Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to exercise performance horses under saddle. It involves preparing horses for exercise, riding a horse and leading one or two other horses for exercise while riding, and caring for the horses after work. It addresses potential risks associated with working with and around horses and covers appropriate riding skills, safe horse handling techniques and the use of suitable personal safety equipment.
The unit applies to individuals who are experienced riders and work in performance horse industry sectors in a range of environments. They carry out work under minimal supervision within industry guidelines and may have responsibility for highly valuable animals.
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. Prepare to exercise horses | 1.1 Confirm with supervisor work program for selected horses 1.2 Select, check and maintain equipment according to workplace procedures 1.3 Check for hazards, carry out a pre-activity risk assessment and adjust work plan 1.4 Select, use and maintain suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) 1.5 Identify individual horse behaviours and suitability to task 1.6 Follow stable routine for preparing horses for exercise 1.7 Fit working gear to horses according to instructions |
2. Ride and lead horses for exercise | 2.1 Hold reins according to industry standard 2.2 Maintain control of horse being ridden in walk, trot and canter 2.3 Maintain control of horse being ridden and horse being led in walk, trot and canter 2.4 Establish correct positioning of horses being ridden and led 2.5 Detect gait issues under saddle, and report according to workplace guidelines 2.6 Implement work according to instructions 2.7 Comply with relevant rules and regulations, including work health and safety (WHS) and animal welfare |
3. Care for horses after work | 3.1 Cool down and care for horses as instructed 3.2 Remove working gear, clean, check for signs of wear, and store 3.3 Report on work performance according to workplace guidelines |
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 textual information relating to workplace procedures, instructions and work plan |
Navigate the world of work | Follow workplace, safety and animal welfare requirements and meet expectations relating to own role and area of responsibility |
Interact with others | Follow accepted practices and protocols for reporting information about horse work performance using accurate industry terminology |
Get the work done | Plan and sequence activities to achieve required exercise outcomes for performance horses Make decisions about routine exercise activities and gear selection, taking responsibility for actions taken Apply standard procedures for identifying and controlling hazards and risks related to own work area and role |
Sectors
Performance Horses (PHR)