Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely approach, catch and move around suitably educated, calm, consistent and obedient horses. It covers knowledge of the natural instincts of horses and their common behaviour traits and potential risks when working with and around horses.
The unit applies to individuals who are learning about horses likely to have no experience working around or with horses. These individuals undertake defined routine activities under direct supervision in environments, such as stables, paddocks and yards.
No occupational licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Work health and safety and animal welfare legislation relevant to interacting with horses applies to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and state/territory jurisdictions. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority for specific requirements.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Recognise horses and their body language | 1.1 Identify common features and the behavioural natural instincts of horses 1.2 Describe horses by colour, type and gender 1.3 Identify posture and facial features that indicate horses are relaxed in their surroundings 1.4 Identify posture and facial features that indicate horses are threatened or defensive in their surroundings 1.5 Identify posture and facial features that indicate horses are distressed, or exhibiting uncharacteristic behaviour 1.6 Identify the features of human body language that affect horse behaviour 1.7 Describe horse behaviour and their responses to people, other horses and the environment using industry terminology |
2. Approach calm, suitably educated horses that are tied up | 2.1 Identify risks associated with approaching horses that are tied-up and discuss how to manage the risks with supervisor 2.2 Discuss how to safely approach and handle a horse with supervisor and confirm that instructions are understood 2.3 Follow WHS procedures and supervisor’s instructions when approaching and handling horses 2.4 Confirm that horses are aware of handler’s presence 2.5 Use human body language to minimise stress when approaching horses 2.6 Approach, handle and move around a tied-up horse calmly and safely |
3. Approach, catch and release a calm, suitably educated horse in a yard or stable | 3.1 Identify risks associated with approaching and catching loose horses and horses that are lying down and discuss how to manage risks with supervisor 3.2 Discuss how to safely approach, catch and release a horse with supervisor and confirm that instructions are understood 3.3 Safely move around a horse that is lying down 3.4 Approach a single loose horse with halter and lead 3.5 Fit halter and lead according to instructions 3.6 Remove halter and release a horse calmly and safely |
4. Lead a calm, suitably educated horse | 4.1 Identify risks associated with leading horses and discuss how to manage safety risks to supervisor 4.2 Discuss how to safely lead a horse with supervisor and confirm that instructions are understood 4.3 Hold a stationary horse in a controlled area 4.4 Lead a horse on its own 4.5 Lead a horse single file in a group 4.6 Lead a horse through a gate or into a stable 4.7 Lead a horse through a controlled horse workplace environment |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Oral communication | Use active listening and questioning to clarify and confirm supervisor instructions |
Navigate the world of work | Follow workplace procedures, including safety and animal welfare requirements, relating to own role and work area Demonstrate a duty of care to self and others when working with horses |
Interact with others | Communicate effectively and cooperate with supervisor and co-workers including reporting problems |
Get the work done | Follow clearly sequenced instructions to approach, catch and handle calm, well-educated horses |
Sectors
Equine (EQU)