Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely transport horses to destinations by road. It covers regulatory requirements, conducting vehicle safety checks, loading and unloading horses, and monitoring the care of horses during transit.
The unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction using practical skills and specialised knowledge of safe horse handling and transportation, within the racing industry.
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 may 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. Follow regulations and requirements for horse transportation | 1.1 Confirm transport requirements, schedule, destination and route 1.2 Identify the load capacity of vehicle or tow vehicle and float, and appropriateness for load and road condition 1.3 Confirm driver's licence is correct for type of transport required 1.4 Ensure vehicle logbooks, permits or transport documentation are maintained according to workplace procedures and regulatory requirements |
2. Carry out vehicle and safety checks | 2.1 Inspect vehicle lights and brakes to confirm good working order 2.2 Inspect exterior of vehicle or tow vehicle and float for safety 2.3 Inspect interior of vehicle and float for safety |
3. Load horses | 3.1 Set up vehicle and equipment safely in designated loading area 3.2 Identify potential loading hazards and problems, and control risks 3.3 Check and complete transport documentation, including horse identification details 3.4 Work collaboratively with others to ensure safe and timely loading of horses 3.5 Select and use safe handling strategies for loading difficult horses 3.6 Position and restrain horses according to workplace procedures, float design and animal welfare guidelines |
4. Supervise care of horses in transit | 4.1 Record horse health and condition status prior to and after journey 4.2 Identify poor travellers and make adjustments to protect from injury and reduce stress 4.3 Use driving techniques that are safe and adjusted for road condition and load 4.4 Identify and manage signs of stress and other illness indicators in horses being transported 4.5 Follow documented requirements for travel, including for long haul trips |
5. Unload horses and complete post-transport arrangements | 5.1 Unload horses in designated area at destination in collaboration with other personnel 5.2 Check and record horse health and condition status after journey 5.3 Complete required documentation according to workplace and regulatory requirements 5.4 Clean, maintain and secure vehicle, equipment and facilities 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 | Interpret key information in written instructions, vehicle specifications and operating manuals |
Writing | Complete logbook entries and workplace documentation required for transporting horses accurately |
Numeracy | Use basic arithmetic to calculate weight and time, and compare with vehicle specifications and schedule requirements |
Navigate the world of work | Recognise importance of regulatory and workplace procedures, including workplace health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity requirements, and expectations relating to own role and area of responsibility |
Interact with others | Work cooperatively with other personnel using clear communication techniques to load and unload horses safely |
Get the work done | Plan and sequence activities, using routine problem-solving strategies to deal with contingencies |
Sectors
Performance services horse (PSH)