This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to develop extensive knowledge of horse physiology, anatomy and health needs and the ability to implement a range of health treatments and strategies to maintain the health and welfare of horses.

The unit applies to individuals, with prior industry or professional experience working with horses, who are responsible for the health and welfare of a range of horses within a horse establishment, including training and breeding organisations, riding schools and agistment centres. It applies to a wide range of horse breeds, ages and uses, including high performance, young, breeding, pleasure horses and retired horses.

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)

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)

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
Determine health issues associated with the anatomy and physiology of the horse and environmental influences on horse health
Determine the soundness and basic health of a horse using indicators of normal and abnormal system function and an appraisal of the vital signs of the horse
Identify common diseases and likely injuries to each of the body systems, and the appropriate treatment
Assess the condition of competition horses on a regular basis and record individual health problems according to industry standards and workplace requirements
Identify and source required preventative health supplies and medications, and store safely according to manufacturer specifications and chemicals handling legislation
Develop a health strategy including treatment programs, procedures and operations to meet horse health needs, legislative and workplace requirements
Arrange the facilities and equipment required to implement the health strategy, according to industry standards and workplace requirements
Implement pre- and post-competition assessment of the horse for injuries, fatigue, health and general fitness
Communicate the details of treatment programs, schedules and work health and safety issues to staff, and seek their input in assessing and reviewing the strategy
Train all staff in the procedures to be followed in the workplace health strategy
Evaluate the condition of competition horses systematically with reference to all symptoms and signs according to veterinary advice to determine whether veterinary intervention is required, or whether other actions are appropriate
Identify and analyse signs of disease or injury and refer to specialists for advice and treatment
Manage the implementation of treatment according to veterinary guidelines, legislative requirements, animal welfare codes of practice and work health and safety (WHS) considerations
Determine when a treatment program is not working based on horse behaviour, symptoms or physiology; and when a new program or intervention by a specialist is required
Apply quarantine measures where applicable to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and outbreaks
Report notifiable diseases according to legislative requirements
Assist a range of health professionals with the safe care of horses, including veterinarians, farriers and equine dentists
Administer and monitor a range of routine health treatments and medications, in accordance with advice from a veterinarian or other professional
Inspect horse teeth for age and faults as part of a program established by an equine dentist using safe horse handling techniques and industry standard methods to determine the need for further action
Apply procedures for basic hoof care to address common hoof problems with regard to the safety of the operator and the horse
Record results of teeth, hoof and other health inspections and treatments for future evaluation
Evaluate alternative therapies in common use for performance horses
Monitor horses during and after treatment for signs of efficacy of treatments and other health problems
Review treatment outcomes and procedures for effective management planning and benchmarking best practice
Store or dispose of surplus medications and treatments safely and according to manufacturer recommendations, and work health and safety and environmental management requirements
Document treatments accurately and maintain records of treatments according to industry standards, legislative and workplace requirements
Implement a policy and procedure for euthanising and disposing of dead stock, according to local government regulations and applicable legislation

Assessment Cover Sheet

ACMPHR405 - Implement and monitor equine health and welfare strategies

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

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Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

ACMPHR405 - Implement and monitor equine health and welfare strategies

Student name:

Student ID:

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

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Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: