Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify horses and horse behaviour; safely catch, lead and tie up a well-educated, quiet, calm, consistent and obedient horse; fit common items of gear and rugs; and clean and store gear all whilst under the supervision of an experienced person competent in horse handling skills.
The unit applies to individuals who are new or inexperienced workers in various horse industries who are required to identify, catch and handle horses safely while working under direct supervision in working environments including stables, yards and paddocks.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, in accordance with applicable state/territory animal welfare and workplace health and safety legislative requirements.
No licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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. Use general horse industry terminology | 1.1 Identify points of the horse, external body parts and features by name and location 1.2 Describe horses using common horse industry terminology |
2. Safely catch and handle horses | 2.1 Assess hazards and potential risks to self, others and the horse, and take steps to minimise 2.2 Identify and prepare catching and handling gear for use 2.3 Interpret horse behaviour signals prior to approaching horses 2.4 Approach horses safely and catch 2.5 Lead and control horses within stables, yards and paddocks 2.6 Tie up or release horses using safe handling techniques and according to animal welfare principles |
3. Fit and remove rugs to and from horses | 3.1 Identify correct rugs for individual horses 3.2 Complete procedures for fitting and removing rugs according to instructions from supervisor |
4. Fit and maintain specified gear | 4.1 Identify stable or paddock gear for individual horses accurately 4.2 Complete procedures for fitting and removing stable or paddock gear according to instructions from supervisor 4.3 Clean and store exercise, stable and paddock gear according to workplace procedures 4.4 Report signs of wear and damage of gear to stable supervisor |
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 |
Oral communication | Use active listening and questioning to clarify and confirm supervisor instructions Use common industry terminology accurately in horse catching and handling tasks |
Navigate the world of work | Follow workplace procedures, including safety and animal welfare requirements, relating to own role and work area Demonstrate a duty of care to self and others when working with horses |
Interact with others | Support others in identifying, catching and handling horses according to instructions |
Get the work done | Plan and sequence tasks and assemble resources required to catch and handle quiet horses |
Sectors
Performance services horse (PSH)