Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of assessing suitability of horses for purpose and defines the standard required to: handle horses safely; identify horse conformation; assess soundness and temperament of horses; maintain accurate data documentation.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to assessing conformation, temperament and soundness of horses and is an important skill in making sure an animal is fit fir purpose and in determining sale value. The work in this standard is likely to be carried out as part of a team or independently.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Objectively assess a horse's conformation

1.1. Conformation of horse is reported on using standard conformation terminology.

1.2. Desirable conformation of a horse is reported on using standard conformation terminology.

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

2. Assess unsoundness and blemishes in the horse

2.1. Unsoundness and blemishes of the fore limbs are identified and reported.

2.2. Unsoundness of the hind limbs are identified and reported.

2.3. Unsoundness and blemishes of the hooves are identified and reported.

2.4. General unsoundness and blemishes are identified and reported.

3. Report on the way of going of horses

3.1. Essential elements of the way of going of the horse are identified and reported on.

3.2. Natural gaits of the horse are identified and reported on.

3.3. Defects in the way of the going of the horse are identified and reported on.

4. Report on the undesirable vices and habits of horses

4.1. Vices dangerous to people are identified and reported on.

4.2. Vices dangerous to horses are identified and reported on.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and work safely with horses
• identify horse conformation, soundness and temperament
• defer to veterinary advice if necessary
• 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 

• relevant occupational health and safety legislation, regulations and codes of practice
• recognise and report on desirable and undesirable conformation using accepted conformation terminology
• recognise and report on common vices in horses
• safe horse handling techniques
• recognise and report on desirable and undesirable natural gaits.

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:

• handle horses safely
• identify horse conformation
• assess soundness and temperament of horses
• maintain accurate data documentation.

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.

Horses assessed may include:

• any breed being ridden for the purpose of stock work.

Unit sector 

Horse breeding

Co-requisite units 

Competency field