Trimming equine hooves
Overview
This standard covers the trimming of equine hooves as determined by the hoof care plan. Trimming refers to work on the hoof surface by cutting and rasping. You will need to know when to trim hooves and be able to trim a variety of equine hooves. In order to trim hooves, you will need to approach and handle the equine in a manner that is likely to eliminate distress and alarm and work in a position that is safe for the equine and anyone involved in the work including yourself. You will act on any hoof conditions that cause changes to the hoof care plan.
You need to be aware of your own limitations and confirm that you meet the relevant legal responsibilities for providing your duty of care under animal health and welfare legislation, codes of practice and policies of the business.
The responsible person can be anyone who has responsibility for the equine such as the owner, trainer, groom or hoof care practitioners. This standard is for UK Equine Hoof Care practitioners.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- work professionally and ethically and within the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience 2. comply with the relevant animal health and welfare and animal-related legislation and associated codes of practice 3. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and policies of the business 4. select and wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) 5. maintain hygiene and biosecurity in accordance with the relevant legislation and business practice 6. select a method of handling and control for the equine concerned, to minimise the risks to the equine and anyone involved in the work including yourself 7. adopt a working position that is safe for the equine and yourself 8. prepare, maintain, clean and store the required tools and equipment and materials, in accordance with the relevant legislation, manufacturer's guidelines and company policy 9. select relevant tools and trim hooves using trimming methods in line with the agreed hoof care plan 10. maintain communication with all those involved in, or affected by your work 11. confirm that records are completed, maintained and stored as required by the relevant legislation and business practice
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- your professional responsibilities and the need to maintain professional competence 2. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and the policies of your business 3. your responsibilities under current animal health and welfare legislation, other relevant animal regulations and codes of practice, and the legal limitations of the current Veterinary Surgeons Act with regard to diagnosis and treatment of disease or injury 4. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity 5. the importance of maintaining hygiene and biosecurity and the methods for achieving these 6. the types of tools and equipment required for trimming and how to prepare, use, maintain and store them, in accordance with the relevant legislation, manufacturer's guidelines and business policy 7. the safe working methods to trim hooves 8. the purpose of trimming equine hooves 9. the importance of hoof balancing when trimming 10. the limits and parameters of safe trimming 11. the effects of trimming on the posture of the equine 12. the importance of knowing when trimming should not be carried out 13. how to work safely when trimming hooves 14. how to implement the hoof care plan 15. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done 16. the records that need to be kept and the importance of completing them in accordance with the relevant legislation and business practice
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
"Equine: a horse or other member of the horse family including donkeys, mules, hinnies and asses.
Hoof care factors to consider including:
Approximate age
Behaviour
Condition of hoof
Welfare
Environment
Activity level
Previously shod
Unshod"