Remove horseshoes and assess wear
Overview
This standard covers the removal of horseshoes to assess the wear of the horseshoe and hoof. The assessment allows for evaluation of conformation or abnormalities of gait which provide valuable information that can influence hoof care and be used to develop the hoof care plan.
In order to remove horseshoes and assess wear you will need to approach and handle the equine in a manner to reduce distress and alarm, working in a position that is safe for the equine and anyone involved in the work including yourself. You will need to remove the horseshoes using the correct tools and prepare the hoof so that it can be thoroughly examined.
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 practitioner. This standard is for UK Equine Hoof Care practitioner.
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 the method of handling and control required for the equine concerned and its needs, in order to minimise the risks to the equine and anyone involved in the work including yourself 7. select, prepare, maintain, clean and store the required tools and equipment in accordance with the relevant legislation, manufacturer's guidelines and company policy 8. clean and assess the condition of the hoof checking for foreign objects, or damage 9. safely remove horseshoes using the correct tools and methods, taking care to minimise any damage to the hoof during removal 10. examine the horseshoe and assess the implications of the wear pattern and record these findings 11. advise the responsible person of your findings and adjust the hoof care plan accordingly 12. confirm that the health and welfare of the equine is maintained throughout the activity 13. recognise matters requiring the attention of other equine professionals 14. maintain communication with all those involved in, or affected by your work 15. 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:
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. Locomotion: equine locomotion is required for proper joint growth and maintenance, hoof growth and health, as well as respiratory health, circulatory health and metabolism. Conformation: equine conformation evaluates the degree of correctness of a horse's bone structure, musculature, and its body proportions in relation to each other. Undesirable conformation can limit the ability to perform a specific task. Hoof care factors to consider including: Approximate age Behaviour Type/condition of hoof Activity level