Unit of competency details

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Identify and catch, control and lead a horse.

1.1. Use features  to correctly identify horses within a working environment .

1.2. Consider behaviour and level of training  of horse prior to handling.

1.3. Identify and adjust to influencing factors  which affect the senses, communication traits and behaviour patterns of horses.

1.4. Approach and catch selected horse using appropriate gear , and handle, lead and control in a safe manner.

2. Assist with the transportation of horses.

2.1. Check towing vehicle and float for safety, suitability and compliance with road transport regulations.

2.2. Correctly position vehicle and float for loading and unloading.

2.3. Prepare horses for transport  and apply protective equipment.

2.4. Load or unload horses in a calm and humane manner, in accordance with instructions.

2.5. Apply correct procedures, under supervision, for dealing with difficult situations in loading and unloading, including procedures for securing and restraining horses.

2.6. Correctly report incidents, equipment defects, procedural problems and animal behaviour during transportation.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• interact with and seek advice from supervisors, other participants and horses
• relay information to supervisors

• listening skills to follow instructions and directions from the supervisor
• problem-solving skills to anticipate and mitigate an aggressive, misbehaved and or frightened horse
• horse handling and care skills to look after horses
• first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge 

• social behaviour, senses, psychology and vices of horses to recognise and treat individual temperaments and behaviours
• gear and equipment used to catch, transport, restrain and handle horses in a safe manner
• horse welfare and safe work practices to ensure safety for participant and horse
• road transport regulations and techniques to enable safe transportation of horses
• individual horse information to understand history, previous training, handling and behaviour
• horse handling techniques to catch, control and lead a horse
• emergency procedures appropriate to the level and location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

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 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• applies relevant process to select and use appropriate gear to handle, lead and control horses in a safe manner
• takes measures to identify different horses and develop trusting relationships with them through the use of horse psychology, consistent positive body language and verbal instructions
• follows written and verbal instructions from the instructor to assist in catching, leading and transporting horses safely
• modifies technique to deal with a range of reasonably tractable horse handling situations and correctly reports incidents, equipment defects, procedural problems and animal behaviour.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure conduct of multiple horse handling activities to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• resources, such as information on horse features and behaviours
• a suitable location, such as stables
• a variety of quiet and reasonably tractable horses of different temperaments and behaviours, and at different stages of training
• equipment such as leg ropes, muzzles, leads, horse float and a suitable vehicle for towing
• a supervisor or manager.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observation of equipment selection and preparation to ensure proper fit and usage
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of individual horse information, previous training, handling and behaviour
• observation of safe participation and demonstration of correct horse handling techniques when identifying, catching, leading and transporting a horse
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing work performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• RTE2121A Provide daily care for horses

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Features  may include:

• colour
• markings
• brands
• sex
• size.

Working environment  may include:

• wash bays
• day yards
• paddocks
• round yards
• exercise areas
• stables
• crushes
• stripping stalls
• sand rolls
• restraining areas
• swimming pools
• beaches
• rivers and dams
• stalls
• race tracks
• training areas.

Behaviour and level of training  may include:

• good behaviour traits and vices
• level of training required for safe handling and controlling
• assessment of appropriate behaviour for handling.

Influencing factors  may include:

• wind and noise
• physical environment
• weather
• other animals
• vehicles
• fences
• equipment.

Appropriate gear  may include:

• halters
• appropriate leads
• lunging whip
• floating boots
• bandages
• twitches
• anti rearing bits
• muzzles
• leg ropes
• hobbles.

Transport  may include:

• floats
• trucks
• air transport.