Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare to treat horses
- 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.
- Recognise and report common ailments
- Routine and regular checks are made of horses to detect abnormal conditions.
- Common ailments are distinguished through signs of distress, elevated temperatures, or skin or joint condition.
- Abnormal conditions are reported to the manager (or veterinary doctor) and actions are taken under instruction and supervision.
- Initial first aid procedures are carried out for horses until professional help arrives.
- Apply disease or ailment prevention procedures
- Stable/paddock quarantine procedures are carried out according to enterprise practice.
- Stable hygiene practices are maintained at high levels in accordance with routine instructions.
- Routine annual or outbreak stimulated vaccination of horses is carried out under supervision of the veterinary practitioner with a minimum of stress to animals.
- Routine drenching and skin washing procedures are carried out to prevent or control external or internal parasites.
- While handling horses, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are continually identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.
- Comprehensive records of veterinary medication and treatment by other professionals are maintained for each individual animal.
- Treat equine injury and disease
- Twitches and other restraining devices are used, as required, depending upon the individual horse's temperament.
- Prescribed veterinary medicines are administered at correct dose, according to instructions, with minimal stress to the horse and under supervision by manager or veterinary doctor.
- All handling of the horses is done within the guidelines of animal welfare codes and practices.
- Complete hygiene and administration
- All equipment used in treating horses is cleaned hygienically and stored in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, organisational procedures and regulations.
- All containers, leftover fluids, waste and debris from the treatments are disposed of safely, hygienically and appropriately.
- All required records and documentation are completed accurately and promptly in accordance with operational requirements.