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. Establish criteria for purchasing horses.

1.1. Identify and access available budget for purchasing horses according to organisational policies and procedures .

1.2. Identify and assess program needs in consultation with appropriate personnel .

1.3. Identify the characteristics and types of horses  required according to program and operational needs .

1.4. Identify and evaluate sources  of horses according to organisational policies and procedures.

1.5. Confirm purchase timetable allows suitable time prior to operational use for training.

2. Select and buy horses.

2.1. Assess horses against identified program needs

2.2. Test horses extensively prior to acquisition according to organisational policies and procedures

2.3. Check behaviour patterns of horses to confirm compliance with accepted industry practice.

2.4. Check health of animals according to relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures

2.5. Purchase horses and complete appropriate documentation according to organisational policies and procedures

3. Monitor horses progress.

3.1. Identify inappropriate behaviour patterns  and habits and implement appropriate training program to ensure horse's suitability to the program and the safety of clients.

3.2. Implement ongoing monitoring and identify continuing problems and appropriate courses of action .

3.3. Re-test horses to confirm they are suitable for the program.

3.4. Remove horses exhibiting inappropriate behaviours from the program if re-training is ineffective or impractical.

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

Required skills 

• problem-solving skills to:

• select appropriate horses to match organisational operational and program needs
• determine appropriate courses of action regarding training progress and suitability
• assess cost and benefits of re-training horses to ensure suitability

• planning and organising skills to source appropriate horses and acquire and test them within appropriate time frames
• communication skills to liaise with appropriate personnel to determine suitability of horses and appropriate courses of action regarding unsuitable horses
• literacy skills to complete appropriate documentation
• numeracy skills to work within budgetary constraints when purchasing horses
• horse handling and riding skills.

Required knowledge 

• relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable the safe and effective testing, purchase and training of appropriate horses
• factors affecting general horse selection and purchase such as cost and benefit implications
• characteristics affecting choice of horses such as size, age, health, training and previous experience, tractability, vices, temperament
• usual behaviour, vices and undesirable traits of horses, and the identification of appropriate behaviour modification and corrective practices and procedures to enable effective and humane training of horses
• pre-purchase testing techniques to accurately assess potential suitability of horses.
• understanding and identification of indicators of conformation and health issues in horses and likely outcomes

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 knowledge of horse handling and behaviour to test horses before purchase
• safely handles horses to assess their potential suitability to meet the needs of riding programs and clients and acquires them according to organisational policies and procedures
• monitors the training progress of horses, decides on their suitability for riding programs and determines appropriate courses of action to deal with problem horses taking into consideration cost, benefit, safety and time issues
• applies effective contingency management techniques to ensure horse's health and welfare at all times.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure the acquisition and monitoring of the progress of multiple horses to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• a horse riding establishment
• sources for the acquisition of horses
• a real or simulated budget for purchasing horses
• horses of varying physical conditions operating in a variety of roles and at various stages of training

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 assessment of horse's potential suitability for riding programs and application of testing techniques
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of behaviour of horses and the effects of training and re-training
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

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

• SISOEQO409A Train and condition 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.

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

• testing and training timeframes
• selection of horses
• testing pre-buying
• documentation requirements
• re-testing of horses after purchase
• time and budget constraints
• horse industry rules and regulations
• code of ethics.

Appropriate personnel  may include:

• employers
• owners
• supervisors
• guides and instructors.

Characteristics and types of horses  may include:

• sport and recreational
• size
• age
• health
• tractability
• absence of vices
• temperament
• training
• experience.

Program and operational needs  may include:

• type of riding programs
• riding experience, size and age of clients
• length of sessions
• activity locations
• budget
• group needs
• number of supervisors
• riding experience of supervisors.

Sources  may include:

• breeding and training programs
• personal contacts
• newspaper advertisement
• internet
• horse dealers.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• permits or permission for access
• environmental regulations.

Inappropriate behaviour patterns  may include:

• bolting
• biting
• rearing
• bucking
• kicking
• shying
• over-sensitivity:

• propensity to fighting.

Appropriate courses of action  may include:

• persevering with the horse
• removing the horse from the program
• retraining the horse.