This unit applies to providing support to professional health practitioners. The work in this standard is likely to be carried out under routine supervision within organisation guidelines.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Follow procedures for horse health and welfare

1.1. Regular checks are taken to assess horse health and welfare according to the requirements of the organisation.

1.2. Procedures for handling horses calmly and professionally are followed.

2. Carry out horse checks

2.1. All horses are routinely checked for signs of ill health.

2.2. Horses are examined for signs of lameness or soreness and abnormalities reported in the methods prescribed in the organisations work procedures.

2.3. Evidence of heat or swelling in legs is reported to manager or foreman and treated under instruction.

2.4. Hooves cleaned and shoes are examined for wear and damage.

2.5. Faulty, broken or loose shoes removed and farriery assistance is called, when required, in line with the organisations work procedures.

2.6. While handling the horses, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are continually identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.

2.7. Horses are handled safely and all required horse restraints are within the organisations and industry guidelines for animal health and welfare.

3. Deal with horse emergencies

3.1. Common signs of injury or life threatening conditions are detected and the situation quickly analysed before notification or action is taken.

3.2. Life threatening ailments requiring emergency treatment are notified to the trainer, manager or veterinarian and immediate assistance is called.

3.3. Basic emergency and/or first aid procedures are carried out until professional help arrives.

3.4. Cast horse is calmed and returned to its feet in a safe manner.

3.5. Serious cuts and abrasions are promptly shown to the veterinarian and assistance provided, as required, during professional treatment.

4. Provide veterinary procedure support

4.1. Cuts, abrasions and bruises are treated under instruction from the veterinarian, manager or foreman.

4.2. Horse is examined for signs of distress of soreness after work or mating procedures, and all abnormalities are reported.

4.3. Appropriate hoof care treatment is applied as instructed by the manager or foreman.

Required skills

identify hazards and apply safe work practices

handle horses

perform duties around horses in a firm but calm, gentle and unhurried manner

identify signs of ill health or injury, or signs of abnormal or depressed appetite

observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

horses of all classes and horse husbandry

the range of ailments that may occur or affect horses in the property

the application of a range of basic treatments under veterinary supervision

environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise

the organisations livestock production and management plans

sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours and debris from the horse operations

relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare, and OHS.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

handle horses in a calm and professional manner

check horses for signs of lameness or soreness and report problems

carry out emergency procedures calmly and efficiently

identify symptoms of ill health or injury

treat minor injuries and apply hoof care treatment as instructed.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Horse health and welfare checks may include:

checking of nasal passages

vaginal or rectal discharge

rectal temperature

coughing

abnormal coat conditions

changes to pulse

respiration changes abnormal behaviour

vices such as weaving depraved appetite or other boredom conditions that may reflect on the health of stabled horses.

Unit sector

Horse breeding

This unit contains employability skills.