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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Identify basic horse behaviour
   • Outline the natural instincts, sensory perceptions and social behaviour of horses
   • Recognise how horse senses can influence their behaviour and reactions
   • Identify environmental conditions that can unsettle horses
   • Distinguish ways horses can respond to different people and different situations
2. Observe and interpret basic body language of horses in different situations
   • Distinguish a range of horse body language
   • Recognise body language, including posture, facial features and vocalisation, indicating a horse is relaxed in its surroundings
   • Recognise body language, including vocalisation, posture and facial features, indicating a horse is unsettled or in a state of agitation in its surroundings
3. Examine how horses learn and respond to different handling cues
   • Recognise how pressure-release training works, including how horses learn to ‘go’, ‘slow’, ‘turn’ and ‘stop’
   • Distinguish different ways to reward a horse
   • Identify a range of common cues used when handling horses
   • Observe how new cues are learned by the horse
4. Identify areas of personal risk around horses
   • Identify situations and behaviour that lead to common accidents and injuries when interacting with horses
   • Recognise human body language and behaviour to avoid around horses
   • Identify positive actions and behaviour that handlers or riders can take to minimise risks interacting with horses
5. Minimise risk to self and others around horses
   • Listen carefully to supervisor instructions and ask questions or raise concerns with the supervisor about the suitability of the horse selected for handling or riding
   • Select personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for tasks, fit correctly and wear during activities with horses
   • Assess hazards and potential risks to self, others and the horse, and take steps to minimise risks
   • Interpret and respond appropriately to horse body language prior to approaching, and maintain awareness of horses at all times
   • Use body language and behaviour to achieve safe and positive responses from horses