Elements and Performance Criteria
- Develop knowledge of horse behaviour and learning theory
- Evaluate current, evidence-based learning theory and techniques used in horse training and behaviour management
- Apply knowledge of horse training and behaviour to evaluate own horses as suitable for use by new and/or inexperienced handlers, riders or drivers
- Review own practices against current learning theory to determine if any improvements could be made to managing horse behaviour for workplace activities
- Assess horse suitability for purpose
- Identify factors to consider for conducting a fit-for-purpose assessment of a horse to address work health and safety (WHS) requirements
- Develop or modify a tool to identify and record horse characteristics and behaviour and assess horse suitability for specified activities
- Observe and assess horses to determine their characteristics and behaviour in a range of activities, conditions and stimuli relevant to activities to be undertaken by new and/or inexperienced handlers, riders or drivers
- Evaluate outcomes of the assessment and record an activity suitability rating for individual horses in relation to the handler, rider or driver skills according to workplace procedures
- Conduct additional horse assessments over time and in response to different scenarios, recording incidents and observing responses of the horse to ensure currency of horse suitability records
- Assess skills of new worker or participant
- Conduct an induction briefing covering workplace rules and new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver responsibilities and obligations, prior to their commencing activities
- Identify factors to consider, and develop or modify a tool to assess new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver skills and capabilities for specific activities involving a horse
- Assess new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver readiness and current knowledge of horse handling, riding or driving
- Conduct a practical assessment of new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver with a quiet, consistent and obedient horse in a safe and controlled environment
- Determine new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver capability rating objectively against criteria in an appropriate tool, and record according to workplace procedures
- Match horse to new worker or participant for specific activity
- Establish a range of safe activities that can be used to assess the suitable matching of horse to new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver
- Conduct activities to determine suitable matching of horse to new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver
- Discuss with new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver their capabilities
- Address any concerns from new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver, including any unrealistic expectations or beliefs they may have about their own abilities or that of the horse
- Monitor new worker or participant and horse behaviour
- Observe new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver for any signs of mismatch with horse, inappropriate behaviour or control issues with selected horse, and take action to address these
- Monitor horse, including patterns of inappropriate behaviour, and determine action required
- Implement ongoing monitoring activities to identify problems and appropriate courses of action