Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to prepare a horse and self to attend and participate in horse events and/or activities. It includes presentation grooming, caring for horses at events, complying with rules and regulations of the event, managing deadlines and responsibilities, self-presentation, and basic sports psychology. It addresses potential risks associated with working with and around horses.
The unit applies to individuals who have experience working in performance horse industry sectors in a range of environments. They carry out work under minimal supervision within industry guidelines and may have responsibility for highly valuable animals.
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 events | 1.1 Review event rules and conduct a pre-activity risk assessment for the event 1.2 Prepare horse prior to event using safe horse handling procedures 1.3 Clean and rug horse 1.4 Present horse for the event in line with workplace practices 1.5 Ensure equipment is cleaned and packed 1.6 Plan and organise event schedules 1.7 Prepare horse for safe transport or movement to event location according to animal welfare legislation and supervisor instructions 1.8 Fit, remove, clean and store gear for event according to workplace practices |
2. Care for horses at events | 2.1 Ensure horses are fed, watered and rugged for conditions 2.2 Monitor horse health according to workplace procedures 2.3 Unpack and store equipment securely 2.4 Implement grooming and/or strapping program 2.5 Ensure horses are suitably and safely controlled and housed 2.6 Move horses safely among people and other horses using appropriate handling techniques 2.7 Ensure staff and surroundings are presented professionally 2.8 Assess and provide for horse needs following events |
3. Follow event rules and regulations | 3.1 Select equipment that meets event rules and regulations 3.2 Comply with official instructions 3.3 Follow animal welfare guidelines 3.4 Follow event dress codes 3.5 Present horses at event locations on time and attired according to event rules 3.6 Assist competitors and colleagues before, during and after the event to ensure compliance with rules |
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 textual information relating to workplace procedures and event rules |
Navigate the world of work | Follow workplace, safety and animal welfare requirements and meet expectations relating to own role and area of responsibility |
Interact with others | Follow accepted practices and protocols for interacting and communicating with others in event environments |
Get the work done | Plan resources and schedule event activities to achieve required outcomes Make decisions about event activities related to own role, and take responsibility for actions taken Apply standard procedures for identifying and controlling hazards and risks related to own role in horse events and activities |
Sectors
Performance Horses (PHR)