Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assess the suitability of horses for specific uses, and defines the standard required to identify horse conformation, assess soundness and temperament of horses, and maintain accurate data documentation.
The unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction, taking responsibility for their own work. They complete routine activities and work in a range of known contexts within horse breeding and other horse industry environments.
No occupational licensing 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. Assess horse conformation | 1.1 Observe horse body language and behaviour to identify potential safety risks prior to approaching individual horses 1.2 Determine conformation requirements for specific use of a horse 1.3 Evaluate the conformation of a horse using relevant horse sector criteria and practices 1.4 Report on the desirable conformation of a horse |
2. Report on unsoundness and blemishes in the horse | 2.1 Examine the horse for unsoundness and blemishes using safe horse handling techniques 2.2 Observe unsoundness and report blemishes detected, including those on the fore and hind limbs and hooves, and assess level of effect for specific use |
3. Report on the way of going of horses | 3.1 Evaluate and report on essential elements of the way of going of the horse 3.2 Assess and report on the natural gaits of the horse 3.3 Detect and report defects in the way of going of the horse, including lameness |
4. Report on the undesirable vices and habits of horses | 4.1 Observe and determine any behavioural issues the horse has that could pose a workplace risk 4.2 Report behavioural issues that may be hazardous to people and other horses, according to workplace practices |
5. Evaluate overall suitability of the horse for specific uses | 5.1 Identify the horse characteristics needed for a specific use 5.2 Analyse findings from examining and observing individual horses to determine suitability for the specified use 5.3 Identify breed of horse and determine the effect this may have on suitability for use 5.4 Report on the findings of horse suitability for specific uses using correct concepts and horse industry terminology |
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 |
Writing | Record data and observations in workplace forms accurately and legibly |
Numeracy | Estimate, calculate and record measurements relating to assessing a horse |
Oral communication | Use active listening and questioning techniques to clarify and confirm requirements Use clear language suitable for intended audience to ensure clarity of meaning when reporting and giving reasons for findings to others |
Navigate the world of work | Take responsibility for following workplace procedures, including safe horse handling practices and animal welfare requirements, in own role and work area |
Get the work done | Apply specialist knowledge to analyse assessment findings and make decisions about horse suitability; taking responsibility for decisions and the outcome of the assessment |
Sectors
Horse Breeding (HBR)