Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to develop extensive knowledge of horse physiology, anatomy and health needs and the ability to implement a range of health treatments and strategies to maintain the health and welfare of horses.
The unit applies to individuals, with prior industry or professional experience working with horses, who are responsible for the health and welfare of a range of horses within a horse establishment, including training and breeding organisations, riding schools and agistment centres. It applies to a wide range of horse breeds, ages and uses, including high performance, young, breeding, pleasure horses and retired horses.
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. Assess equine anatomy, physiology | 1.1 Determine health issues associated with the anatomy and physiology of the horse and environmental influences on horse health 1.2 Determine the soundness and basic health of a horse using indicators of normal and abnormal system function and an appraisal of the vital signs of the horse 1.3 Identify common diseases and likely injuries to each of the body systems, and the appropriate treatment |
2. Establish a health strategy for horses | 2.1 Assess the condition of competition horses on a regular basis and record individual health problems according to industry standards and workplace requirements 2.2 Identify and source required preventative health supplies and medications, and store safely according to manufacturer specifications and chemicals handling legislation 2.3 Develop a health strategy including treatment programs, procedures and operations to meet horse health needs, legislative and workplace requirements 2.4 Arrange the facilities and equipment required to implement the health strategy, according to industry standards and workplace requirements 2.5 Implement pre- and post-competition assessment of the horse for injuries, fatigue, health and general fitness 2.6 Communicate the details of treatment programs, schedules and work health and safety issues to staff, and seek their input in assessing and reviewing the strategy 2.7 Train all staff in the procedures to be followed in the workplace health strategy |
3. Implement a treatment program | 3.1 Evaluate the condition of competition horses systematically with reference to all symptoms and signs according to veterinary advice to determine whether veterinary intervention is required, or whether other actions are appropriate 3.2 Identify and analyse signs of disease or injury and refer to specialists for advice and treatment 3.3 Manage the implementation of treatment according to veterinary guidelines, legislative requirements, animal welfare codes of practice and work health and safety (WHS) considerations 3.4 Determine when a treatment program is not working based on horse behaviour, symptoms or physiology; and when a new program or intervention by a specialist is required 3.5 Apply quarantine measures where applicable to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and outbreaks 3.6 Report notifiable diseases according to legislative requirements |
4. Manage the implementation of professionally recommended health plans | 4.1 Assist a range of health professionals with the safe care of horses, including veterinarians, farriers and equine dentists 4.2 Administer and monitor a range of routine health treatments and medications, in accordance with advice from a veterinarian or other professional 4.3 Inspect horse teeth for age and faults as part of a program established by an equine dentist using safe horse handling techniques and industry standard methods to determine the need for further action 4.4 Apply procedures for basic hoof care to address common hoof problems with regard to the safety of the operator and the horse 4.5 Record results of teeth, hoof and other health inspections and treatments for future evaluation 4.6 Evaluate alternative therapies in common use for performance horses |
5. Evaluate the health and treatment programs and strategy | 5.1 Monitor horses during and after treatment for signs of efficacy of treatments and other health problems 5.2 Review treatment outcomes and procedures for effective management planning and benchmarking best practice 5.3 Store or dispose of surplus medications and treatments safely and according to manufacturer recommendations, and work health and safety and environmental management requirements 5.4 Document treatments accurately and maintain records of treatments according to industry standards, legislative and workplace requirements 5.5 Implement a policy and procedure for euthanising and disposing of dead stock, according to local government regulations and applicable legislation |
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 | Research and interpret key information in a range of written documents such as technical reports, scientific papers, treatment records and progress reports |
Writing | Record and report specific information logically using appropriate formats and structures, and update based on outcomes of action |
Numeracy | Measure and calculate volume, quantity and weight relevant to administering health and treatment programs Calculate financial costs and charges Calibrate equipment used in health and treatment programs |
Oral communication | Participate in verbal exchanges with clients, staff, veterinarians and industry professionals to effectively convey and elicit information |
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 | Collaborate with and involve others to achieve joint outcomes relevant to horse health and welfare |
Get the work done | Plan, sequence and schedule multiple activities required for horse health and treatment programs, making adjustments as necessary and determining when to seek professional services |
Sectors
Performance Horse (PHR)