Assessor Resource
ACMPHR408
Educate and train performance horses
Assessment tool
Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to develop high-level technical proficiency in training horses, including the application of knowledge of equine behaviour, equine cognition and learning abilities and equine ethology to training horses in a variety of disciplines.
The unit applies to individuals who have responsibility for the training of horses in a wide range of behaviours, from starting under saddle, retraining unwanted behaviours or training horses to perform in new disciplines. Individuals must demonstrate existing high-level handling and riding skills and experience handling a wide variety of horses, including those with difficult behaviours in-hand and under saddle.
The unit applies to a wide variety of performance disciplines, sports and equine activities and can be customised for any breed or age of horse undergoing behaviour modification. There is a strong focus on conducting, safely and humanely, horse behaviour modification activities within the cognitive and physical limitations of 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.
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