Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement explains how this competency standard can be used to provide basic Knowledge and Understanding of horse anatomy and physiology to staff employed to safely handle and care for horses in a commercial horse-training establishment.

What breeds of horses are involved?
Thoroughbred and standardbred horses of all ages

What are the components of the digestive system?
Stomach, intestines, caecum, diaphragm, mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, kidneys

What are the components of the respiratory system?
Nostrils, pharynx, larynx, lungs, diaphragm, trachea, alveolus

What are the components of the circulatory system?
Heart, veins, arteries, blood cells, lungs

What are the components of the nervous system?
Brain, spinal cord, sensory and motor nerves, hormones

What are the components of the skeletal and muscular system?
Bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons

What are the components of the reproductive system?
Male and female genital organs, endocrine glands, oestrous cycle, pregnancy and foaling

What is involved in conformation of the horse?
Points of the horse
Conformation faults

What aids assist learning in this unit?
Anatomical models, skeletons, dissections, charts, diagrams, texts, videos and live horses

Critical Aspects of Evidence

Evidence to demonstrate consistent achievement of this unit's outcomes includes:


Knowledge and Understanding of:
Major internal systems of horses including,
Vascular
Respiratory
Muscular/skeletal
Nervous
Reproductive
Digestive

Demonstration of:
Points of a horse
Conformation faults

Context of Assessment
This unit is mainly theoretical and therefore can be assessed in a simulated situation. Assessment of performance criteria 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 (conformation, senses, behaviour, and communication) should be in a racing stable environment and cover a range of horses.
Assessment must relate to horses in a training program or racing program with different ages, types and temperaments.

Method of Assessment
Questioning of underpinning knowledge
Short answer or multiple choice testing
Written examination or assignments
Practical testing of horse handling, conformation, and communication skills

Resource Implications
Access to a classroom environment with suitable aids for the teaching of anatomy and physiology
Access to a commercial training establishment and the full range of horses and equipment
A variety of horses in various stages of preparation and as found in most commercial establishments will be required.
Qualified Industry Assessors will be required for this unit.

Interdependent Assessment of Units
Independent assessment of units refers to an assessment relationship between units.

This unit may be assessed in conjunction with units:

RGRH317A - Maintain Horses in a Healthy State and Safe environment
RGRH318A - Determine Nutritional Requirements for Standardbreds or Thoroughbreds
RGRH319A - Assess Health and First Aid for Standardbreds or Thoroughbreds

Processes to be applied to this competency standard
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout life that are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. The numbers in brackets indicate the level to which the competency needs to be demonstrated.

0 Not required
1 Perform the process
2 Perform and administer the process
3 Perform administer and design the process
Communicating ideas and information
By regular discussion with team members on matters relating to anatomy and physiology of individual animals, safe methods for handling and controlling individuals, and effects of changes to routines. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By participating in team meetings and briefing sessions and by communicating with others involved in the care and training of horses such as stablehands, track workers, jockeys, veterinarians and trainers. By revising work patterns, handling methods, and other instructions and arrangements for dealing with individual horses. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Regular team meetings organised, timetables planned, daily work routine is organised, staff are briefed, information is exchanged, and progress of work is checked. (2)

Working with others and in teams
By liaison with trainers and work colleagues to plan and distribute work and tasks and check and report on individual horses. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Not applicable to this unit. (0)

Solving problems
By observing and reporting unusual behaviour, changes to condition of animals, or handling problems and vices. (1)

Using technology
Through use of mobile phones and facsimile to communicate. (1)