Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise ailments in horses and apply procedures for the prevention and treatment of equine injury and disease.
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 or 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 treat horses | 1.1 Confirm the work program with supervisor 1.2 Communicate with other workers to ensure smooth operation of the process 1.3 Select, check and maintain suitable tools and equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE) 1.4 Assess and minimise risks in treatment areas, reporting risks beyond control to supervisor |
2. Recognise and report common ailments | 2.1 Schedule and conduct regular checks to detect abnormal conditions 2.2 Determine common ailments, interpreting signs of distress, elevated temperatures or skin or joint condition 2.3 Report abnormal conditions, record in workplace documentation and perform actions under supervision 2.4 Perform initial first aid procedures until professional help arrives |
3. Apply disease or ailment prevention procedures | 3.1 Perform stable and paddock quarantine procedures 3.2 Maintain stable hygiene practices 3.3 Conduct routine annual or outbreak stimulated vaccination of horses under supervision of the veterinary practitioner 3.4 Conduct routine drenching and skin washing procedures 3.5 Identify work hazards, assess risks and implement suitable controls while handling horses 3.6 Maintain workplace records of veterinary medication and treatment |
4. Treat equine injury and disease | 4.1 Use twitches, yard crush and/or other restraining devices appropriate to individual horse temperament 4.2 Administer prescribed veterinary medicines under supervision 4.3 Apply dressings and poultices according to treatment practices 4.4 Handle horses safely and ethically |
5. Complete hygiene and administration | 5.1 Clean and store equipment used in treating horses 5.2 Dispose of containers, leftover fluids, waste and debris according to workplace procedures 5.3 Complete records and documentation |
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 horse treatment programs and veterinary instructions |
Writing | Keep accurate records of horse condition, treatments and medications |
Numeracy | Measure and interpret results for temperature, pulse, respiration and capillary refill |
Oral communication | Participate in verbal exchanges to convey and obtain information about horse injury and disease prevention, and treatment programs, with a range of personnel |
Navigate the world of work | Take responsibility for following workplace procedures, including safe work, safe horse handling practices and animal welfare principles, relating to own role and work area |
Interact with others | Develop and maintain strong reporting relationships with supervisor Support and liaise with health practitioners in prevention and treatment programs for horses |
Get the work done | Plan and sequence tasks and organise resources to complete work activities; monitoring outcomes and adjusting plans to address priorities and contingencies |
Sectors
Horse Breeding (HBR)