Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to groom and monitor the basic health and welfare of suitably educated and calm horses.
It covers identifying and reporting workplace hazards and risks of interacting with horses, and the application of industry guidelines and procedures to ensure the welfare and safety of handlers and the horse.
The unit applies to individuals who have no experience, limited experience or no recent experience working in the relevant horse industry sector. They undertake defined routine activities under supervision with limited responsibility for their own work. Working environments may include stables, paddocks and yards.
No licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, except for the racing industry, where requirements vary between states and territories. Users working in the racing industry are advised to contact the relevant Principal Racing Authority for advice on current requirements.
Health and safety and animal welfare legislation relevant to interacting with horses applies to workers in this industry. As requirements vary between industry sectors and state/territory jurisdictions, users must 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. Maintain basic health and welfare of horses | 1.1 Follow supervisor instructions and clarify information relating to assigned activities 1.2 Assess risk and report hazards before handling horses 1.3 Detect signs of common horse ailments and good health in horses based on key characteristics of horse anatomy and physiology 1.4 Observe and report signs of horse health to supervisor using correct horse sector terminology 1.5 Use safe horse handling practices to check horses for condition 1.6 Follow stable hygiene and quarantine practices related to horse health care 1.7 Check horse hooves and legs for soreness, inflammation and lameness 1.8 Assist in the provision of basic first aid treatment for minor injuries |
2. Groom and rug a horse | 2.1 Select and prepare required grooming equipment according to workplace practices 2.2 Position and tie up horse safely in preparation for grooming 2.3 Groom horse according to workplace requirements and supervisor instructions 2.4 Check horse for illness or injury during grooming and report any observed irregularities to supervisor 2.5 Clean, dress and check horse hooves and shoes for cracks, heat and other irregularities 2.6 Fit rugs according to the conditions and stable routine 2.7 Clean, store and maintain grooming tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) 2.8 Identify and report hazards in the work environment to supervisor |
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 techniques to clarify and confirm supervisor instructions |
Navigate the world of work | Follow workplace procedures, including work health and 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 |
Get the work done | Plan and sequence tasks and assemble resources required to provide basic care of horses |
Sectors
Equine (EQU)