Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to plan and implement conditioning programs for horses used in equestrian sport or recreational riding programs to optimise performance in their given role.
This unit applies to a range of organisations involved in equestrian sport, instructional and recreational riding programs. It applies to experienced senior staff who work independently but in consultation with others. This can include trainers, guides, trail bosses, instructors and coaches who are proficient horse riders.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCECRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare individual conditioning programs. | 1.1. Identify and assess needs of individual horses according to their intended sport or recreational use and performance requirements. 1.2. Assess level of fitness of horses and weight carrying capacity. 1.3. Identify functional conformation faults and past injuries of horses. 1.4. Consult with stakeholders to identify and confirm goals of program. 1.5. Select conditioning techniques appropriate to individual horse health and fitness levels. 1.6. Design and document conditioning programs to optimise performance of horses. 1.7. Identify and confirm availability of equipment and resources for program. |
2. | 2.1. Implement conditioning program using chosen techniques appropriate to individual horse. 2.2. Monitor health and welfare of horse according to organisational policies and procedures and animal welfare guidelines. 2.3. Record progress of horse at various stages of program and provide ongoing feedback to stakeholders. 2.4. Recognise signs and symptoms of horse illness and injury and consult with veterinarian as required. 2.5. Monitor feeding and conditioning regimes to confirm suitability for horse and performance goals. 2.6. Implement modifications to program to suit horse condition and optimise performance. 2.7. Present horses in industry accepted condition to meet intended sport or recreational use. |
3. Evaluate conditioning program. | 3.1. Evaluate and record progress throughout all phases of conditioning program. 3.2. Evaluate outcomes against identified goals and complete written report on results to stakeholders. |
Foundation Skills
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 familiar organisational policies and procedures for horse welfare. |
Writing skills to: | develop and document complex horse conditioning programs, records of progress and reports on results. |
Oral communication skills to: | ask open and closed probe questions and actively listen to determine conditioning requirements and desired performance goals interact with professionals and stakeholders within the equine industry relating to conditioning horses for performance discuss horse injuries and health problems with veterinarians using correct terminology to describe anatomy, physiology and behaviour. |
Self-management skills to: | take responsibility for horse conditioning programs from initial assessment through to presentation of horse in optimum performance condition. |
Sectors
Outdoor Recreation
Competency Field
Equine