Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge that are required to prepare horses for exercise, use mechanical exercise equipment, swim horses and perform post-exercise procedures. It covers knowledge of potential risks when working with and around horses, and the application of industry guidelines and procedures to ensure the welfare and safety of the individual and the horse.
The unit applies to individuals who have limited experience handling horses. They undertake defined routine activities under supervision with limited responsibility for their own work, in environments including stables, paddocks, yards, tracks, exercise arenas and public areas.
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.
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. Prepare horses for exercise | 1.1 Confirm with supervisor which horses to exercise, types of exercise routines and timeframes 1.2 Confirm with supervisor work health and safety (WHS) requirements and safety risks and potential hazards related to the operation of exercise equipment 1.3 Select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure correct fit for relevant activity 1.4 Identify, select and check relevant working gear for horse 1.5 Handle horses safely according to specific activity and location 1.6 Fit horses with required gear and prepare for exercise 1.7 Identify and verbally report hazards in the work environment to supervisor |
2. Load and unload experienced horses from mechanical exercise equipment | 2.1 Locate the start and stop switches and emergency stop buttons for equipment 2.2 Practise emergency stop procedures 2.3 Operate equipment without a horse to ensure equipment is working correctly 2.4 Adjust the speed of equipment according to supervisor instructions 2.5 Identify emergency exit points for handler 2.6 Employ safe loading and unloading procedures 2.7 Operate equipment and monitor and report horses displaying signs of distress or injury during exercise 2.8 Complete daily cleaning and maintenance procedures for mechanical exercise equipment |
3. Swim suitably educated horses under supervision | 3.1 Identify and discuss with supervisor potential safety risks and emergency procedures prior to preparing horse for swimming 3.2 Operate emergency flotation devices and rescue equipment for handler and horse 3.3 Fit horse with required gear for swimming, and fit PPE 3.4 Lead horse into and out of water safely according to supervisor instructions 3.5 Conduct swimming exercise according to instructions, and monitor and report horses displaying signs of distress or injury |
4. Perform post-exercise procedures | 4.1 Remove gear from horse and check horse for signs of injury 4.2 Follow stable procedures for post-work or exercise care of horses, including cooling down, hosing, ice application and grooming 4.3 Report irregularities with horses and gear to supervisor using industry-standard terminology |
5. Maintain working gear | 5.1 Clean, check and maintain working gear according to stable routine 5.2 Report signs of worn or damaged gear 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 to clarify and confirm supervisor instructions Use industry-standard terminology to describe and report horse non-riding exercise activities |
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 | Assemble gear and tack for task and follow clear, sequenced instructions to provide non-riding exercise to horses |
Sectors
Equine (EQU)