Elements and Performance Criteria
- Follow procedures for horse health and welfare
- Carry out horse checks
- 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, Occupational Health and Safety (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.
- Deal with horse emergencies
- 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.
- Provide veterinary procedure support
- 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.