Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out routine checks on horses, provide treatments under direction and assist with veterinary procedures when required.
The unit applies to workers who carry out work under routine supervision within organisation guidelines, while exercising limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context within horse breeding and other horse industry environments.
No occupational licensing 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.
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. Carry out routine horse checks | 1.1 Identify and minimise risks relating to safe handling of horses in open and confined spaces 1.2 Observe signs of good health and condition in horses 1.3 Check horses for signs of lameness or soreness 1.4 Check horses for signs of heat or swelling in legs 1.5 Check horses for signs of distress 1.6 Report all abnormalities according to organisational guidelines |
2. Carry out horse treatments | 2.1 Check safety controls or required support and assistance are in place prior to treating horses 2.2 Ensure all horse restraints are suitable for the task 2.3 Provide routine medications and treatments, and record in workplace forms according to instructions 2.4 Clean hooves and examine shoes for wear and damage 2.5 Report faulty, broken or loose shoes |
3. Support veterinary procedures | 3.1 Report life-threatening ailments promptly to supervisor 3.2 Carry out basic emergency or first aid procedures 3.3 Report serious cuts and abrasions 3.4 Provide assistance during veterinary treatment 3.5 Treat cuts, abrasions and bruises 3.6 Report and record treatments and procedures |
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 key information in work instructions and organisational guidelines |
Writing | Record data and information about checking and treating horses accurately |
Navigate the world of work | Follow instructions and workplace guidelines for safe work and horse handling practices in own role and work area |
Interact with others | Follow accepted practices and protocols for reporting issues to supervisors and knowing to act immediately in emergency situations |
Get the work done | Plan tasks and assemble resources needed to complete horse treatments and procedures |
Sectors
Horse Breeding (HBR)