Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Signs of illness or injury may include:
drooped head
tucked up
excess body condition
harsh coat
tight skin
dull eye, discharges
cold ears
hot or puffy legs, heat in feet
short or uneven stride
excessive lying down
laboured breathing
refusing food
broken limbs
cuts or lesions
lumps on or beneath skin
inability to urinate, or urine of unusual colour
inability to pass manure, or excessive scouring or constipation
abnormal sweating.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
risk management procedures
occupational health and safety
assessment procedures
referral procedures
reporting and documentation requirements
management of horse injury or illness
handling and restraining horses
communication protocols
first aid and emergency procedures
industry rules and regulations
code of ethics.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Horse's vital signs may include:
breathing
pulse.
Documentation requirements may include:
details of horse's condition
changes in condition
treatment
response to treatment.

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
Evidence of the following is essential:
utilises knowledge of anatomy and physiology and behaviour of horses to recognise and assess severity of horse's injury or illness
works within the constraints of a remote area to determine and implement a course of action to safely and effectively manage the horse's condition according to organisational policies and procedures
monitors condition of the horse and applies effective contingency management techniques to ensure horse's health and welfare and adjusts management of illness or injury in response to changing condition of horse
completes documentation in relation to the management or illness or injury.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure planning, implementation and evaluation of multiple injury or illness treatment plans to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a horse riding establishment
horses of varying physical conditions
appropriate horse first aid equipment
veterinarians
organisational policies and procedures.
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:
observation of assessment of injured or ill horses and application of appropriate action to manage horses condition
oral and or written questioning to assess knowledge of common horse ailments and their management
portfolio of case studies providing evidence of management of horse illness or injury and documentation completed
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISOEQO413A Guide trail rides in remote areas.