Elements and Performance Criteria
- Develop a land use plan for a horse operation
- Identify the purpose and goals of the horse operation and level of input
- Identify the legal requirements relevant to the use of land for a horse operation
- Develop and implement strategies for water supply and management, vegetation and revegetation management, biodiversity and protection of natural resources, including waterways
- Determine infrastructure needs and maintenance requirements consistent with the operation
- Assess physical characteristics and land capability, and identify areas at risk of or showing evidence of degradation
- Identify budgetary constraints based on available operation resources
- Document the plan to include infrastructure, pasture, vegetation, elevations and gradients, soil characteristic and water bodies or sources
- Develop pasture management strategies
- Ensure strategies are consistent with horse characteristics and behaviours, and nutritional requirements
- Select grazing systems in line with land use, physical characteristics and operational needs
- Ensure grazing management encourages pasture plant and grass growth and is consistent with stages of plant growth
- Ensure the selection and implementation of strategies contribute to horse welfare
- Identify the benefits of appropriate pasture management for the operation
- Select plants or plant cultivars appropriate for pasture, shelterbelts and revegetation based on land capability and operational needs
- Evaluate pasture management strategies for efficiency and effectiveness
- Manage pasture maintenance
- Plan strategies to reduce or eradicate areas of weed infestation and pests and vermin
- Determine withholding periods for horses and livestock after application of chemicals on pasture
- Assess nutrient requirements for pasture plants and grasses and determine a fertiliser program
- Select and evaluate strategies for manure management that contribute to horse welfare and environmental protection
- Implement soil protection strategies that minimise soil degradation