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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Determine the impacts of conformation on horse soundness and performance.
  2. Assess horse for suitability for use in different programs

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to

report information on the conformation anatomy and physiology and soundness of individual horses

literacy to collect and analyse information gathered about individual horses

problemsolving skills to

assess the health of individual horses in relation to anatomical systems

assess the suitability of individual horses for different uses in relation to their conformation

apply knowledge of the impacts of conformation on horse performance to assist in solving problems related to individual animals

horse handling testing and restraint techniques which ensure that the assessment of horses is carried out safely

Required knowledge

anatomy and physiology of horses to enable the identification of health issues and the appropriate analysis of problems including

respiratory system

alveolus

diaphragm

larynx

lungs

nostril

pharynx

trachea

skeletal system

bones

cartilage

joints

ligaments

muscles

tendons

circulatory system

arteries

blood cells

heart

lungs

veins

capillaries

digestive system

caecum

diaphragm

intestines

kidneys

mouth

oesophagus

pharynx

stomach

teeth

reproductive system

endocrine glands

male and female genital organs

oestrous cycle

pregnancy and foaling

nervous system

brain

sensory and motor nerves

spinal cord

conformation faults and the implications of this information on horse health movement and soundness to enable appropriate understanding of individual horse potential

examination techniques to enable the accurate assessment of horse health soundness and movement

points of a horse to enable clear descriptions of problems

work health and safetyoccupational health and safety legislation relating to

manual handling systems

adequate training for the actions to be carried out to enable safe and effective handling of horses

organisational policies and procedures for safe and effective handling of horses

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to

apply knowledge of internal systems of a horse to determine soundness of a horse

use techniques to analyse and report on conformation faults and physiological capacities of a variety of horses and link these to their suitability for use in different equine programs

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to

a private or commercial establishment with a variety of tack to meet the needs of different horses and arenas or yards for riding and safe handling of horses

multiple horses with a variety of conformation faults

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess skills and knowledge The following examples are appropriate for this unit

oral and written questioning to identify conformation faults in a variety of horses and to describe how these relate to the soundness and performance of each horse

case studies requiring the analysis of performance problems of particular horses and the links to conformation faults

oral or written questioning to determine knowledge of the major internal systems of horses and their relationship to horse health and performance

review of portfolios of evidence and thirdparty workplace reports of onthejob performance by the individual

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Internal systems must include:

respiratory system.

skeletal system

circulatory system

digestive system

reproductive system

nervous system

Techniques may include:

flexion test

trotting up the horse

lunging

using a plumb line to check straightness of limbs

measuring the cannon bone, heart girth

checking teeth alignment.

Conformation faults may include:

base wide

base narrow

calf knee

club foot

cow hocks

ewe neck

offset cannons

overshot and undershot mouth

roach back

sickle hocks

sway back

upright pastern

upright shoulder.

Unsoundness may include:

chronic lameness

deformities

weaknesses

poor structures.