Elements and Performance Criteria
- Select and fit equipment
- Carry out a risk assessment for all activities working with stallions, and take action to control risks
- Prepare and check condition of handling equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Fit stallion with halter, or halter and bit or chain, and lead rein using safe horse handling techniques within safe working zones
- Calmly and quietly groom stallions
- Observe and note stallion characteristics and behaviour while being handled
- Work with and train a stallion
- Establish breeding service routine with stallion
- Establish routine for initial services to take place in the morning and afternoon to best replicate normal peak stallion hormone cycle
- Ensure stallion handling equipment and preparation for serving is replicable to reinforce routine
- Teach stallion to allow penis to be handled for wash-down prior to and after service, and to assist in penetration of vagina or artificial vagina according to workplace practices
- Observe stallion penis for signs of injury prior to and after service
- Record observations of behavioural changes and signs of illness or injury
- Work with stallion during breeding season
- Establish a routine that makes being with handler a calm and quiet place
- Ensure the serving area is safe for handlers and horses, including informing others of breeding or collection activity to keep activity at a minimum
- Communicate information clearly about covering process to other team members
- Introduce stallion to mare
- Teach stallion only to mount when both the mare (or dummy) and stallion are ready
- Teach stallion to approach the mare (or dummy) from her near side hind quarter
- Teach stallion to back away from mare once ejaculated, and return to yard or stable