Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to plan for and participate in various performance horse sports. It includes complying with sport rules and regulations; presenting horses in a range of disciplines; undertaking competition day duties; participating in industry inquiries, protests and appeals; and managing related documentation and records.
The unit applies to individuals with moderate horse handling skills who are responsible for the management of competition and performance horses competing in recognised equestrian competitions. Equestrian performances range from Olympic sports of dressage, show jumping and evening, to other sports including camp drafting, cutting, showing, polocrosse, pony club competitions, endurance riding, western disciplines, and working equitation.
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. Evaluate horse sport opportunities | 1.1 Identify and analyse competitive performance horse sports and their governing body structures 1.2 Develop business goals for participating in performance horse sports 1.3 Determine the suitability of horse breeds for performance horse sports 1.4 Complete horse suitability check for nominated horses, and assess risks associated with the horse and/or sport event |
2. Apply relevant rules, regulations and responsibilities related to training and competing performance horses | 2.1 Identify the relevant discipline and government rules and regulations pertaining to the training and competing of performance horses 2.2 Implement and comply with the identified training and competitor regulations and obligations 2.3 Implement and comply with the relevant regulations and obligations relating to security of premises, horses and medications 2.4 Implement and comply with the relevant regulations relating to animal welfare, biosecurity and safe handling and riding practices |
3. Organise performance horse transport | 3.1 Select sport-specific transport methods according to individual horse needs and workplace requirements 3.2 Develop transportation strategy within legislative responsibilities and codes of practice requirements 3.3 Organise timely and safe transportation of horses |
4. Manage horse presentation for competition | 4.1 Determine the appropriate presentation requirements for the sport or competition 4.2 Select and maintain tack and equipment to meet competition requirements 4.3 Implement a strategy to prepare and present horses |
5. Perform the competition day duties of a trainer and/or competitor | 5.1 Organise staff to assist with competition and travelling 5.2 Use effective communication skills when dealing with competition staff and event personnel 5.3 Compete or support competitor in showing or competing horses within the rules and regulations of the discipline 5.4 Organise the care of horses before and after competitions |
6. Comply with competition procedures, rules and regulations | 6.1 Identify and comply with competition entry and participation criteria to ensure compliance with the rules of entry and competition 6.2 Identify the functions of judges and officials at competitions, and communicate relevant details to staff 6.3 Comply with sport drug, medication and withholding rules for horses 6.4 Present horses for drug testing according to competition procedures, rules and regulations |
7. Participate in protests, inquiries and appeals | 7.1 Gather, organise and present relevant information for a protest, inquiry and appeal 7.2 Observe and comply with the rights, responsibilities, rules and regulations of protests, inquiries and/or appeals |
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 in formal competition procedures, rules and regulations Identify key information relevant to horse sport in a wide range of documents, including contracts, horse evaluation reports and horse records |
Writing | Accurately complete application and other forms required by the horse sport Compose clear and logically structured written responses to protests, inquiries and/or appeals |
Numeracy | Calculate costs and resource requirements associated with participating in the horse sport |
Oral communication | Participate in verbal exchanges using language appropriate for a range of personnel, including clients, contractors, staff, judges and officials |
Navigate the world of work | Recognise, follow and adhere to explicit and implicit protocols, rules and regulatory responsibilities related to own work |
Interact with others | Follow accepted communication practices and protocols in managing horse sport activities Collaborate and cooperate with others to achieve joint outcomes relevant to the horse sport activity |
Get the work done | Plan, sequence and schedule multiple activities required for horse sport, and monitor implementation, making adjustments as necessary Assess and control risks and regulations associated with horse sport activities in own role and work area Use familiar digital systems and tools to access, analyse, record and present information relevant to horse sport activity |
Sectors
Performance Horse (PHR)