Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify basic anatomy and physiology of horses, relate anatomy and body systems to the performance of racehorses, and follow illness and injury management plans for racehorses.
The unit applies to individuals who have responsibility for the practical care and management of harness or thoroughbred racehorses.
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. Relate knowledge of horse anatomy and physiology to performance of racehorses | 1.1 Explain key features and functions of main body systems of horses 1.2 Describe basic anatomy of horses 1.3 Identify signs and symptoms of common illnesses and injuries 1.4 Outline the potential impacts of illness and injury on horse performance |
2. Provide care and treatment of injured or sick horse | 2.1 Assess and respond to illnesses or injuries in horses according to directions from supervisor and/or veterinarian or allied health practitioner 2.2 Assess effectiveness of different therapies and related technology or medications, and implement best options 2.3 Carry out all care and treatment activities using safe and ethical horse handling practices 2.4 Administer or supervise administration of prescribed medication according to directions and according to the rules of racing and relevant legislation |
3. Monitor illness and injury management plans | 3.1 Maintain horse care and treatment over period of illness or injury according to directions and animal welfare principles 3.2 Observe and monitor healing processes following illness or injury 3.3 Report horse progress regularly to supervisor and/or veterinary or allied health practitioner, and maintain records accurately 3.4 Maintain treatment records or book for every horse in care according to workplace policies and 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 veterinary and medical information in horse treatment plans and instructions from specialists Locate and interpret key information in medication labels |
Writing | Use clear language and accurate industry and/or medical terminology for reporting and recording horse illness and injury information |
Numeracy | Perform basic calculations and measurements of volume, weight and ratios to determine doses of medication |
Navigate the world of work | Follow workplace procedures, including safety and animal welfare requirements, and meet expectations relating to own role and area of responsibility |
Interact with others | Follow accepted industry practices and protocols for working collaboratively with and reporting to supervisors and veterinary or health practitioners |
Get the work done | Plan, sequence and prioritise horse care and treatment activities and resources; monitoring risks and progress and adjusting activities to achieve outcomes Make decisions and resolve problems related to own work and instructions, knowing when to take responsibility and when to notify others |
Sectors
Performance services horse (PSH)