Unit of competency
Modification History
Release |
Comments |
Release 1 |
This version released with ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package Version 5.0. |
Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, manage and maintain pastures and land used for an establishment housing horses, and other domestic equines if relevant. The unit focuses on maximising horse nutrition and welfare, optimising sustainability, and minimising the impact of horses on pasture, soil and land capability.
This unit is applicable to individuals who have responsibility for pasture and land management for a horse establishment. They analyse information, solve routine and at times complex problems, and convey information and skills to others.
Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety and animal welfare legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to interacting with horses apply to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and jurisdictions.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Pre-requisite Unit
Nil
Unit Sector
Equine (EQU)
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements |
Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Establish a pasture management plan |
1.1 Identify horse operation goals, and nutritional needs and pasture requirements for horses on the property 1.2 Identify factors that impact on pasture management for the property, considering climate, site, soil characteristics, water supply and natural resources 1.3 Assess existing pasture for retention, removal or improvement 1.4 Select appropriate pasture plant species suited to property site, seasonal conditions and horse nutritional needs 1.5 Determine pasture establishment and maintenance resources and costs to ensure optimum pasture 1.6 Document a pasture management plan appropriate for property size and goals, and nutritional needs and welfare of horses |
2. Implement pasture management plan |
2.1 Establish grazing practices and densities in line with pasture management plan and horse nutritional and welfare needs 2.2 Establish pasture rotation practices to manage plant diversity and growth stages, and parasite reduction 2.3 Implement plans to reduce, eradicate or control weed infestation, plant disease and other pests or vermin 2.4 Manage withholding periods for horses and other livestock after application of chemicals on pasture 2.5 Assess nutrient and water requirements for pasture plants, and implement fertiliser and irrigation program according to pasture management plan 2.6 Implement manure management according to pasture management plan and horse welfare and environmental requirements 2.7 Implement soil protection strategies to minimise soil degradation |
3. Review pasture management and maintenance |
3.1 Assess the benefits and challenges faced in implementing the pasture management plan for horse operation 3.2 Evaluate the pasture management plan for efficiency and effectiveness 3.3 Make adjustments, as required, and update the horse operation pasture management plan |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill |
Description |
Reading |
|
Writing |
|
Numeracy |
|
Unit Mapping Information
Code and title current version |
Code and title previous version |
Comments |
Equivalence status |
ACMEQU504 Manage horse pastures |
ACMHBR504 Manage horse pastures |
Unit sector changed to EQU Performance Criteria reordered and updated for clarity Foundation Skills table and Assessment Requirements updated |
Not equivalent |
Links
Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103