Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to handle young horses in order to conduct a range of routine tasks, including catching and weaning foals and preparing yearlings for sale.
The unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They complete routine activities and work in a range of known contexts within horse breeding and 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 for work with young horses | 1.1 Interpret and clarify work instructions and workplace procedures for handling young horses 1.2 Identify hazards and risks associated with catching and handling young horses, and implement control measures to minimise 1.3 Assemble and check gear, equipment and yard, and crush for safe use 1.4 Ensure records relating to young horses are updated regularly and accurately according to workplace requirements |
2. Catch and handle foals | 2.1 Catch foals of various ages using safe and ethical horse handling techniques 2.2 Restrain foals for routine health and husbandry procedures according to workplace practices |
3. Assist with weaning foals | 3.1 Identify suitable facilities for the safe handling, training and weaning of foals 3.2 Fit foals with a halter 3.3 Lead weanling foals 3.4 Handle weanling foal legs 3.5 Pick up weanling foal feet |
4. Perform routine tasks preparing and presenting yearlings for sale | 4.1 Carry out routine daily checks of yearlings according to workplace procedures 4.2 Lead yearlings for exercise and presentation 4.3 Exercise yearlings on horse walkers and lungeing 4.4 Shampoo, groom and trim yearlings in safe facility 4.5 Fit bridles, bits, rugs and safety gear |
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 |
Navigate the world of work | Follow work health and safety, safe horse handling and animal welfare requirements associated with own role and area of work with young horses |
Get the work done | Plan and sequence tasks, prioritising activities to achieve work outcomes for handling young horses |
Sectors
Horse Breeding (HBR)