Google Links

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

Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Determine the nutritional requirements of horses
  2. Manage ingredients for horse rations
  3. Formulate and modify effective feeding plans, rations and methods
  4. Monitor and manage the feeding of horses
  5. Evaluate health implications of feeding plans, rations and methods
  6. Manage pasture for horses

Range Statement


Performance Evidence

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

identify and evaluate feed types, pasture species, plants poisonous to horses

identify the nutritional needs of a wide range of horse classes, breeds, ages and categories

formulate, supply and store rations for a range of horses to meet identified nutritional needs

identify feed suppliers

assess horse body condition score

apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology to the formulation of diets and management of equine nutrition

identify and manage nutrition related health disorders

undertake independent research on equine nutritional and health topics and evaluate findings for credibility and relevance

apply research findings to the management of equine nutrition

manage pastures for horses to maximise nutritional content, control weeds and minimise environmental degradation

apply literacy skills to read and produce written documentation such as scientific reports, product specifications, feed plans and reports

apply verbal communication skills to communicate with clients, staff, veterinarians and industry professionals

apply numeracy skills to the computation of rations, nutrient budgets feeding schedules, weights and measures, cost calculations

apply appropriate animal welfare practices relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements and in accordance with relevant Prevention of Cruelty to Animals acts

apply work health safety practices relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements

apply biosecurity and environmental practices relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements


Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

the main structures and functions of the digestive system and the sites and mechanisms of digestion

the rate of passage of different nutrients and feedstuffs

feed types and sources

feeding systems

classes of horses and related nutrient needs

nutrient classes and their values

credible sources of information regarding equine nutrition , feeding and related health issues

feed storage methods

ration formulation methods

individual horse feeding behaviour

herd behaviour as it relates to supplying and managing nutrition

nutrition-related health and behaviour impacts

pasture species and plants poisonous to horses

pasture management techniques and the environmental impacts of horse grazing behaviour on pastures

work health safety standards, policies and procedures relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements

biosecurity standards, policies and procedures relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements

animal welfare standards, policies and procedures relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements

environmental management standards, policies and procedures relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements