Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to work under direction and follow instructions to safely prepare horses for road transportation; load and unload horses; monitor horse health, welfare and behaviour during transportation; and conduct post-transport procedures.
The unit applies to stablehands, strappers, trainers and others authorised to assist with the transportation of horses, and who operate in work environments of racing stables, racecourses and public areas.
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.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit. Users are advised to check with the relevant Principal Racing Authority (PRA) for current 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 for loading and unloading | 1.1 Check and clarify supervisor instructions for tasks requiring the loading, unloading and transporting of horses 1.2 Check for hazards and identify and raise with supervisor potential safety risks to handler and horse when loading and unloading 1.3 Organise gear and equipment required for transporting racing horses, including personal protective equipment, and check for defects 1.4 Fit gear to horse correctly prior to loading under supervision 1.5 Check and prepare racing horses correctly for transport, according to instructions and within nominated timeframe |
2. Load and unload racing horses | 2.1 Load or unload horses to be transported safely according to instructions under supervision 2.2 Position horses according to individual horse requirements and transport configurations 2.3 Apply procedures and follow instructions for dealing with difficult situations in loading and unloading 2.4 Refer difficulties in loading and unloading to supervisor |
3. Conduct post-transport procedures | 3.1 Inspect horses and report on how well the horse travelled and signs of illness or injury to supervisor 3.2 Care for horses according to supervisor’s instructions 3.3 Check transport vehicle or float for gear and equipment and assist with clean-up |
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 | Read and interpret workplace documentation, including transport instructions |
Writing | Complete workplace forms and documentation legibly using workplace formats |
Oral communication | Use active listening and questioning techniques to clarify and confirm supervisor instructions Use industry terminology to describe horses, gear and equipment used for handling horses |
Navigate the world of work | Understand regulatory and racing industry requirements relating to safety and animal welfare, and associated responsibilities with own role |
Interact with others | Work collaboratively with others to achieve joint outcomes |
Get the work done | Follow clearly defined instructions and sequencing; monitor own progress loading and unloading racehorses, and seek assistance when necessary |
Sectors
Performance services horse (PSH)