Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to assess the merits of available therapies, review the likely outcomes and validity of therapeutic options and select credible industry professionals to perform the therapies.
The unit applies to individuals, with intermediate horse handling skills, who have responsibility for the health and wellbeing of performance horses working both independently and in conjunction with others. They have detailed knowledge of equine biology, anatomy and physiology, and of a wide range of veterinary, nutraceuticals, pharmacological, complementary and alternative therapies.
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. Determine therapies suitable for use in performance horse management | 1.1 Seek professional advice for the interpretation of symptoms 1.2 Research appropriate therapies to treat the diagnosed condition on the basis of evidence, mode of action and credibility 1.3 Collaborate with veterinarians and other allied health professionals to determine appropriate therapies, timelines and outcomes 1.4 Select appropriate therapy according to veterinary or allied health professional advice |
2. Select equine therapists | 2.1 Assess therapist qualifications for rigour, credibility and compliance with relevant legislation 2.2 Seek and evaluate therapist testimonials from a wide range of sources 2.3 Select appropriate therapist based on assessment of qualifications and testimonials |
3. Implement chosen therapy | 3.1 Monitor the progress of the horse during treatment in collaboration with therapist 3.2 Ensure safe work practices are followed during treatment 3.3 Record the results of the therapy and assess against expected outcomes 3.4 Evaluate the impact of the selected therapy in collaboration with the therapist or veterinarian 3.5 Adjust the therapeutic strategy based on horse response and therapist or veterinarian advice |
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 medical information from a variety of sources, to evaluate and determine therapies to meet specific horse needs |
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 regarding managing horse health using selected therapies |
Get the work done | Plan and sequence strategies for horse therapy programs; monitoring progress, and adjusting treatments to achieve outcomes Analyse problems and risks, devise solutions and reflect on approaches taken |
Sectors
Performance Horse (PHR)