Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:05 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Train, care for and ride horses for stock work

Train, care for and ride horses for stock work

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCLSK337
State Code
BBF05
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
29/11/2017
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/04/2018
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
06/04/2018
Nominal Hours
95
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to handle, ride and train horses to muster, move and separate livestock. It covers caring for horses and equipment, and addresses the potential risks associated with working with and around horses and livestock.This unit applies to individuals who have experience working in the livestock industry and in riding educated, compliant and manageable horses to muster and check stock on grazing properties. Work is normally carried out independently, under broad direction according to workplace procedures.No occupational licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.Work health and safety and animal welfare legislation relevant to interacting with horses applies to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and state/territory jurisdictions. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority for specific requirements.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare horses for work
  • 1.1 Select, use and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • 1.2 Select, muster, or bring from paddock, and assess the suitability of the horse for the task
  • 1.3 Catch and handle horses safely and humanely
  • 1.4 Check horse health, soundness, and fitness level to ensure it is capable to complete the work required
  • 1.5 Select, check, and maintain working equipment, according to instructions
  • 1.6 Groom horse prior to exercise or work
  • 1.7 Fit working gear to individual horse
2. Train horses for stock work
  • 2.1 Identify and assess risks, and implement risk controls associated with horse riding and horse training
  • 2.2 Assess current level of education of the horse
  • 2.3 Train horse to calmly carry out required movements for working stock, including stops, turns and rollbacks
  • 2.4 Train horse to work and control a mob of livestock as a whole
  • 2.5 Train horse to safely handle a single beast and to return it to the mob safely according to industry practices
  • 2.6 Train horse to separate a beast from a mob as instructed and according to industry practices
  • 2.7 Train horse to calmly accept a stock whip being used by the rider, if required by the workplace, according to industry practices
  • 2.8 Train horse to work with working dogs where required by workplace
  • 2.9 Utilise agreed emergency procedures when training horses in required safety movements, including one-rein stops
3. Ride horses to carry out stock work
  • 3.1 Interpret work program to determine work to be undertaken, and confirm with management
  • 3.2 Select horses for the task, taking into consideration task requirements and own skill level
  • 3.3 Catch and handle horses safely and humanely
  • 3.4 Practise and reinforce training of horse while carrying out routine stock work
  • 3.5 Take corrective action to re-train horse where necessary
4. Provide post ride care and maintain saddlery and equipment
  • 4.1 Remove gear, and groom, wash and/or clean horse according to industry practices
  • 4.2 Water and feed horse in line with workplace procedures and safe work practices
  • 4.3 Release horse safely to appropriate enclosure, paddock or yard
  • 4.4 Check, clean, maintain and store working gear
  • 4.5 Repair working gear according to industry practices
  • 4.6 Apply the workplace’s biosecurity and sustainability policies
5. Maintain horse health and condition
  • 5.1 Monitor horses as a part of daily routines to identify signs of ill health, injury and poor condition
  • 5.2 Muster or catch horses in need of attention, and report and record condition in line with workplace procedures
  • 5.3 Administer prescribed treatments for common ailments, under supervision of the veterinarian or manager
  • 5.4 Safely check horse legs and feet, safely clean out feet, and correctly identify lameness and potential causes for lameness
  • 5.5 Organise shoeing according to workplace procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBB18 AHCLSK336 Educate, care for, and ride horses for stock work Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OFF04 AHCLSK372 Train, care for and ride horses for stock work Unit of competency