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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare to work with horses
   • Interpret and confirm work program with management
   • Discuss work with others to ensure smooth operation of horse routines
   • Identify work hazards, minimise risks and report safety concerns
   • Select, check and maintain work tools and equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)
2. Clean stables and surrounding areas
   • Observe horse behaviour and characteristics, assessing potential risks before handling
   • Check horse for condition, health and soundness and remove from stable or yard, or tie up safely in stable or yard
   • Inspect and remove manure, soiled bedding and stale feed, and report abnormalities
   • Rake or fork bedding and add fresh quantities
   • Clean feed bins, hay nets and water troughs, and fill troughs with fresh water
   • Report buildings or fixtures that are in need of maintenance or are unsafe
3. Select, catch and tie up horses
   • Identify individual horses, catch using safe handling techniques and fit any required working gear
   • Inspect legs and hooves for abnormalities, cuts or damage, and report according to workplace practices
   • Lead horse to work area and secure to rail or another suitable tie-up point
4. Perform daily work program
   • Prepare horses for specified daily work program
   • Carry out work program for individual horses
   • Select and prepare horses for professional services
   • Wash down, dry, and return horses to their stable
   • Measure quantities of feed and provide feed to horses
   • Keep and maintain work routines and performance records
5. Groom and rug horses
   • Groom horses and check for illness or injury, and report any irregularities
   • Clean hooves, check for cracks, heat and other abnormalities, and check shoes if applied
   • Report abnormalities according to workplace practices
   • Fit rugs if required by workplace or other conditions to avoid chafing and rubbing
6. Clean and maintain stable gear
   • Check all gear regularly for wear and damage
   • Clean and polish gear and apply oils or preservatives
   • Maintain or repair working gear according to stable procedures
   • Clean and store working gear and saddlery after use