Unit of competency details

Elements and Performance Criteria 

Element 

Performance Criteria 

1

Prepare to break and ride horses

1.1

Work to be undertaken  is interpreted from 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 the preparation process.

1.3

Equipment suitable for the work to be undertaken is selected, checked, and maintained if necessary.

1.4

Suitable personal protective equipment  is selected, used and maintained.

2

Ride horses

2.1

Horses are caught and handled  safely and within organisations guidelines and codes of practice for Animal Welfare and Handling of Horses.

2.2

Mouthing /flexing is completed in line with industry and organisation practices.

2.3

Tack is fitted and horses educated  and broken to saddle in line with organisation policy.

2.4

Regular handling and education maintains horse response.

2.5

"Green" or uneducated horses ridden as a part of work routines and in line with relevant OHS  legislation.

2.6

OHS hazards are continually identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.

3

Monitor horse health and condition

3.1

Regular monitoring as a part of daily routines identifies signs of ill health and poor condition in organisation horses.

3.2

Horses in need of attention are mustered or caught as required, and condition reported and recorded.

3.3

Prescribed treatments are administered for common ailments  under supervision of the veterinarian or organisation manager.

4

Care for saddlery and equipment

4.1

Basic working gear  to suit the individual horse is selected and fitted.

4.2

Working gear is cleaned and checked as a part of regular daily routines.

4.3

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

4.4

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

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole ?

Competence in performing advanced level horsemanship activities requires evidence of the ability to prepare horses for handling operations using equipment with calm and humane methods to minimise undue stress and risk to horses or handlers. It requires the ability to prepare and break in horses for riding and monitor health, together with maintenance of saddlery and horse equipment. Evidence must also be demonstrated in the advanced employment of safe workplace and positive environmental practices.

The skills and knowledge required must be transferable to another rural environment. For example, across a range of horse temperaments and stages of breaking and training.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria ?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

assessing horse confirmation and work capabilities

basic anatomy and physiology of a horse

anatomy of the lower limbs of horses

environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the organisation

the organisations livestock production and management plans - sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours and debris from the livestock operations

relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare, and employment of staff and contractors

relevant OHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria ?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

identify common horse ailments

quickly develop an empathy with the horse or horses in their care

handle horses for routine procedures

effectively assess horse needs and capabilities

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

measure quantities required for feed.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard ?

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies , although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information  (1 ) be applied?

When interpreting the specific work that is required, and when dealing with colleagues and clients.

2. How can information be collected , analysed and organised  (2 )?

When determining the health needs and breaking requirements of the horse.

3. How are activities planned and organised  (2 )?

In setting up the regimes for breaking the horses.

4. How can team work  (3 ) be applied?

When working alongside others to achieve a common workplace outcome.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques  (2 ) be applied?

In calculating quantities and volumes of feed and additives.

6. How can problem -solving skills  (2 ) be applied?

When dealing with difficult or fractious horses.

7. How can the use of technology  (2 ) be applied?

When measuring, communicating and calculating.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one ?

This competency standard could  be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance  and where and how it may be assessed , in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access  to the Assessment Guidelines . Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet .

Range of Variables 

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available

Where might organisation work procedures and guidelines be found for the work to be undertaken ?

Work procedures will be based on sound agricultural principles and practices and may include supervisors oral or written instructions, organisation standard operating procedures, specifications, work notes, waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines, and OHS procedures.

What personal protective equipment  may be relevant to this standard?

This may include boots, helmet, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or face mask, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

How must unbroken horses initially be handled ?

Initially by approaching the unbroken horse, fitting halters, fitting neck collars, and use of industry recognised handling strategies.

How must mouthing  be performed?

By lunging, long reins, restraints, and other industry/organisation practices.

What is involved in the education  and breaking of horses?

It involves grooming, rugging, shoeing, riding in confined and open areas, and stockwork in confined and open areas.

What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise the OHS  risk?

Relevant OHS hazards identification, risk assessment and risk control measures:

safe operating procedures

safe manual handling systems and procedures

safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation

selection, use and maintenance of relevant personal protective equipment.

all working routines for horses must be carried out in line with the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Acts and relevant animal codes of welfare.

What are some common ailments  of stockhorses?

Lower limb injury, respiratory diseases, infectious skin diseases, eye injuries, tendon and ligament injuries, lacerations and abrasions, viral, fungal or bacterial infections, internal or external parasites, nutritional disorders, and colic.

What does working gear  include?

It includes saddles, breastplates, martingales, bridles, cruppers, saddle bags, headstalls, saddle cloths, feeders, and rugs and restraining devices such as rearing bit, war bridle, blindfold, twitch, neck skin hold, leg strap, hobbles, and sidelines.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment refer to the Sector Booklet.