Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:55 AM AWST
22/07/2026 10:55 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.
Maintain horses in a healthy state and safe environment
Maintain horses in a healthy state and safe environment
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCHBR308A
AHCHBR308A
State Code
WG537
WG537
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
18/11/2013
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
18/11/2013
Nominal Hours
90
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain horse health and welfare through the application of regular programs.In order to undertake this unit candidates should be capable of applying work health and safety procedures to the safe handling of horses.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Maintain horse environment
- 1.1 Housing is arranged to meet the individual needs of the animal
- 1.2 The animal environment maintained in an appropriate manner which takes into consideration animal welfare principles and work health and safety procedures
- 1.3 Food storage areas and water supply are cleaned and maintained to keep all areas are free of contaminants
- 1.4 Routine cleaning and maintenance of stables, yards and paddocks is established and monitored to ensure an hygienic environment
2. Monitor and maintain a horse vaccination program
- 2.1 Vaccination requirements for different horse classes are identified and understood
- 2.2 Vaccination program is maintained according to agreed schedule
- 2.3 Vaccination schedule is documented and appropriate certification records are maintained
3. Implement a horse health maintenance program
- 3.1 Regular regime of checking animals for signs of illness/injury is carried out
- 3.2 Causes and symptoms of common illnesses, injuries and parasitic infections are identified and treatment is provided under supervision
- 3.3 Internal and external parasites are identified and their impact on horses is assessed
- 3.4 Communicable diseases are identified and control measures are implemented under direction of appropriate personnel
- 3.5 Maintenance program/s are established and monitored for internal and external parasite control
4. Implement a hoof care and maintenance program
- 4.1 Common hoof diseases and injuries are recognised and appropriate treatment or referral to specialist is arranged as required
- 4.2 Common gait abnormalities are identified and reported and treatment is arranged in accordance with organisational procedures
- 4.3 Hoof care and shoeing, including corrective measures, are appropriate to horses’ welfare and training program
- 4.4 Effective communication with farriers is maintained and all records of work carried out are kept according to organisational requirements
- 4.5 Regular hoof care routine for horses is implemented
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Needs may include:
environmental
physical
security
emotional
Animal environment includes:
housing
shelters
paddocks
fences
Horse classes cover:
foals and weanlings
mares
stallions
other adult horses
previously vaccinated
unvaccinated
Common illnesses, injuries and parasitic infections may include:
illnesses:
circulatory disorders
eye, nose and mouth disorders
digestive disorders
metabolic disorders
musculo-skeletal disorders
neurological disorders
respiratory disorders
skin disorders
injuries:
bruises
falls
girth galls
joint injuries
sprained ligaments or tendons
strained muscles
tack rubs
wounds
parasitic infections
external - lice, ticks
internal - worms
Needs may include:
environmental
physical
security
emotional
Animal environment includes:
housing
shelters
paddocks
fences
Horse classes cover:
foals and weanlings
mares
stallions
other adult horses
previously vaccinated
unvaccinated
Common illnesses, injuries and parasitic infections may include:
illnesses:
circulatory disorders
eye, nose and mouth disorders
digestive disorders
metabolic disorders
musculo-skeletal disorders
neurological disorders
respiratory disorders
skin disorders
injuries:
bruises
falls
girth galls
joint injuries
sprained ligaments or tendons
strained muscles
tack rubs
wounds
parasitic infections
external - lice, ticks
internal - worms
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 include demonstration of candidates ability to perform the following:
knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions that are to apply when managing horse health and welfare
implementation of procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient provision of horse health and welfare
working with others to implement and complete horse health and welfare procedures that meet required outcomes
treat common diseases and recognise common ailments, ill health and injury in horses
handle and restrain horses for observation and treatment as required
treat horse 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
Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.
Assessment must include observation of relevant skills.
The following resources must be available:
materials and equipment relevant to assessing candidate's ability to manage horse health and welfare
safe handling areas, such as stables
work instructions and related documentation
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and first hand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks
inspection of completed work
Where performance is not directly observed any evidence should be authenticated by supervisors or other appropriate persons.
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 include demonstration of candidates ability to perform the following:
knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions that are to apply when managing horse health and welfare
implementation of procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient provision of horse health and welfare
working with others to implement and complete horse health and welfare procedures that meet required outcomes
treat common diseases and recognise common ailments, ill health and injury in horses
handle and restrain horses for observation and treatment as required
treat horse 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
Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.
Assessment must include observation of relevant skills.
The following resources must be available:
materials and equipment relevant to assessing candidate's ability to manage horse health and welfare
safe handling areas, such as stables
work instructions and related documentation
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and first hand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks
inspection of completed work
Where performance is not directly observed any evidence should be authenticated by supervisors or other appropriate persons.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBE14 | ACMHBR308 | Maintain horses in a healthy state | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D469 | AHC30310 | Certificate III in Horse Breeding | Qualification |