Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to evaluate a range of ailments and diseases that could occur in horses and describe their impact on other body systems and the health of horses.
The unit applies to individuals who have responsibility for providing health care to ensure the wellbeing and efficient physiological function of horses within the equine industry.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory 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. Identify, locate and describe systemic anatomical features of the horse | 1.1 Describe the characteristics and location of horse structures using anatomical features 1.2 Locate and explain anatomical orientation to the position of structures in horses |
2. Identify and describe systemic and pathophysiologic systems of horses | 2.1 Identify and describe the structure and function of cellular biology and its relationship to growth, injury, healing and repair 2.2 Identify and describe the structures and functions of the integumentary system 2.3 Identify and describe the structures and functions of the musculoskeletal system 2.4 Identify and describe the structures and functions of the respiratory system 2.5 Identify and describe the structures and functions of the cardiovascular system 2.6 Identify and describe the structures and functions of the digestive system 2.7 Identify and describe the structures and functions of the reproductive system 2.8 Identify and describe the structures and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems 2.9 Identify and describe the structures and functions of the immune systems 2.10 Identify and describe the structures and functions of the hepatic system 2.11 Identify and describe the structures and functions of the urinary system |
3. Evaluate the impact of disease, illness or injury on treatment priorities | 3.1 Relate temperature regulation to the overall health and wellbeing of horses 3.2 Relate horse behaviour to symptoms of disease, illness or injury 3.3 Relate horse treatment of disease, illness or injury to health care priorities 3.4 Make treatment priority decisions based on animal welfare needs and the potential ongoing impact of ailments or disease |
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 |
Reading | Critically analyse complex documentation from a variety of sources and consolidate information relating to horse body systems to determine health care requirements |
Get the work done | Analyse complex anatomical and physiological relationships in horse body systems to determine possible causes of disease, injury or health problems and prioritise treatments |
Sectors
Equine (EQU)