Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to prepare, develop and present young horses of a variety of breeds to a maximum advantage. It includes knowledge of breed standards, and sales and preparation requirements of a variety horse breeds and sports.
The unit applies to individuals, with at least intermediate horse handling skills, who are required to prepare and present young horses for sale or show, and assess horses for a future career in the relevant sport or discipline. It covers breed types commonly found in the performance horse industry and may include stock horses, quarter horses, sport horses, warmbloods, showjumpers and ponies.
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 sale of young horses | 1.1 Determine the presentation requirements of the breed according to show or sale requirements 1.2 Develop an action plan to ensure the preparation of young horses will be completed in time 1.3 Identify the effect of seasonal factors on the preparation schedule, and allow sufficient time to manage effects 1.4 Incorporate outcomes of a risk assessment into the plan to address any issues that that might arise during the preparation of the horse 1.5 Develop an exercise or conditioning regime to incorporate in horse preparation plans to improve condition |
2. Exercise horses to maximise sale or show potential | 2.1 Conduct an assessment of the current level of education and handling experience of the horse, and potential risks to the health and welfare of young horses and handlers during the preparation 2.2 Develop steps to minimise or eliminate identified risks 2.3 Habituate horses to tack and equipment to be used during the preparation, sale or show 2.4 Rug horses according to safety, weather and required presentation standards 2.5 Train horses to stand, be led at a walk and to trot in a manner to maximise the potential of the horse 2.6 Train young horses for travel and habituate and desensitise to sale or show environments, including proximity to other young horses 2.7 Conduct training within the limits of horse age and fitness according to industry standards, safe work practices and animal welfare legislation |
3. Prepare horses for show or sale to enhance presentation | 3.1 Identify the requirements of different breed societies for the presentation of in-hand horses 3.2 Identify the specific requirements for presentation at different show or sale venues 3.3 Prepare horses in a professional manner, to emphasise qualities of horses and meet breed society or sales venue requirements |
4. Present horses at events to maximise their potential for success | 4.1 Identify and follow the dress requirements and handler protocols of specific sale or show 4.2 Present the horse for inspection, including standing, walk, trot, canter, at liberty or free jumping, according to requirements of show or sale 4.3 Evaluate the outcomes of the sale or show with relevant parties, and draw up a corrective plan for future events based on evaluation outcomes |
5. Plan for future careers of the horses | 5.1 Identify short- and long-term goals for horses 5.2 Prepare a career plan for horses 5.3 Identify possible contingencies that may affect the implementation of plans 5.4 Review and adapt horse career plans on a regular basis depending on development of horses |
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 written information to determine requirements and complete necessary actions relating to breed standards, show or sales rules, plans and progress reports |
Writing | Prepare and sequence a structured program, consolidating information gathered |
Numeracy | Organise times and dates to prepare a structured plan or timetable of activities |
Navigate the world of work | Follow regulatory, safety and event requirements and meet expectations relating to own role and area of responsibility |
Interact with others | Follow accepted industry practices and protocols for communicating and interacting with officials and other personnel at sales and shows |
Get the work done | Plan, sequence and prioritise tasks and assemble equipment to prepare and manage horse presentations |
Sectors
Performance horse (PHR)