Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to handle, ride and train horses to muster, move and separate livestock. It covers caring for horses and equipment, and addresses the potential risks associated with working with and around horses and livestock.
This unit applies to individuals who have experience working in the livestock industry and in riding educated, compliant and manageable horses to muster and check stock on grazing properties. Work is normally carried out independently, under broad direction according to workplace procedures.
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 horses for work | 1.1 Select, use and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) 1.2 Select, muster, or bring from paddock, and assess the suitability of the horse for the task 1.3 Catch and handle horses safely and humanely 1.4 Check horse health, soundness, and fitness level to ensure it is capable to complete the work required 1.5 Select, check, and maintain working equipment, according to instructions 1.6 Groom horse prior to exercise or work 1.7 Fit working gear to individual horse |
2. Train horses for stock work | 2.1 Identify and assess risks, and implement risk controls associated with horse riding and horse training 2.2 Assess current level of education of the horse 2.3 Train horse to calmly carry out required movements for working stock, including stops, turns and rollbacks 2.4 Train horse to work and control a mob of livestock as a whole 2.5 Train horse to safely handle a single beast and to return it to the mob safely according to industry practices 2.6 Train horse to separate a beast from a mob as instructed and according to industry practices 2.7 Train horse to calmly accept a stock whip being used by the rider, if required by the workplace, according to industry practices 2.8 Train horse to work with working dogs where required by workplace 2.9 Utilise agreed emergency procedures when training horses in required safety movements, including one-rein stops |
3. Ride horses to carry out stock work | 3.1 Interpret work program to determine work to be undertaken, and confirm with management 3.2 Select horses for the task, taking into consideration task requirements and own skill level 3.3 Catch and handle horses safely and humanely 3.4 Practise and reinforce training of horse while carrying out routine stock work 3.5 Take corrective action to re-train horse where necessary |
4. Provide post ride care and maintain saddlery and equipment | 4.1 Remove gear, and groom, wash and/or clean horse according to industry practices 4.2 Water and feed horse in line with workplace procedures and safe work practices 4.3 Release horse safely to appropriate enclosure, paddock or yard 4.4 Check, clean, maintain and store working gear 4.5 Repair working gear according to industry practices 4.6 Apply the workplace’s biosecurity and sustainability policies |
5. Maintain horse health and condition | 5.1 Monitor horses as a part of daily routines to identify signs of ill health, injury and poor condition 5.2 Muster or catch horses in need of attention, and report and record condition in line with workplace procedures 5.3 Administer prescribed treatments for common ailments, under supervision of the veterinarian or manager 5.4 Safely check horse legs and feet, safely clean out feet, and correctly identify lameness and potential causes for lameness 5.5 Organise shoeing according to workplace procedures |
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 | Comprehend information in workplace documentation |
Writing | Record data and observations about horses in workplace forms accurately |
Navigate the world of work | Follow industry guidelines and workplace procedures, including safe work and safe horse handling practices and animal welfare principles, relevant to own role |
Interact with others | Follow accepted communication practices and protocols for reporting issues to management using accurate industry terminology |
Get the work done | Plan, sequence and prioritise multiple tasks, and assemble equipment to complete activities, taking safety and risk factors into consideration |
Sectors
Livestock (LSK)