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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare to work with horses
  2. Clean stables and surrounding areas
  3. Perform daily work program
  4. Select, catch and tie up horses
  5. Groom and rug horses
  6. Clean and maintain stable gear
  7. Monitor health and welfare of horses

Evidence Required

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

Competence in providing daily care for horses requires evidence that feed and water troughs are maintained to be both clean and sound and that horses are prepared and groomed as necessary for their individual work programs

The skills and knowledge required to provide daily care for horses 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 and horse husbandry

horse riding and handling safety when riding

horse health horse behaviour and psychology

care and maintenance of hooves and the lower limbs

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 livestock 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 and ride horses

complete basic hoof care procedures

groom horses

care for saddlery and equipment

observe identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards

measure quantities required for feed

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 interpreting and following instructions and procedures

How can information be collected analysed and organised

In determining the water and bedding requirements for the horses on a daily basis

How are activities planned and organised

By interpreting work schedules and preparing the horses for the planned routine

How can team work be applied

In working alongside other people in the stable including supervisors managers and clients

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

In making and keeping records of regular and irregular horse work routines and performance

How can problemsolving skills be applied

By dealing with the daytoday difficulties and changes in temperament of the horses

How can the use of technology be applied

When calculating quantities and times and when communicating with coworkers and supervisors

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 are some restraining devices for securing the horses?

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

What bedding types may be used for horses?

Sand, rice hulls, straw, wood shavings/sawdust may all be used for bedding materials.

Upon what criteria are horses selected?

On their breed or breed-cross, age, sex, condition, colour and markings, brands or tattoos.

When selecting horses, what must be examined to ensure that they are free of conditions that may affect their useability or welfare?

They must be examined for lameness, sore eyes, sore mouth, girth galls, back conditions, mud, caked sweat or vegetable matter, damaged feet or lower limbs, localised or systemic infections.

With what contractors might interactions take place?

With veterinarians, farriers, horse dentists, or transporters.

What organisation work procedures may apply to this standard?

Work procedures 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.

How might information be recorded and what might it contain?

Record keeping systems used may be either paper-based or digital and information will be recorded into logbooks or other records. Information recorded may be dates, times and periods of work, maintenance that is required for stables and/or equipment, work schedules and work completed, chemicals and other substances used including quantities and methods, and readings from temperature and flow-rate gauges.

Where will horses be caught?

They will be caught in stables, yards or paddocks.

What does horse working gear include?

It might include saddles, ropes, reins, breastplates, martingales, bridles, cruppers, saddlebags, headstalls, saddlecloths, feeders, leads and rugs.

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

Relevant OHS hazards identification, risk assessment and risk control measures include:

safe operating procedures

safe manual handling systems and procedures

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

selection, use and maintenance of relevant personal protective equipment.

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 does grooming involve and what equipment might be used?

It involves washing, trimming, pulling of manes and tails, removal of dust, mud, scurf, sweat and tangles, burrs and other vegetable matter. Equipment used to do this might include brushes and combs, clippers, bot knife, scrapers, and soap.

What equipment may be used when dressing and balancing hooves?

Such equipment as hoof picks, knives, rasps, pincers, brushes, and hoof dressings.

What are some common illnesses and injuries?

Cuts, breaks, colds, punctures, colic, abrasions, tying up, bleeders, acidosis, distress, hoof pricks, stone bruises, quarters, abscesses, allergic reactions, cast horses, quarter cracks, bowed tendons, abnormal temperature, insect bites, animal bites, diarrhoea, dehydration, founder, oedema, pneumonia, skin infections, strangles, worms.

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