Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to supervise staff who raise young horses.
The unit applies to individuals who use specialised knowledge and skills, have responsibility for a work activity, area or team, and provide and communicate solutions for a range of predictable and sometimes unpredictable problems in the horse breeding sector.
No licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Work health and safety (WHS) 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.
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. Induct and orient handlers | 1.1 Establish and maintain working relationship with handlers 1.2 Provide new handlers with an induction briefing and information about their work roles, obligations and responsibilities according to WHS and animal welfare requirements 1.3 Explain WHS requirements for assessing and controlling risks working with young horses relevant to handlers' work area and role 1.4 Provide an overview of young horse behaviour, body language, and ability to learn, to assist handlers to develop their skills 1.5 Explain and demonstrate procedures for checking gear to control and handle horses, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) 1.6 Provide handlers with access to information and resources required in their role |
2. Monitor performance of handlers in identifying, catching, controlling and handling young horses | 2.1 Regularly review handler performance against agreed expectations 2.2 Provide feedback to handler on performance, and discuss 2.3 Identify short-term and longer-term skills and knowledge development needs or preferences in consultation with handler 2.4 Delegate tasks according to competence of staff, and animal and staff welfare |
3. Oversee others to identify and catch, control and handle horses | 3.1 Instruct others regarding the safe catching, controlling and general handling of horses as required by workplace 3.2 Provide assistance to others in identifying and handling horses 3.3 Determine competence of other workers with regard to handling individual horses 3.4 Explain and demonstrate use of different gear to control and handle horses 3.5 Provide opportunities for practice and skill development for inexperienced staff |
4. Support handlers in their work role | 4.1 Discuss work-related issues with handlers on a regular basis 4.2 Support handlers to establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues and industry personnel 4.3 Identify areas of tension or conflict in relationships, and take steps to address contributing factors and issues 4.4 Provide opportunities for practice and skill development for inexperienced staff |
5. Oversee the health and welfare of young horses | 5.1 Establish hygiene standards for areas used to house young horses 5.2 Observe and note behavioural characteristics of young horses 5.3 Monitor growth and progress of young horses 5.4 Detect symptoms of common illnesses and injuries in young horses 5.5 Conduct routine preventative care procedures 5.6 Develop and implement procedures to provide enrichment and socialisation activities for young horses |
6. Develop and oversee a feeding program for young horses | 6.1 Calculate nutritional requirements of young horses 6.2 Determine feeding plans for young horses according to workplace practices 6.3 Adjust nutrition and feeding program to achieve desired growth |
7. Comply with rules and regulations | 7.1 Comply with industry requirements relating to registration processes 7.2 Comply with codes of practice and relevant 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 | Select and collate relevant resources and information for handlers |
Oral communication | Provide clear, sequenced instructions and respond to queries using terminology and concepts appropriate for the audience Use active listening and questioning techniques to provide feedback and support in discussions with handlers |
Navigate the world of work | Follow regulatory and workplace procedures, including work health and safety, safe horse handling, biosecurity and animal welfare requirements, associated with own role and area of work with young horses |
Interact with others | Work cooperatively to support personnel, using clear communication techniques and positive approaches to teamwork Acknowledge diversity in teams and develop strategies to enhance collaboration and avoid conflict |
Get the work done | Plan and sequence tasks; monitoring activity and prioritising tasks to achieve outcomes for handling young horses Make decisions about routine activities, taking responsibility for actions taken Use workplace technology, tools and/or systems to complete records and reports |
Sectors
Horse Breeding (HBR)