Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to educate a horse to carry loads and work with other horses over different terrains and for varying purposes. The unit applies to most classes of horses and can be customised for other equids, including donkeys and mules.
The unit applies to individuals with considerable experience and skills in horse handling and riding who have responsibility for educating pack horses for a range of 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. Prepare to educate pack horses | 1.1 Assess current level of education, health status, condition and behaviour of the horse 1.2 Confirm client needs and requirements and develop education plan for individual horse 1.3 Prepare safe, secure and controlled facilities and environment to conduct each stage of the education program 1.4 Identify hazards and control potential risks to safety of handler/s and horse/s 1.5 Select and correctly fit personal protective equipment (PPE) 1.6 Determine if the assistance of another handler is required based on risk assessment of the horse |
2. Educate horses to carry loads | 2.1 Teach horse to be led alongside a horse being ridden and on foot 2.2 Introduce the horse to a pack saddle and fit correctly 2.3 Introduce and familiarise the horse to loads and low hanging equipment 2.4 Habituate the horse to be in close proximity to other horses in front and to the rear 2.5 Lead the horse, ensuring a safe position and distance, past objects to accustom to loads 2.6 Introduce heavier loads containing different objects, ensuring loads are balanced and secured, appropriate for the size of the horse |
3. Consolidate education of pack horses | 3.1 Train the pack horse to follow the lead horse 3.2 Repeat exercises in a range of environments to develop horse confidence negotiating different surfaces and obstacles 3.3 Teach the horse to be restrained utilising remote area options 3.4 Recognise and respond appropriately to signs of stress and fatigue in horses undergoing education |
4. Apply reward-based horse education methodology | 4.1 Apply education techniques consistently to reinforce horse learning 4.2 Recognise and apply positive reinforcement to the horse for progress towards desired behaviours 4.3 Use appropriate techniques to manage behaviour and performance according to current equine learning theory and to ensure the wellbeing of the horse 4.4 Assess horse acceptance of education for client's needs, and provide feedback |
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 |
Numeracy | Use percentages or ratios to estimate load to horse body weight |
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 industry practices |
Interact with others | Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with others to plan training 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)