects, which can be treated with minor shoe modifications of pre-manufactured shoes. The unit applies to individuals 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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Examine an equine and condition of its feet
- 1.1 Observe equine gait and conformation to identify common faults and defects or signs of lameness
- 1.2 Use safe handling techniques and restrain equines in a way that reduces stress and alarm and minimises risk to the equine and handlers
- 1.3 Adopt a working position that maintains the comfort and safety of the equine, the farrier and assistants
- 1.4 Use appropriate tools to safely remove shoes and clean hoof of debris
- 1.5 Examine the shoes and assess the wear pattern for further trimming and shoeing
- 1.6 Report any conditions requiring higher level treatment by a veterinarian or other specialist
- 1.7 Change the shoeing plan if the condition of the feet warrants
2. Trim and prepare feet
- 2.1 Trim and prepare feet to achieve balance, level and shape, and to correctly identify foot defects without injury to the feet of the equine
- 2.2 Monitor work to ensure foot preparation meets quality outcomes
3. Fit shoes
- 3.1 Select tools needed to fit shoes
- 3.2 Select the type and size of shoe, and modify to fit individual equine hoof
- 3.3 Shape shoes to incorporate any extra functionality identified in shoeing plan
- 3.4 Fit shoes and assess the need for any final adjustments
- 3.5 Make final adjustments to the shape and size of the shoe
4. Attach shoes and finish shoeing process
- 4.1 Select suitable tools and nails for attaching and finishing the job
- 4.2 Attach shoe safely, securely and in the correct position
- 4.3 Finish the hoof and check the welfare of the equine
- 4.4 Check correct fit of shoe by inspecting the shoe with feet on and off the ground and trotting the equine
- 4.5 Identify any signs of lameness by walking and/or trotting the equine
- 4.6 Advise clients, carers or other specialists of actions taken and future foot care requirements
- 4.7 Maintain service records according to workplace procedures
- 4.8 Dispose of waste material safely according to workplace hygiene and biosecurity procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D3894 | ACMFAR309A | Fit shoes for normal healthy horses | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAL30 | ACMFAR409 | Select and fit shoes for normal healthy equines | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BDN8 | ACM30517 | Certificate III in Farriery | Qualification |