Elements and Performance Criteria
- Recognise horses and their body language
- 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
- Approach calm, suitably educated horses that are tied up
- 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
- Approach, catch and release a calm, suitably educated horse in a yard or stable
- 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
- Lead a calm, suitably educated horse
- 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