Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, manage and maintain land used for a horse operation. The unit focuses on minimising the impact horses have on soils and land capability while maximising horse welfare.
This unit is applicable to individuals who have specialised skills, and technical and theoretical knowledge and responsibilities for pasture and land management for a horse breeding operation.
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. Develop a land use plan for a horse operation | 1.1 Identify the purpose and goals of the horse operation and level of input 1.2 Identify the legal requirements relevant to the use of land for a horse operation 1.3 Develop and implement strategies for water supply and management, vegetation and revegetation management, biodiversity and protection of natural resources, including waterways 1.4 Determine infrastructure needs and maintenance requirements consistent with the operation 1.5 Assess physical characteristics and land capability, and identify areas at risk of or showing evidence of degradation 1.6 Identify budgetary constraints based on available operation resources 1.7 Document the plan to include infrastructure, pasture, vegetation, elevations and gradients, soil characteristic and water bodies or sources |
2. Develop pasture management strategies | 2.1 Ensure strategies are consistent with horse characteristics and behaviours, and nutritional requirements 2.2 Select grazing systems in line with land use, physical characteristics and operational needs 2.3 Ensure grazing management encourages pasture plant and grass growth and is consistent with stages of plant growth 2.4 Ensure the selection and implementation of strategies contribute to horse welfare 2.5 Identify the benefits of appropriate pasture management for the operation 2.6 Select plants or plant cultivars appropriate for pasture, shelterbelts and revegetation based on land capability and operational needs 2.7 Evaluate pasture management strategies for efficiency and effectiveness |
3. Manage pasture maintenance | 3.1 Plan strategies to reduce or eradicate areas of weed infestation and pests and vermin 3.2 Determine withholding periods for horses and livestock after application of chemicals on pasture 3.3 Assess nutrient requirements for pasture plants and grasses and determine a fertiliser program 3.4 Select and evaluate strategies for manure management that contribute to horse welfare and environmental protection 3.5 Implement soil protection strategies that minimise soil degradation |
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 | Analyse information accessed from a range of sources to identify key facts relevant to land and pasture use of the operation |
Writing | Prepare logically structured documents and plans using formats, terminology and conventions specific to purpose and audience |
Numeracy | Interpret, compare and consolidate numerical and financial information to determine budgets and resource requirements |
Navigate the world of work | Work independently or with others in making decisions to optimise horse pastures and achieve operational outcomes Ensure knowledge of legislative and environmental requirements is kept up-to-date in order to provide accurate information |
Get the work done | Use key features of workplace technology to access, organise, prepare and present information |
Sectors
Horse Breeding (HBR)