Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for individuals to undertake 'starting' or 'beginning' education for a horse to develop their initial handling skills. The education program is conducted on the ground prior to developing the horse's skills to be ridden, driven or other intended purpose. The unit is applicable for all classes of horses and can be customised for other domestic equids, including donkeys and mules.
The unit applies to individuals with previous and considerable horse handling experience and sound skills and knowledge of horse behaviour and learning theory. They have responsibility for educating horses for a range of disciplines or purposes. They work independently within organisational guidelines, deal with predictable and unpredictable situations and apply problem-solving skills to achieve outcomes.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety and animal welfare regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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. Assess education needs of the horse | 1.1 Establish client needs and requirements for individual horse 1.2 Assess level of education and temperament of the horse to be educated, and potential safety risks 1.3 Assess conformation, condition and health of the horse to determine readiness and suitability for education program 1.4 Prepare a plan to educate the horse based on its individual needs, application of equine behaviour, current equine learning theory and intended purpose |
2. Prepare safe environment to commence groundwork | 2.1 Prepare safe, secure and controlled facilities to commence horse groundwork education 2.2 Identify hazards and assess and control potential risks to safety of handler/s and horse/s 2.3 Select and correctly fit own personal protective equipment (PPE) 2.4 Determine if the assistance of another handler is required based on risk assessment |
3. Introduce horse initial handling on the ground | 3.1 Develop calm and obedient behaviour by gaining trust and confidence of horse through appropriate handling and feeding 3.2 Introduce a halter and lead rope, and educate the horse to be caught, led and tied up safely 3.3 Accustom the horse to being groomed and hosed 3.4 Accustom the horse to have its legs handled and all feet picked up 3.5 Familiarise the horse with tack, equipment and aids used in education exercises 3.6 Teach the horse to focus attention on handler and respond consistently in different contexts to aids, cues and communication relating to forward and backward movement, changing direction, halting and stopping 3.7 Build horse confidence within a controlled environment, progressing to unfamiliar and/or open environments when ready |
4. Educate horse to load and unload on transport | 4.1 Assess risks associated with transport vehicle and location for loading and unloading horse 4.2 Familiarise horse with transport vehicle and prepare for transport 4.3 Select suitable horses to assist with habituating the horse to be in close proximity to other horses 4.4 Teach horse to enter and exit a transport vehicle using positive reinforcement methodologies 4.5 Build horse confidence in loading and unloading and to be transported safely in a secured vehicle |
5. Apply reward-based horse education methodology | 5.1 Apply education techniques consistently to reinforce horse learning 5.2 Recognise and apply positive reinforcement to the horse for progress towards desired behaviours 5.3 Comply with animal welfare and safety requirements at all times 5.4 Confirm horse has been educated to meet client needs and requirements |
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 |
Learning | Actively source current, evidence-based information on equine education and learning theory to determine own education practices |
Navigate the world of work | Take responsibility for complying with regulatory and workplace requirements, including health and safety and animal welfare, within own role and area of work Follow safe, ethical and humane horse handling practices |
Interact with others | Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with others to plan programs and report on horse performance and progress |
Get the work done | Analyse problems and risks, devise solutions and reflect on approaches taken |
Sectors
Equine (EQU)