Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to develop high-level technical proficiency in training horses, including the application of knowledge of equine behaviour, equine cognition and learning abilities and equine ethology to training horses in a variety of disciplines.
The unit applies to individuals who have responsibility for the training of horses in a wide range of behaviours, from starting under saddle, retraining unwanted behaviours or training horses to perform in new disciplines. Individuals must demonstrate existing high-level handling and riding skills and experience handling a wide variety of horses, including those with difficult behaviours in-hand and under saddle.
The unit applies to a wide variety of performance disciplines, sports and equine activities and can be customised for any breed or age of horse undergoing behaviour modification. There is a strong focus on conducting, safely and humanely, horse behaviour modification activities within the cognitive and physical limitations of 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.Establish client needs and requirements for individual horses | 1.1 Identify the intended outcomes of the starting or training process with the client 1.2 Confirm a timeframe for the starting or training of the horse 1.3 Negotiate a contract and financial arrangements with the owner of the horse |
2. Conduct a pre-training assessment of the horse | 2.1 Assess the health, condition and temperament of the horse 2.2 Negotiate horse feed, health and management requirements with the client |
3. Determine safe work practices relevant to the handling of horses | 3.1 Prepare a safe location appropriate for carrying out the intended activities 3.2 Select and use protective clothing and equipment according to safe work and industry practices 3.3 Conduct a risk assessment and safety check on the area and equipment prior to the activity commencing 3.4 Implement strategies to avoid or minimise risks relevant to horses and people |
4. Apply a knowledge of equine behaviour to the handling of horses | 4.1 Interpret the behaviour of horses undergoing training or handling and adapt actions according to training objectives 4.2 Apply knowledge of equine body language and senses to handling activities to minimise stress to horses and improve safety for handlers 4.3 Identify environmental factors that influence the behaviour of horses and modify program to take these factors into account 4.4 Identify and manage the behavioural signs and physiological effects of stress and the impact on horse responses to training 4.5 Recognise unwanted behaviours relevant to the riding and handling of horses and the contexts in which they may have developed |
5. Develop a sequential program to develop obedience in a horse being re-educated | 5.1 Assess the current level of training of the horse 5.2 Identify and evaluate unwanted behavioural problems the individual horse may have 5.3 Design a training plan to achieve training outcomes whilst eliminating unwanted responses or behaviours 5.4 Obtain advice from a range of equine professionals relevant to achieving training outcomes and avoiding or deleting unwanted behaviours 5.5 Select training equipment and processes, based on knowledge of their function and purpose, to assist in training the horse |
6. Educate horses to riding | 6.1 Apply awareness of the current mental and physical parameters of the horse to training activities 6.2 Apply current scientific information of equine cognition, ethology and learning abilities to training activities 6.3 Habituate horses to the tack and equipment required to achieve training outcomes 6.4 Train the horse to exercises or disciplines to achieve nominated training outcomes 6.5 Monitor horse health and nutritional requirements and adjust to match training requirements 6.6 Recognise and respond humanely to signs of fatigue or stress in horses undergoing training 6.7 Anticipate problem behaviours likely to arise from unforeseen or adverse reactions of horses, and implement a humane plan to eliminate or reduce such behaviours 6.8 Monitor, review and adapt the training schedule to meet training objectives |
7. Report on the outcomes of the project to the client | 7.1 Communicate with the client on the progress of the horse 7.2 Advise the client on the outcome of the training program 7.3 Recommend future management or training strategies to the client |
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 | Review a variety of texts, including complex or academic information from a variety of sources, to evaluate and use in developing training programs to meet specific horse needs |
Writing | Record details and complete workplace forms and contractual documentation accurately |
Numeracy | Use mathematical concepts to calculate training fees and costs Calculate and adjust timelines in schedules or plans |
Navigate the world of work | Take responsibility for complying with regulatory requirements, including work health and safety and animal welfare within own role and area of work Follow safe, ethical and humane horse handling industry practices |
Interact with others | Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with clients and specialist professionals to plan training programs and evaluate horse performance and progress |
Get the work done | Plan and sequence strategies for horse training programs; monitoring progress, and adjusting activities to achieve outcomes Analyse problems and risks, devise solutions and reflect on approaches taken |
Sectors
Performance Horse (PHR)