Elements and Performance Criteria
- Induct and orient handlers
- Establish and maintain working relationship with handlers
- Provide new handlers with an induction briefing and information about their work roles, obligations and responsibilities according to WHS and animal welfare requirements
- Explain WHS requirements for assessing and controlling risks working with young horses relevant to handlers' work area and role
- Provide an overview of young horse behaviour, body language, and ability to learn, to assist handlers to develop their skills
- Explain and demonstrate procedures for checking gear to control and handle horses, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Provide handlers with access to information and resources required in their role
- Monitor performance of handlers in identifying, catching, controlling and handling young horses
- Regularly review handler performance against agreed expectations
- Provide feedback to handler on performance, and discuss
- Identify short-term and longer-term skills and knowledge development needs or preferences in consultation with handler
- Delegate tasks according to competence of staff, and animal and staff welfare
- Oversee others to identify and catch, control and handle horses
- Instruct others regarding the safe catching, controlling and general handling of horses as required by workplace
- Provide assistance to others in identifying and handling horses
- Determine competence of other workers with regard to handling individual horses
- Explain and demonstrate use of different gear to control and handle horses
- Provide opportunities for practice and skill development for inexperienced staff
- Support handlers in their work role
- Discuss work-related issues with handlers on a regular basis
- Support handlers to establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues and industry personnel
- Identify areas of tension or conflict in relationships, and take steps to address contributing factors and issues
- Provide opportunities for practice and skill development for inexperienced staff
- Oversee the health and welfare of young horses
- Establish hygiene standards for areas used to house young horses
- Observe and note behavioural characteristics of young horses
- Monitor growth and progress of young horses
- Detect symptoms of common illnesses and injuries in young horses
- Conduct routine preventative care procedures
- Develop and implement procedures to provide enrichment and socialisation activities for young horses
- Develop and oversee a feeding program for young horses
- Comply with rules and regulations