Determine hoof care and hoof protection plans for equines

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:15 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.

Unit of competency

National Code
ACMFAR408

State Code
OAL32

TGA Status
Current

DTWD Status
Approved

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
11/12/2018

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

29/05/2019

Field of Education

030799 - Mechanical And Industrial Engineering And Technology, N.e.c.

Original Release Date

29/05/2019

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to make hoof care and hoof protection plans for an equine and contribute to the maintenance of equine health and wellbeing by applying protection appropriate for its needs.The unit applies to individuals who use technical knowledge and skills to perform 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.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Identify features of equine anatomy relevant to farriery services

1.1 Identify the anatomical features and basic biomechanical functions of the equine lower limb and hoof
1.2 Compare differences between ideal and problematic hooves and describe their impact on hoof protection needs
1.3 Identify the general principles of hoof care for equines
1.4 Recognise the symptoms of hoof malformation, injury, excessive wear and disease

2. Determine the hoof protection requirements and a hoof care program

2.1 Determine the type of work undertaken by equines through questioning carers and assess any special needs according to their natural gait and conformation
2.2 Apply workplace health and safety procedures and safe work practices to the selection of personal protective equipment to suit the situation
2.3 Use safe zones and handling techniques when observing and examining equines
2.4 Examine the wear patterns of existing shoes, other hoof protection or hooves and determine the condition of hooves
2.5 Report hoof malformation, injury or disease to carer or owner
2.6 Discuss the hoof care and hoof protection plan and get agreement on a proposed course of action
2.7 Advise on routine and preventative hoof care and undertake agreed actions
2.8 Maintain records on each equine according to workplace practices

3. Provide non-veterinarian equine health care

3.1 Identify signs of common equine ailments
3.2 Take appropriate action when malformation, injury or disease are suspected
3.3 Advise on, or apply, non-veterinarian treatments within scope of practice
3.4 Seek advice from, and refer to, a registered veterinarian or other equine professional where specialist treatment is required

4. Apply disease and infection containment procedures

4.1 Demonstrate isolation and quarantine strategies for infection control
4.2 Follow defined procedures for notifiable diseases and biosecurity maintenance
4.3 Dispose of waste material safely according to workplace hygiene and biosecurity procedures

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BBD84	ACMFAR308	Determine foot care and shoeing plans for equines	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BEE1	ACM30918	Certificate III in Equine Hoof Care	Qualification
BHN5	ACM30921	Certificate III in Equine Hoof Care	Qualification
BEE0	ACM40818	Certificate IV in Farriery	Qualification