Assessment Requirements for ACMPHR408 Educate and train performance horses

Release: 1

Assessment Requirements for ACMPHR408 Educate and train performance horses

Modification History

Release	Comments
Release 1	This version released with ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package Version 1.0

Performance Evidence

An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all the elements and performance criteria of this unit.

There must be evidence that the individual has educated and trained at least two performance horses, including a young horse, and either a horse demonstrating unwanted behaviour or an untrained horse, including:

interpreting behavioural responses of horses to training and proactively anticipating likely behavioural responses of horses, including young horses, to training program and the environment under saddle and in-hand

handling horses in-hand at a high level of technical proficiency and safety for the relevant discipline

riding horses at a high level of technical proficiency and safety for the relevant discipline

undertaking health inspections and temperament evaluations

developing training programs to deliver humane training outcomes using relevant research findings in equine cognition, ethology and behaviour

designing and implementing training techniques, applying knowledge of equine anatomy, physiology and biomechanics

developing a sequential training program for individual horses based on horse cognitive capacities and current physical fitness to cope with the demands of the program as it progresses

adapting training programs based on the horse behaviour, fitness and health

using equipment appropriately and humanely to achieve training outcomes

working proactively with veterinarians, farriers and allied health professionals to manage horse health during training program

adhering to regulatory requirements and workplace and industry procedures and practices relevant to role and training performance horses, including:

animal welfare and prevention of cruelty to animals

work health and safety (WHS)

biosecurity

environment and sustainability.

Knowledge Evidence

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

current scientific findings on equine cognition, intelligence, ethology and learning abilities relevant to training horses

equine behaviour, including:

body language

vocalisations

affective states, including fear, anxiety, hunger, fatigue

behaviour modification techniques

services of trainers and specialists with expertise relevant to the training goals, sport or discipline

key features of equine anatomy, physiology and biomechanics

purpose, function and operation of training equipment

specific requirements of the discipline in which the horse is to be trained

specific limitations and requirements of young horses undergoing training

signs of stress, fatigue, lameness or other health issues, and when the services of a veterinarian, farrier or allied health professional may be required

key requirements of work health and safety regulations and guidelines relating to:

risk assessment, control and review

due diligence for staff and other personnel

safe horse handling techniques

personal protective equipment (PPE), including use, storage, maintenance and replacement schedules

key requirements of biosecurity standards, relevant to horse disease and hygiene standards

key requirements of animal welfare standards, policies and procedures relevant to the safe, humane and ethical care and housing of horses

key requirements of environmental and sustainability standards, policies and procedures relevant to equine facilities and properties.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment of skills must take place under the following conditions:

physical conditions:

a workplace or an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions

resources, equipment and materials:

variety of horses, including young horses, horses demonstrating unwanted behaviour and untrained horses – horses used in assessments must have been assessed as suitable for handling by the individual, who must have pre-existing industry or professional experience

personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly fitted and applicable to activity for the individual

appropriate tack for individual, horse and education and training programs.

Training and assessment strategies must show evidence of the use of guidance provided in the Companion Volume: User Guide: Safety in Equine Training.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

The following specific assessor requirements apply to this unit:

a minimum of three years’ experience to develop a high level of technical proficiency and knowledge of the discipline in which the horse is to be trained.

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103