Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide daily care for horses.
The unit applies to individuals who carry out work under routine supervision within organisation guidelines and with limited autonomy 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.
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 to work with horses | 1.1 Interpret and confirm work program with management 1.2 Discuss work with others to ensure smooth operation of horse routines 1.3 Identify work hazards, minimise risks and report safety concerns 1.4 Select, check and maintain work tools and equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) |
2. Clean stables and surrounding areas | 2.1 Observe horse behaviour and characteristics, assessing potential risks before handling 2.2 Check horse for condition, health and soundness and remove from stable or yard, or tie up safely in stable or yard 2.3 Inspect and remove manure, soiled bedding and stale feed, and report abnormalities 2.4 Rake or fork bedding and add fresh quantities 2.5 Clean feed bins, hay nets and water troughs, and fill troughs with fresh water 2.6 Report buildings or fixtures that are in need of maintenance or are unsafe |
3. Select, catch and tie up horses | 3.1 Identify individual horses, catch using safe handling techniques and fit any required working gear 3.2 Inspect legs and hooves for abnormalities, cuts or damage, and report according to workplace practices 3.3 Lead horse to work area and secure to rail or another suitable tie-up point |
4. Perform daily work program | 4.1 Prepare horses for specified daily work program 4.2 Carry out work program for individual horses 4.3 Select and prepare horses for professional services 4.4 Wash down, dry, and return horses to their stable 4.5 Measure quantities of feed and provide feed to horses 4.6 Keep and maintain work routines and performance records |
5. Groom and rug horses | 5.1 Groom horses and check for illness or injury, and report any irregularities 5.2 Clean hooves, check for cracks, heat and other abnormalities, and check shoes if applied 5.3 Report abnormalities according to workplace practices 5.4 Fit rugs if required by workplace or other conditions to avoid chafing and rubbing |
6. Clean and maintain stable gear | 6.1 Check all gear regularly for wear and damage 6.2 Clean and polish gear and apply oils or preservatives 6.3 Maintain or repair working gear according to stable procedures 6.4 Clean and store working gear and saddlery after use |
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 program and stable routine |
Writing | Enter data and information accurately into workplace records |
Numeracy | Measure quantities required for feed Estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures |
Oral communication | Use active listening and questioning to clarify instructions and seek advice from supervisor |
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 | Use basic teamwork strategies to work collaboratively with others in providing daily care to horses |
Get the work done | Plan and sequence tasks and assemble resources needed to provide daily care for horses |
Sectors
Horse Breeding (HBR)