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. Prepare to work with horses
  2. Carry out horse checks
  3. Deal with horse emergencies
  4. Provide veterinary procedure support

Evidence Required

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Competence in carrying out regular horse observation requires evidence that ill health or injury does not go unchecked or tended to in the stables

The skills and knowledge required to carry out regular horse observation must be transferable to a different work environment For example across a range of horse breeds sizes and uses

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below

horses of all classes and horse husbandry

the range of ailments that may occur or affect horses in the property

the application of a range of basic treatments under veterinary supervision

environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise

the organisations livestock production and management plans

sound management practices and processes to minimise noise odours and debris from the horse operations

relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management animal health and welfare and employment of staff and contractors

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required These include the ability to

handle horses

handle horses and duties around them in a firm but calm gentle and unhurried manner

identify signs of ill health or injury or signs of abnormal or depressed appetite

observe identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

In working with others in the stables including animal health practitioners and in determining the requirements of regular health routines

How can information be collected analysed and organised

By making daily observations of horses in order to identify changes in health energy or reactions to diet

How are activities planned and organised

When making requests of animal health practitioners to attend ill or injured horses

How can team work be applied

In working alongside others in the stable to achieve collective goals

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

In calculating quantities for feed ingredients or medications

How can problemsolving skills be applied

When dealing with as yet undiagnosed problems in horses

How can the use of technology be applied

When calculating quantities and times when communicating with coworkers and supervisors and in monitoring horse health

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet

Range Statement

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?

This may include boots, helmet, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or face mask, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

What checks might be included in the procedures for determining ill health?

Included may be the checking of nasal passages, vaginal or rectal discharge, rectal temperature, coughing, abnormal coat conditions, changes to pulse, respiration changes, abnormal behaviour, vices such as weaving, depraved appetite, or other boredom conditions that may reflect on the health of stabled horses.

Why might a check of rectal temperature be undertaken prior to work?

In some organisations, the taking of rectal temperature prior to work may identify a range of preclinical symptoms of respiratory infection or other illness which would not otherwise be identified.

What organisation work procedures may apply to this standard?

They will be based on sound agricultural principles and practices and may include supervisors oral or written instructions, livestock production program, organisation standard operating procedures, specifications, routine maintenance schedules, work notes; product labels and Material Safety Data Sheets; manufacturers service specifications and operators manuals, waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines, and OHS procedures.

What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise the OHS risk?

Relevant OHS hazards identification, risk assessment and risk control measures include safe work systems and procedures for:

reducing kicks, bites and crushing injuries from horses - this will include using calm and positive actions to avoid alarming stock

manual handling systems and procedures

preventing infection from injured/sick stock

systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation

selecting, using and maintaining relevant personal protective equipment

clear communication between workers, especially when working together within a close proximity.

All working routines for horses must be carried out in line with the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Acts and relevant animal codes of welfare.

What are some of the restraint devices?

Rearing bit, war bridle, blindfold, twitch, neck skin hold, leg strap, hobbles, and sidelines.

What might some of the life threatening ailments be that are found in the horses?

These may include twisted bowel/colic, malpresentation of foals, or bleeding.

In what situations might emergency First Aid procedures may be used?

In situations where bleeding, cast horses, trauma, or leg injuries are discovered.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment refer to the Sector Booklet.