Assessor Resource

ACMEQU101
Approach and catch horses

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely approach, catch and move around suitably educated, calm, consistent and obedient horses. It covers knowledge of the natural instincts of horses and their common behaviour traits and potential risks when working with and around horses.

The unit applies to individuals who are learning about horses likely to have no experience working around or with horses. These individuals undertake defined routine activities under direct supervision in environments, such as stables, paddocks and yards.

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.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify common features and the behavioural natural instincts of horses 
Describe horses by colour, type and gender 
Identify posture and facial features that indicate horses are relaxed in their surroundings 
Identify posture and facial features that indicate horses are threatened or defensive in their surroundings 
Identify posture and facial features that indicate horses are distressed, or exhibiting uncharacteristic behaviour 
Identify the features of human body language that affect horse behaviour 
Describe horse behaviour and their responses to people, other horses and the environment using industry terminology 
Identify risks associated with approaching horses that are tied-up and discuss how to manage the risks with supervisor 
Discuss how to safely approach and handle a horse with supervisor and confirm that instructions are understood 
Follow WHS procedures and supervisor’s instructions when approaching and handling horses 
Confirm that horses are aware of handler’s presence 
Use human body language to minimise stress when approaching horses 
Approach, handle and move around a tied-up horse calmly and safely 
Identify risks associated with approaching and catching loose horses and horses that are lying down and discuss how to manage risks with supervisor 
Discuss how to safely approach, catch and release a horse with supervisor and confirm that instructions are understood 
Safely move around a horse that is lying down 
Approach a single loose horse with halter and lead 
Fit halter and lead according to instructions 
Remove halter and release a horse calmly and safely 
Identify risks associated with leading horses and discuss how to manage safety risks to supervisor 
Discuss how to safely lead a horse with supervisor and confirm that instructions are understood 
Hold a stationary horse in a controlled area 
Lead a horse on its own 
Lead a horse single file in a group 
Lead a horse through a gate or into a stable 
Lead a horse through a controlled horse workplace environment 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ACMEQU101 - Approach and catch horses
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

ACMEQU101 - Approach and catch horses

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: