Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to determine, implement and monitor health management programs and procedures for horses, including implementing basic health care plans, determining and responding to illness, injury and emergency situations; treating injury and disease and reviewing outcomes of horse health care plans.
The unit applies to individuals who have experience, knowledge and skills in the practical care and management of horses. They work under minimal supervision within industry guidelines and have responsibility for a work activity or area.
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. Relate elements of the horse diet to physiological function | 1.1 Classify major nutrient elements according to needs of the horse 1.2 Describe components of the digestive system and the nutrient absorption and metabolism processes 1.3 Relate features of a well-balanced diet to horse age, health condition and workload 1.4 Evaluate impact of an unbalanced or deficient diet on horse health |
2. Implement health management programs for horses of all ages | 2.1 Implement a range of horse health programs, including dental, vaccination, parasite control, and hoof maintenance programs 2.2 Record data and compile and update health records |
3. Determine horse health and emergency care procedures | 3.1 Keep horses in appropriate premises that meet welfare, legislative and licensing requirements 3.2 Correctly fit and use personal protective equipment (PPE) and specialised PPE to meet quarantine requirements 3.3 Handle and restrain horses using safe horse handling practices and animal welfare standards 3.4 Assess health status of horses, applying knowledge of signs and symptoms of healthy and distressed, sick or injured horses 3.5 Identify health care and emergency care procedures and communicate to relevant staff 3.6 Review characteristics, signs and symptoms of healthy and distressed, sick or injured horses 3.7 Identify horses that are potentially suffering from an infectious disease and quarantine or implement control measures to prevent disease spread under veterinary guidance 3.8 Implement procedures for reporting notifiable diseases |
4. Treat injury and disease | 4.1 Determine health care and management for individual horses 4.2 Discuss prognosis for common illnesses and injuries with key personnel and determine need for professional advice or veterinary assistance 4.3 Assess and control risks prior to administering medication or treatments 4.4 Confirm methods of administering medication, recording treatment and monitoring injectable medication 4.5 Administer medication or treatments according to veterinarian instructions, work health and safety (WHS) requirements, stable procedures, and industry and animal welfare regulations 4.6 Apply pharmaceutical and therapeutic treatments as instructed 4.7 Correctly handle and store medications according to legislation and workplace safety procedures 4.8 Return or dispose of surplus medications and treatments according to workplace procedures |
5. Monitor health management program | 5.1 Monitor horses during and after treatment and report indicators of further health problems 5.2 Document health management program and treatments and maintain records 5.3 Review program implementation and outcomes |
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 | Interpret veterinary and medical information in horse treatment records and instructions from equine industry professionals Locate and interpret key information in medication labels |
Writing | Use clear language and accurate industry and/or medical terminology for reporting and recording horse health and welfare information |
Numeracy | Perform basic calculations and measurements of volume, weight and ratios to determine doses of medication |
Oral communication | Use active listening and questioning to convey and receive information from a range of personnel |
Navigate the world of work | Follow workplace procedures, including work health and safety and animal welfare requirements, and meet expectations relating to own role and area of responsibility |
Interact with others | Follow accepted industry practices and protocols for working collaboratively with and conveying information to others |
Get the work done | Plan, sequence and prioritise horse health and welfare activities to achieve outcomes Make decisions and resolve problems related to horse health and welfare, knowing when to take responsibility and when to notify others |
Sectors
Equine (EQU)