Required skills include

Ability to

analyse and solve problems using available information and resources including recording information and prioritising daily tasks

apply interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

communicate effectively with others including questioning active listening asking for clarification and consulting with or seeking advice from other relevant persons

consult clearly and precisely with other equine service providers horse owners and others

document and report using appropriate terminology

employ safe and environmentally responsible organisational systems and procedures when working with and handling horses

follow sequenced written instructions record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of defined tasks

identify evidence of musculoskeletal changes that have occurred due to age performance ailments and injury

identify musculoskeletal features that influence movement power and stamina

identify origin and insertion points of muscles on horses and models

identify hoof and foot structures and changes that occur due to growth exercise ailments and injury

identify prominent bones structures muscle groups ligaments and tendons through palpation

identify sensitive areas on surface anatomy which if handled may result in the horse behaving in a manner dangerous to itself or the handler

interpret and respond appropriately to horse behaviour

locate palpable muscles relevant to locomotion power and stamina on surface anatomy of live horses

maintain the highest standards of hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and crossinfection considering zoonotic and exotic disease possibilities biosecurity

numeracy skills to estimate calculate and record routine workplace elements

read and follow required policies and procedures including OHS infection control and waste management

read and interpret anatomical references diagrams and other documents relevant to the musculoskeletal system of horses

use and interpret terminology used to describe the planes of the body and to orientate anatomical features

use safe manual handling techniques andor equipment

use safe hygienic and environmentally friendly waste handling and disposal procedures

Required knowledge includes

Knowledge of

anatomical and physiological terminology used to describe features actions location and orientation of the musculoskeletal system

changes in the anatomical structure that have occurred during the evolution of the horse

changes in the anatomical structure that can occur due to age performance ailments and injury

conformational characteristics that may impact on musculoskeletal structure stability

demands on modern competition and working horses that may impact on the musculoskeletal system

hoof and foot anatomical features and the impact of growth exercise ailments and injuries on structures

pathology and symptomology of common horse ailments and injuries related to the musculoskeletal system of the performance horse

principles of animal welfare

relevant legislation regulations and codes of practice including OHS animal welfare and ethics veterinary practice and waste disposal

safe work practices

structure function actions names and location of muscles significant to horse performance

structure shape function names and location of bones and joints of the horse

structure function name and location of ligaments and tendons significant to horse performance

workplace hygiene standards biosecurity including disinfectants cleaning agents and techniques cleaning and appropriate disinfection or sterilisation of equipment materials and personal protective equipment PPE

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this Unit Assessors should ensure that candidates can

determine the structural characteristics of equine musculoskeletal system

locate and determine the function of equine muscles and supporting tissues related to locomotion power and stamina

define the changes in equine musculoskeletal system due to growth performance ailment or injury

communicate with others to describe and interpret musculoskeletal structures and features using anatomical physiological and industry terminology

The skills and knowledge required to relate musculoskeletal structure to horse movement must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment for this Unit is to be practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in an equine workplace or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions

There must be access to a range of horses and ponies anatomical models and the relevant equipment and resources to enable one to demonstrate competence

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency in performance competency should be demonstrated to industry standards on more than two occasions over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances cases and responsibilities and over a number of assessment activities

The assessment strategy must include assessment of competency in a work environment Suggested strategies for this Unit are

written and oral assessment of candidates required knowledge

observed documented and firsthand testimonial evidence of candidates application of practical tasks

simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions

case studies

thirdparty evidence

workplace documentation

This Unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other Units of Competency relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands eg literacy and numeracy demands and the needs of particular target groups eg people with disabilities Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people women people with a language background other than English youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds

Operation of the musculoskeletal system may include:

Structure and type of bones and joints may include:

Structure and types of soft tissues may include:

Changes to bone may include:

Changes to soft tissue may include:

Impact of overtraining and injury may include:

Changes to hooves and feet may include:

Others may include: