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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Assess education needs of the horse
   • Establish client needs and requirements for individual horse
   • Assess level of education and temperament of the horse to be educated, and potential safety risks
   • Assess conformation, condition and health of the horse to determine readiness and suitability for education program
   • Prepare a plan to educate the horse based on its individual needs, application of equine behaviour, current equine learning theory and intended purpose
2. Prepare safe environment to commence groundwork
   • Prepare safe, secure and controlled facilities to commence horse groundwork education
   • Identify hazards and assess and control potential risks to safety of handler/s and horse/s
   • Select and correctly fit own personal protective equipment (PPE)
   • Determine if the assistance of another handler is required based on risk assessment
3. Introduce horse initial handling on the ground
   • Develop calm and obedient behaviour by gaining trust and confidence of horse through appropriate handling and feeding
   • Introduce a halter and lead rope, and educate the horse to be caught, led and tied up safely
   • Accustom the horse to being groomed and hosed
   • Accustom the horse to have its legs handled and all feet picked up
   • Familiarise the horse with tack, equipment and aids used in education exercises
   • Teach the horse to focus attention on handler and respond consistently in different contexts to aids, cues and communication relating to forward and backward movement, changing direction, halting and stopping
   • Build horse confidence within a controlled environment, progressing to unfamiliar and/or open environments when ready
4. Educate horse to load and unload on transport
   • Assess risks associated with transport vehicle and location for loading and unloading horse
   • Familiarise horse with transport vehicle and prepare for transport
   • Select suitable horses to assist with habituating the horse to be in close proximity to other horses
   • Teach horse to enter and exit a transport vehicle using positive reinforcement methodologies
   • Build horse confidence in loading and unloading and to be transported safely in a secured vehicle
5. Apply reward-based horse education methodology
   • Apply education techniques consistently to reinforce horse learning
   • Recognise and apply positive reinforcement to the horse for progress towards desired behaviours
   • Comply with animal welfare and safety requirements at all times
   • Confirm horse has been educated to meet client needs and requirements