Assessor Resource

RTE2104A
Carry out regular horse observation

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Not applicable.

This competency standard covers the processes of dealing with horse injuries and emergencies when they occur. It includes providing support to professional health practitioners.

When the requirements of this standard are achieved, horses are regularly checked in the paddock or stable, emergencies and procedures are efficiently and calmly completed, and symptoms of ill health or injury are identified, reported and actioned promptly.

It requires the application of skills and knowledge to carry out horse handling operations safely and humanely in prepared handling areas using appropriate equipment and techniques. Competency requires an awareness of animal welfare legislative requirements and enterprise workplace safe practices. The work in this standard is likely to be carried out under routine supervision within organisation guidelines.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

Not applicable.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?

Competence in carrying out regular horse observation requires evidence that ill health or injury does not go unchecked or tended to in the stables.

The skills and knowledge required to carry out regular horse observation must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, across a range of horse breeds, sizes and uses.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

horses of all classes and horse husbandry

the range of ailments that may occur or affect horses in the property

the application of a range of basic treatments under veterinary supervision

environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise

the organisations livestock production and management plans

sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours and debris from the horse operations

relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare, and employment of staff and contractors.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

handle horses

handle horses and duties around them in a firm but calm, gentle and unhurried manner

identify signs of ill health or injury, or signs of abnormal or depressed appetite

observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information (2) be applied?

In working with others in the stables, including animal health practitioners, and in determining the requirements of regular health routines.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (2)?

By making daily observations of horses in order to identify changes in health, energy, or reactions to diet.

3. How are activities planned and organised (1)?

When making requests of animal health practitioners to attend ill or injured horses.

4. How can team work (2) be applied?

In working alongside others in the stable to achieve collective goals.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?

In calculating quantities for feed ingredients or medications.

6. How can problem-solving skills (2) be applied?

When dealing with as yet undiagnosed problems in horses.

7. How can the use of technology (1) be applied?

When calculating quantities and times, when communicating with co-workers and supervisors, and in monitoring horse health.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed, in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines. Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Not applicable.

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?

This may include boots, helmet, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or face mask, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

What checks might be included in the procedures for determining ill health?

Included may be the checking of nasal passages, vaginal or rectal discharge, rectal temperature, coughing, abnormal coat conditions, changes to pulse, respiration changes, abnormal behaviour, vices such as weaving, depraved appetite, or other boredom conditions that may reflect on the health of stabled horses.

Why might a check of rectal temperature be undertaken prior to work?

In some organisations, the taking of rectal temperature prior to work may identify a range of preclinical symptoms of respiratory infection or other illness which would not otherwise be identified.

What organisation work procedures may apply to this standard?

They will be based on sound agricultural principles and practices and may include supervisors oral or written instructions, livestock production program, organisation standard operating procedures, specifications, routine maintenance schedules, work notes; product labels and Material Safety Data Sheets; manufacturers service specifications and operators manuals, waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines, and OHS procedures.

What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise the OHS risk?

Relevant OHS hazards identification, risk assessment and risk control measures include safe work systems and procedures for:

reducing kicks, bites and crushing injuries from horses - this will include using calm and positive actions to avoid alarming stock

manual handling systems and procedures

preventing infection from injured/sick stock

systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation

selecting, using and maintaining relevant personal protective equipment

clear communication between workers, especially when working together within a close proximity.

All working routines for horses must be carried out in line with the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Acts and relevant animal codes of welfare.

What are some of the restraint devices?

Rearing bit, war bridle, blindfold, twitch, neck skin hold, leg strap, hobbles, and sidelines.

What might some of the life threatening ailments be that are found in the horses?

These may include twisted bowel/colic, malpresentation of foals, or bleeding.

In what situations might emergency First Aid procedures may be used?

In situations where bleeding, cast horses, trauma, or leg injuries are discovered.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment refer to the Sector Booklet.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Work to be undertaken is interpreted from work program, where necessary, and confirmed with management. 
Discussions are held with other workers who may be affected by the activities to ensure continued smooth operation of the process. 
Tools and equipment suitable for the work to be undertaken are selected, checked, and maintained if necessary. 
Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained. 
All horses are routinely checked for signs of ill health. 
Horses are examined for signs of lameness or soreness and abnormalities reported in the methods prescribed in the organisations work procedures. 
Evidence of heat or swelling in legs is reported to manager or foreman and treated under instruction. 
Hooves cleaned and shoes are examined for wear and damage. 
Faulty, broken or loose shoes removed and farriery assistance is called, when required, in line with the organisations work procedures. 
While handling the horses, OHS hazards are continually identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented. 
Horses are handled safely and all required horse restraints are within the organisations and industry guidelines for animal health and welfare. 
Common signs of injury or life threatening conditions are detected and the situation quickly analysed before notification or action is taken. 
Life threatening ailments requiring emergency treatment are notified to the trainer, manager or veterinarian and immediate assistance is called. 
Basic emergency and/or First Aid procedures are carried out until professional help arrives. 
Cast horse is calmed and returned to its feet in a safe manner. 
Serious cuts and abrasions are promptly shown to the veterinarian and assistance provided, as required, during professional treatment. 
Cuts, abrasions and bruises are treated under instruction from the veterinarian, manager or foreman. 
Horse is examined for signs of distress of soreness after work or mating procedures, and all abnormalities are reported. 
Appropriate hoof care treatment is applied as instructed by the manager or foreman. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

RTE2104A - Carry out regular horse observation
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessor name:

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Assessment Record Sheet

RTE2104A - Carry out regular horse observation

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

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