This unit of competency covers the knowledge and skills required to assess options, design strategies and manage conditioning programs for horses. It includes monitoring horse responses to conditioning and competition schedules, responding to problems, and managing spelling and return-to-work periods.

This unit applies to individuals who have management responsibilities in professional horse businesses, working independently and in conjunction with others within organisational guidelines. They have extensive knowledge of horses in a wide range of situations and may have responsibility for highly valuable animals.

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
Identify the anatomical and physiological effect of conditioning regimes on adaptations in major body systems of horses
Assess structural differences in physical appearance and muscling between conditioned and unconditioned horses
Determine strategies and techniques to use for conditioning horses
Arrange for blood tests to be taken and analysed for indicators of fitness and response to training, in consultation with veterinary experts
Use heart rate monitors or stethoscopes, using safe horse handling techniques, to evaluate horse fitness and response to training
Monitor and record heart rate pre- and post-exercise to determine the impact of exercise and competition, and to track changes in fitness
Measure and record respiratory rates following exercise to evaluate the impact of exercise and track changes in fitness
Investigate training and conditioning techniques to improve lung function and gas exchange efficiency, and apply where appropriate
Determine and document conditioning and fitness goals
Monitor and adapt program on a regular basis to ensure short- and long-term goals are achieved
Develop and implement a training and conditioning program to achieve required physiological adaptations
Identify and manage exercise-related illness and injury
Evaluate nutrient sources for their potential contribution to the energy needs of the horse relative to exercise regime, intensity and duration
Evaluate nutritional supplements suitable for inclusion in the diet of horses undergoing a fitness program
Identify causes of fatigue in exercising horses and develop measures to prevent or manage fatigue during training and competition
Identify the signs and effects of fatigue, and develop measures to minimise harm to the horse
Develop and implement strategies to prevent over-heating during the training and competition schedule
Identify the signs of over-heating in horses and take appropriate and rapid measures to provide relief
Ensure that horses are kept appropriately hydrated during exercise, travel and competition
Identify the signs of dehydration in horses and take appropriate and rapid measures to provide relief
Incorporate planned periods of rest into the design of training and competition schedules
Arrange rest or spelling periods to minimise loss of fitness
Develop and implement strategies to manage the transition from work to spelling
Monitor the health and welfare of horses being spelled

Assessment Cover Sheet

ACMPHR505 - Manage fitness in performance 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

ACMPHR505 - Manage fitness in performance 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: