Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify equine musculoskeletal structural characteristics and relate their impact to horse movement.
The unit applies to individuals who require highly specialised knowledge for their work in the equine industry and communicate information to others.
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.
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. Determine structural characteristics of the equine musculoskeletal system | 1.1 Interpret terminology describing the anatomical and physiological features and planes of the body 1.2 Determine the operation of the musculoskeletal system in relation to body stability, movement, power and stamina 1.3 Identify the structure and types of bones and joints, and relate them to their purpose 1.4 Determine the structure and types of soft tissues and the relationship of ligaments and tendons to the musculoskeletal system |
2. Locate equine muscles and supporting tissues related to equine locomotion, power and stamina and determine their function | 2.1 Locate deep and superficial muscles of significance to power and locomotion 2.2 Define muscle actions, origin and insertion points 2.3 Identify tendons and ligaments of significance to power and locomotion |
3. Define changes in the equine musculoskeletal system due to growth and performance | 3.1 Determine changes to bone due to age, exercise, ailments and injury 3.2 Determine changes to soft tissues as a result of growth, exercise, ailments and injury 3.3 Identify impact of overtraining and injury on the musculoskeletal system 3.4 Identify changes to hooves and feet that can occur as a result of growth, exercise, ailments and injury 3.5 Communicate information to others using anatomical, physiological and industry terminology |
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 anatomical diagrams and text relevant to the musculoskeletal system of horses from a variety of sources, and consolidate information |
Interact with others | Collaborate with others, sharing information clearly and precisely to convey knowledge of horse musculoskeletal features and movement |
Get the work done | Use problem-solving techniques to analyse horse movement and musculoskeletal features and determine possible causes of ailments and injuries |
Sectors
Equine (EQU)