Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare to work with horses
- Work to be undertaken is interpreted from the work program where necessary, and confirmed with management.
- Discussions are held with other workers who may be affected by the activities to ensure continued smooth operation of horse routines.
- Tools and equipment suitable for the work to be undertaken are selected, checked, and maintained if necessary.
- Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained.
- Clean stables and surrounding areas
- Horse is checked for condition, health and soundness and removed from stable or secured appropriately.
- Manure, soiled bedding and stale feed are inspected, removed, and abnormal conditions are reported.
- Bedding is raked or forked and fresh quantities are added as required.
- Feed bins, hay nets/bins and water troughs are cleaned thoroughly and troughs are filled with fresh water.
- Walkways are swept and/or raked and manure removed.
- Stale feed and manure is safely disposed of according to the organisation's environmental and waste management procedures.
- Buildings or fixtures that are in need of maintenance or are unsafe are reported to the stable management.
- Perform daily work program
- Work program for each stable horse is carried out as instructed by the stud master or stable manager.
- Horses are selected for professional services, prepared, and the contractor is contacted as required by organisational procedures or supervisors instructions.
- Horses are prepared for specified daily work program as required by organisational procedures or supervisors instructions.
- Horses are washed down after working, dried, rugged, returned to their stable and fed.
- Work routines and performance records are kept and maintained as an integral part of the stable business.
- Select, catch and tie up horses
- Individual characteristics of horses are identified according to specified criteria and nominated animals are selected.
- Selected horse is caught quickly and gently and working gear is fitted.
- Legs and hooves of selected horse are inspected for abnormalities, cuts or damage.
- Horse is led to work area or rail quietly and calmly and safely secured.
- OHS hazards for handling horses are identified and safety concerns reported.
- Horses are handled safely and within the organisation's and industry guidelines for animal health and welfare.
- Groom and rug horses
- Horses are groomed to enterprise standard.
- Hooves and shoes are cleaned and checked for cracks, heat and other abnormalities, and dirt removed from the outer walls of the hooves.
- Rugs appropriate to the conditions are fitted according to enterprises requirements, while taking care to avoid chafing and rubbing.
- Clean and maintain stable gear
- All gear is regularly checked for wear and damage.
- Gear is thoroughly cleaned and polished and oils or preservatives applied as required as required.
- Working gear is maintained or repaired as required to ensure safe horse working conditions.
- Working gear and saddlery is cleaned and stored after use in line with organisation policy.
- Monitor health and welfare of horses