Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assess the conformation of horses for various performance horse sports. It covers the implications of conformation on performance and the development of corrective measures and action plans for young horses to minimise future problems.
The unit applies to individuals who have managerial responsibilities within performance horse training and breeding organisations for selecting horses for various performance horse sports. They work independently within organisational guidelines, applying extensive knowledge of horse conformation and industry skills to achieve outcomes.
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. Research key features of horse conformation | 1.1 Analyse and report on the conformation of horses using objective, standard conformation terminology 1.2 Observe and identify desirable conformation of horses relevant to breed standard or performance discipline 1.3 Observe and identify unsoundness and blemishes of horses 1.4 Identify the essential elements of the movement of the horse relevant to breed standard and performance discipline 1.5 Design and apply conformation and movement selection criteria indices when assessing horses |
2. Analyse the relationship of conformation to specific performance horse sports | 2.1 Establish ideal sport-specific conformation according to sport or sector guidelines 2.2 Apply ideal sport-specific conformation to horse selection procedures according to organisation guidelines 2.3 Identify undesirable sport-specific conformation traits, and determine the implications of these traits on performance 2.4 Implement strategies to resolve or manage undesirable conformation traits to reduce negative impacts on performance horses |
3. Assess conformation in young horses and develop correction plan | 3.1 Assess and report on the conformation of foals using standard conformation terminology 3.2 Assess and report on foal and young horse conformation against established breed and sport standards 3.3 Identify undesirable characteristics of foal and young horse conformation |
4. Develop conformation correction plan for young horses | 4.1 Develop corrective action plan to rectify undesirable characteristics in consultation with industry professionals 4.2 Ensure strategies in corrective action plan meet organisation objectives and comply with animal welfare and work health and safety 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 |
Reading | Undertake independent research to access key information on horse conformation and requirements of performance horse sports Analyse written information in a range of technical veterinary and/or scientific reports |
Writing | Collate data and observations for monitoring, reviewing and reporting on horse conformation |
Navigate the world of work | Take responsibility for complying with regulatory requirements including work 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 | Use industry concepts, terminology and protocols for communicating with a variety of people in undertaking work |
Get the work done | Plan and sequence strategies for analysing, researching and correcting horse conformation Analyse problems and risks, devise solutions and reflect on approaches taken relevant to evaluating performance horse conformation |
Sectors
Performance Horse (PHR)