Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required in horse behaviour and learning to manage the suitable selection of horses for new and/or inexperienced handlers, riders or drivers.
The unit applies to individuals who are horse instructors, coaches or supervisors with work health and safety responsibilities and obligations to workers, learners and participants in their care.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Work health and safety and animal welfare legislation relevant to interacting with horses applies to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and state/territory jurisdictions. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority for specific requirements.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Develop knowledge of horse behaviour and learning theory | 1.1 Evaluate current, evidence-based learning theory and techniques used in horse training and behaviour management 1.2 Apply knowledge of horse training and behaviour to evaluate own horses as suitable for use by new and/or inexperienced handlers, riders or drivers 1.3 Review own practices against current learning theory to determine if any improvements could be made to managing horse behaviour for workplace activities |
2. Assess horse suitability for purpose | 2.1 Identify factors to consider for conducting a fit-for-purpose assessment of a horse to address work health and safety (WHS) requirements 2.2 Develop or modify a tool to identify and record horse characteristics and behaviour and assess horse suitability for specified activities 2.3 Observe and assess horses to determine their characteristics and behaviour in a range of activities, conditions and stimuli relevant to activities to be undertaken by new and/or inexperienced handlers, riders or drivers 2.4 Evaluate outcomes of the assessment and record an activity suitability rating for individual horses in relation to the handler, rider or driver skills according to workplace procedures 2.5 Conduct additional horse assessments over time and in response to different scenarios, recording incidents and observing responses of the horse to ensure currency of horse suitability records |
3. Assess skills of new worker or participant | 3.1 Conduct an induction briefing covering workplace rules and new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver responsibilities and obligations, prior to their commencing activities 3.2 Identify factors to consider, and develop or modify a tool to assess new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver skills and capabilities for specific activities involving a horse 3.3 Assess new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver readiness and current knowledge of horse handling, riding or driving 3.4 Conduct a practical assessment of new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver with a quiet, consistent and obedient horse in a safe and controlled environment 3.5 Determine new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver capability rating objectively against criteria in an appropriate tool, and record according to workplace procedures |
4. Match horse to new worker or participant for specific activity | 4.1 Establish a range of safe activities that can be used to assess the suitable matching of horse to new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver 4.2 Conduct activities to determine suitable matching of horse to new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver 4.3 Discuss with new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver their capabilities 4.4 Address any concerns from new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver, including any unrealistic expectations or beliefs they may have about their own abilities or that of the horse |
5. Monitor new worker or participant and horse behaviour | 5.1 Observe new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver for any signs of mismatch with horse, inappropriate behaviour or control issues with selected horse, and take action to address these 5.2 Monitor horse, including patterns of inappropriate behaviour, and determine action required 5.3 Implement ongoing monitoring activities to identify problems and appropriate courses of action |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interpret critical information in horse records and records of work experience or training provided by new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver |
Writing | Use clear language and accurate industry terminology for recording information about horses and skills of new and/or inexperienced handler, rider or driver |
Oral communication | Convey information clearly using tone and pace appropriate to audience |
Navigate the world of work | Follow workplace procedures, including work health and safety (WHS) and animal welfare requirements, and meet expectations relating to own role and area of responsibility |
Interact with others | Conduct induction briefings, conveying information to others according to industry practices and WHS requirements and duty of care obligations |
Get the work done | Prepare resources and materials to match horse and handlers, riders or drivers, and schedule and sequence activities in logical order |
Sectors
Equine (EQU)