Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to interpret and apply knowledge of equine ethology, cognition and learning to ensure that the behavioural needs and welfare of horses are met while maintaining a safe working environment. It covers all breeds and intended uses and environments. The unit focuses on horses and can be applied to other domestic equids.
The unit applies to individuals who have an independent or management role working with horses, and require a detailed understanding of their behaviour and ethological needs to make decisions relating to their welfare, care, handling, education and management.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory animal welfare and health and safety regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.
No licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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. Investigate equine behaviour and the implications for management, handling and education | 1.1 Determine the management implications of meeting innate equine behavioural needs 1.2 Identify problem behaviours in horses including likely causes 1.3 Apply evidence-based equine learning theory to the education and management of horses 1.4 Communicate information clearly about the education level and behavioural problems of individual horses to workers and clients 1.5 Reinforce safe handling techniques and the risks associated with interacting with horses to workers and clients |
2. Apply knowledge of equine behaviour | 2.1 Research current information of equine ethology and learning relevant to the education and management of horses 2.2 Analyse and apply knowledge of equine ethology and learning to specific education methods, systems and techniques 2.3 Develop a plan to manage the behaviour of a horse to perform a specific task using knowledge of equine learning and principles of animal welfare |
3. Apply knowledge of equine welfare | 3.1 Analyse regulations, codes of practice and animal welfare frameworks relevant to horses 3.2 Conduct a horse welfare assessment, applying a recognised animal welfare framework 3.3 Evaluate the outcomes of the welfare assessment and likely impact on equine behaviour |
4. Improve horse welfare using knowledge of equine behaviour | 4.1 Plan and implement methods to meet equine welfare requirements and allow for behavioural needs in a variety of situations 4.2 Evaluate management techniques against their impact on the welfare and behaviour of horses 4.3 Adjust organisational policy and procedures to address or incorporate knowledge of equine behaviour |
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 |
Learning | Actively source current, evidence-based information on equine learning theory and welfare to inform practices |
Oral communication | Adapt communication techniques to convey information effectively to people with diverse views and backgrounds |
Reading | Interpret textual information to identify and select key information about equine behaviour and welfare relevant to work operations |
Navigate the world of work | Recognise the importance of applying knowledge of equine behaviour and welfare to improve safety in interacting with horses and horse wellbeing |
Get the work done | Analyse problems and risks relevant to equine behaviour and welfare in the work environment, and devise clear and practical strategies or plans to address Use familiar digital systems and tools to access, analyse and present information relevant to role and work area |
Sectors
Performance Horse (PHR)