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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare to work with horses
  2. Ride stock horses for the first time
  3. Prepare horses for work
  4. Care for saddlery and equipment

Evidence Required

Competence in basic horsemanship requires evidence of the ability to prepare horses for handling operations using equipment and calm and humane methods to minimise undue stress and risk to horses or handlers It requires the ability to follow interpret and apply task instructions riding horses for the first time prior to preparing them for work shoeing horses and transporting them monitor and anticipate horse behaviour and recognise and report hazards or movement problems for remedial action Evidence must also be demonstrated in the employment of safe workplace and positive environmental practices

The skills and knowledge required must be transferable to another rural environment For example if competence is evident in the drafting and movement of horses some skills must also be evident in the conduct of handling operations for sheep beef and dairy cattle

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 behaviour and psychology

anatomy and physiology of the horse

care and maintenance of hooves and the lower limbs

environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the organisation

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

relevant OHS legislation regulations and codes of practice

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

horse handling skills

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

measuring 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

When interpreting the specific work that is required and when dealing with colleagues and clients

How can information be collected analysed and organised

When determining the health needs and working requirements of the horse

How are activities planned and organised

In setting up the regimes for working and training the horses

How can team work be applied

When working alongside others to achieve a common workplace outcome

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

In calculating quantities and volumes of feed and additives

How can problemsolving skills be applied

When dealing with difficult or fractious horses

How can the use of technology be applied

When measuring communicating and calculating

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, overalls and gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

By what criteria are horses selected upon?

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

At what pace may a horse be worked?

Horses may be worked at a walk, trot, canter or gallop.

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

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

manual handling

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 are some restraining devices?

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

What does grooming involve?

It involves washing, trimming, pulling of manes and tails, removal of dust, mud, scurf, sweat and tangles, burrs and other vegetable matter.

Equipment such as brushes and combs, clippers, bot knife, scrapers, and soap will be used.

What organisation 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, organisation standard operating procedures, specifications, work notes, waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines, and OHS procedures.

What does horse working gear include?

It includes saddles, breastplates, martingales, bridles, cruppers, saddlebags, headstalls, saddlecloths, feeders, and rugs.

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