Assessor Resource

RTE2121A
Provide daily care for horses

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Not applicable.

This competency standard covers the functions required to safely provide horses with comfortable and clean housing, preparing them for work, grooming horses and cleaning working gear when work is finished.

When the requirements of this standard are achieved, stable routines will be completed efficiently, daily horse maintenance will be completed, horses will be correctly selected for a range of purposes, and horses will be groomed or rugged as required by the organisation.

It requires the application of skills and knowledge to carry out horse handling operations safely and humanely using appropriate equipment and techniques. Competency requires an awareness of animal welfare legislative requirements and enterprise workplace safe practices. The work functions in this standard are 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 providing daily care for horses requires evidence that feed and water troughs are maintained to be both clean and sound, and that horses are prepared and groomed as necessary for their individual work programs.

The skills and knowledge required to provide daily care for horses 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 and horse husbandry

horse riding and handling safety when riding

horse health, horse behaviour and psychology

care and maintenance of hooves and the lower limbs

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 livestock 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 and ride horses

complete basic hoof care procedures

groom horses

care for saddlery and equipment

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

measure quantities required for feed.

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 (1) be applied?

In interpreting and following instructions and procedures.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (1)?

In determining the water and bedding requirements for the horses on a daily basis.

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

By interpreting work schedules and preparing the horses for the planned routine.

4. How can team work (1) be applied?

In working alongside other people in the stable, including supervisors, managers and clients.

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

In making and keeping records of regular and irregular horse work routines and performance.

6. How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied?

By dealing with the day-to-day difficulties and changes in temperament of the horses.

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

When calculating quantities and times, and when communicating with co-workers and supervisors.

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 are some restraining devices for securing the horses?

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

What bedding types may be used for horses?

Sand, rice hulls, straw, wood shavings/sawdust may all be used for bedding materials.

Upon what criteria are horses selected?

On their breed or breed-cross, age, sex, condition, colour and markings, brands or tattoos.

When selecting horses, what must be examined to ensure that they are free of conditions that may affect their useability or welfare?

They must be examined for lameness, sore eyes, sore mouth, girth galls, back conditions, mud, caked sweat or vegetable matter, damaged feet or lower limbs, localised or systemic infections.

With what contractors might interactions take place?

With veterinarians, farriers, horse dentists, or transporters.

What organisation work procedures may apply to this standard?

Work procedures 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.

How might information be recorded and what might it contain?

Record keeping systems used may be either paper-based or digital and information will be recorded into logbooks or other records. Information recorded may be dates, times and periods of work, maintenance that is required for stables and/or equipment, work schedules and work completed, chemicals and other substances used including quantities and methods, and readings from temperature and flow-rate gauges.

Where will horses be caught?

They will be caught in stables, yards or paddocks.

What does horse working gear include?

It might include saddles, ropes, reins, breastplates, martingales, bridles, cruppers, saddlebags, headstalls, saddlecloths, feeders, leads and rugs.

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

Relevant OHS hazards identification, risk assessment and risk control measures include:

safe operating procedures

safe manual handling systems and procedures

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

selection, use and maintenance of relevant personal protective equipment.

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 does grooming involve and what equipment might be used?

It involves washing, trimming, pulling of manes and tails, removal of dust, mud, scurf, sweat and tangles, burrs and other vegetable matter. Equipment used to do this might include brushes and combs, clippers, bot knife, scrapers, and soap.

What equipment may be used when dressing and balancing hooves?

Such equipment as hoof picks, knives, rasps, pincers, brushes, and hoof dressings.

What are some common illnesses and injuries?

Cuts, breaks, colds, punctures, colic, abrasions, tying up, bleeders, acidosis, distress, hoof pricks, stone bruises, quarters, abscesses, allergic reactions, cast horses, quarter cracks, bowed tendons, abnormal temperature, insect bites, animal bites, diarrhoea, dehydration, founder, oedema, pneumonia, skin infections, strangles, worms.

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 the 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 horse routines. 
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. 
Horse is checked for condition, health and soundness and removed from stable or secured appropriately. 
Manure, soiled bedding and stale feed is inspected, removed, and abnormal conditions are reported. 
Bedding is raked or forked and fresh quantities are added as required. 
Feed bins, hay nets/bins and water troughs are cleaned thoroughly and troughs are filled with fresh water. 
Walkways are swept and/or raked and manure removed. 
Stale feed and manure is safely disposed of according to the organisations environmental and waste management procedures. 
Buildings or fixtures that are in need of maintenance or are unsafe are reported to the stable management. 
Work program for each stable horse is carried out as instructed by the stud master or stable manager. 
Horses are selected for professional services, prepared, and the contractor is contacted as required by organisational procedures or supervisors instructions. 
Horses are prepared for specified daily work program as required by organisational procedures or supervisors instructions. 
Horses are washed down after working, dried, rugged, returned to their stable and fed. 
Work routines and performance records are kept and maintained as an integral part of the stable business. 
Individual characteristics of horses are identified according to specified criteria and nominated animals are selected. 
Selected horse is caught quickly and gently and working gear is fitted. 
Legs and hooves of selected horse are inspected for abnormalities, cuts or damage. 
Horse is led to work area or rail quietly and calmly and safely secured. 
While handling the horses, OHS hazards are continually identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented. 
Horses are handled safely and within the organisations and industry guidelines for animal health and welfare. 
Horses coat is groomed thoroughly to leave coat clean and remove all traces of dust, dirt, scurf and dead hair. 
Hooves and shoes are cleaned and checked for cracks, heat and other abnormalities, and dirt must be removed from the outer walls of the hooves. 
Rugs appropriate to the conditions are fitted according to instructions from stable foreman taking care to avoid chaffing and rubbing. 
All gear is regularly checked for wear and damage. 
Gear is thoroughly cleaned and polished and oils or preservatives applied as required according to stud practice. 
Working gear is maintained or repaired as required to ensure safe horse working conditions. 
Working gear and saddlery is cleaned and stored after use in line with organisation policy. 
Identify signs of good health. 
Identify symptoms of common illnesses and injuries. 
Monitor and record temperature, pulse and respiration rate. 
Provide basic first aid to minor injuries under supervision. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

RTE2121A - Provide daily care for horses
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

RTE2121A - Provide daily care for horses

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:

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Date:

Student signature:

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