Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of preventing and treating injuries and disease in horses and defines the standard required to: recognise common ailments; identify signs of ill health and injury or signs of abnormal or depressed appetite; handle and restrain horses for observation and treatment as required; treat equine injury and disease; complete horse health and medication records; perform preventative actions such as stable hygiene practices and quarantine procedures.

Application of the unit 

This unit is carried out independently within own area of responsibility. Quarantine measures, vaccinations or other preventative procedures will also be completed under the instruction from the manager (or veterinary surgeon).

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare to treat 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 process.

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. Recognise and report common ailments

2.1. Routine and regular checks are made of horses to detect abnormal conditions.

2.2. Common ailments are distinguished through signs of distress, elevated temperatures, or skin or joint condition.

2.3. Abnormal conditions are reported to the manager (or veterinary doctor) and actions are taken under instruction and supervision.

2.4. Initial first aid procedures are carried out for horses until professional help arrives.

3. Apply disease or ailment prevention procedures

3.1. Stable/paddock quarantine procedures are carried out according to enterprise practice.

3.2. Stable hygiene practices are maintained at high levels in accordance with routine instructions.

3.3. Routine annual or outbreak stimulated vaccination of horses is carried out under supervision of the veterinary practitioner with a minimum of stress to animals.

3.4. Routine drenching and skin washing procedures are carried out to prevent or control external or internal parasites.

3.5. While handling horses, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are continually identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.

3.6. Comprehensive records of veterinary medication and treatment by other professionals are maintained for each individual animal.

4. Treat equine injury and disease

4.1. Twitches and other restraining devices are used, as required, depending upon the individual horse's temperament.

4.2. Prescribed veterinary medicines are administered at correct dose, according to instructions, with minimal stress to the horse and under supervision by manager or veterinary doctor.

4.3. All handling of the horses is done within the guidelines of animal welfare codes and practices.

5. Complete hygiene and administration

5.1. All equipment used in treating horses is cleaned hygienically and stored in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, organisational procedures and regulations.

5.2. All containers, leftover fluids, waste and debris from the treatments are disposed of safely, hygienically and appropriately.

5.3. All required records and documentation are completed accurately and promptly in accordance with operational requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement safe work procedures
• handle horses and duties around them in a firm but calm, gentle and unhurried manner
• identify signs of ill health and injury or signs of abnormal or depressed appetite
• handle and restrain horses for observation and treatment as required
• complete horse health and medication records clearly, accurately and in line with established practice for such records
• observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards
• use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• common horse diseases
• the range of common ailments that may occur or affect horses
• the application of a range of treatments under veterinary supervision
• symptoms of life threatening conditions
• methods of horse handling
• indicators that can be used to assess horse health
• horse behavioural problems
• relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare, and employment of staff and contractors
• the need to maximise hygiene practices and awareness
• environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise - processes to minimise noise, odours and debris from the livestock operations
• potential hazards associated with the operation of basic tools, and equipment
• relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and codes of practice with regard to workplace OHS, and the use and control of machinery and equipment.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• recognise common ailments
• identify signs of ill health and injury or signs of abnormal or depressed appetite
• handle and restrain horses for observation and treatment as required
• treat equine injury and disease
• complete horse health and medication records
• perform preventative actions such as stable hygiene practices and quarantine procedures.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Prevention and treatment may include:

• regular checking of types and breeds of horses on the property for signs of ill health, distress or abnormal conditions.

Unit sector 

Horse breeding

Co-requisite units 

Competency field