ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare to work with horses

1.1. Work to be undertaken is interpreted from the work program where necessary, and confirmed with management.

1.2. Discussions are held with other workers who may be affected by the activities to ensure continued smooth operation of horse routines.

1.3. Tools and equipment suitable for the work to be undertaken are selected, checked, and maintained if necessary.

1.4. Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained.

2. Clean stables and surrounding areas

2.1. Horse is checked for condition, health and soundness and removed from stable or secured appropriately.

2.2. Manure, soiled bedding and stale feed are inspected, removed, and abnormal conditions are reported.

2.3. Bedding is raked or forked and fresh quantities are added as required.

2.4. Feed bins, hay nets/bins and water troughs are cleaned thoroughly and troughs are filled with fresh water.

2.5. Walkways are swept and/or raked and manure removed.

2.6. Stale feed and manure is safely disposed of according to the organisation's environmental and waste management procedures.

2.7. Buildings or fixtures that are in need of maintenance or are unsafe are reported to the stable management.

3. Perform daily work program

3.1. Work program for each stable horse is carried out as instructed by the stud master or stable manager.

3.2. Horses are selected for professional services, prepared, and the contractor is contacted as required by organisational procedures or supervisors instructions.

3.3. Horses are prepared for specified daily work program as required by organisational procedures or supervisors instructions.

3.4. Horses are washed down after working, dried, rugged, returned to their stable and fed.

3.5. Work routines and performance records are kept and maintained as an integral part of the stable business.

4. Select, catch and tie up horses

4.1. Individual characteristics of horses are identified according to specified criteria and nominated animals are selected.

4.2. Selected horse is caught quickly and gently and working gear is fitted.

4.3. Legs and hooves of selected horse are inspected for abnormalities, cuts or damage.

4.4. Horse is led to work area or rail quietly and calmly and safely secured.

4.5. OHS hazards for handling horses are identified and safety concerns reported.

4.6. Horses are handled safely and within the organisation's and industry guidelines for animal health and welfare.

5. Groom and rug horses

5.1. Horses are groomed to enterprise standard.

5.2. Hooves and shoes are cleaned and checked for cracks, heat and other abnormalities, and dirt removed from the outer walls of the hooves.

5.3. Rugs appropriate to the conditions are fitted according to enterprises requirements, while taking care to avoid chafing and rubbing.

6. Clean and maintain stable gear

6.1. All gear is regularly checked for wear and damage.

6.2. Gear is thoroughly cleaned and polished and oils or preservatives applied as required as required.

6.3. Working gear is maintained or repaired as required to ensure safe horse working conditions.

6.4. Working gear and saddlery is cleaned and stored after use in line with organisation policy.

7. Monitor health and welfare of horses

7.1. Signs of good health and condition are identified.

7.2. Symptoms of common illnesses and injuries are recognised and reported.

7.3. The welfare of horses is monitored and maintained.

7.4. Basic first aid is provided for minor injuries.