ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCECRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Assess risks for horse handling activities.

1.1. Identify known temperament, behaviour and level of education of horse prior to handling.

1.2. Identify current environmental factors that may affect horse senses and behaviour.

1.3. Observe and interpret horse body language and vocalisations to assess current horse behaviour.

1.4. Identify and assess risks associated with the particular activity, horse enclosure and horse.

1.5. Identify safe handling practices and confirm required organisational safety and emergency response procedures.

2. Approach and catch horses.

2.1. Identify horses to be caught by their features.

2.2. Check and confirm horses are aware of presence of handler prior to approach.

2.3. Move safely around any horses lying down without encroaching danger zones.

2.4. Catch an individually housed horse.

2.5. Catch a horse from within a group of horses.

2.6. Approach horses with halter and lead, using body language that minimises adverse horse reactions.

2.7. Fit halter and lead assuming safe body position in relation to horses.

3. Lead, tie up and untie horses.

3.1. Assume safe body position in relation to horses and use cues to start, stop and turn horse.

3.2. Lead horse, under control, on its own through doorways and gates.

3.3. Lead and stand horse single file in a group, and control to ensure horse and own safety.

3.4. Lead horse under control past others leading a horse.

3.5. Lead horse under control through, and out of a group of horses.

3.6. Secure horse to tie up point.

3.7. Check and confirm horse is aware of handler, move around avoiding danger zones, untie and lead horse.

4. Release horses.

4.1. Remove halter and lead, assuming safe body position in relation to horse.

4.2. Release horse into enclosure for a single horse; confirm security of enclosure before and after release.

4.3. Release horse into enclosure housing groups of horses; confirm security of enclosure before and after release.

4.4. Release horse as part of a group of handlers releasing horses; confirm security of enclosure before and after release.

5. Respond to immediate safety risks.

5.1. Monitor horse behaviour during all handling activities and respond to adverse behaviour.

5.2. Complete on-the-spot risk assessment as hazards arise during activities to avoid injury to self, others and horse.

5.3. Use techniques to calm and control horse throughout activities and amend or cease activities as required.

Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement.

SKILLS

DESCRIPTION

Reading skills to:

interpret detailed and familiar organisational safety and emergency response procedures for handling horses.

Oral communication skills to:

ask open and closed probe questions and actively listen to clarify and confirm handling conditions, hazards and risk control practices

interact with other handlers clearly to support a positive and safe handling environment.