Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:01 AM AWST

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Prepare horses for presentation at an event

Prepare horses for presentation at an event

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMEQU311
State Code
ODV67
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
18/02/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/05/2022
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
25/05/2022
Nominal Hours
65
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare a compliant and manageable horse for presentation at an event. Events may include competitions, shows or commercial sales. It involves washing, grooming and coat trimming horses, and cleaning and fitting horse gear.This unit applies to workers who apply technical knowledge and skills with discretion and judgment to interpret horse presentation standards and prepare horses for events. They work under broad direction and may have responsibility for highly valuable animals. Work environments may include wash bays, grooming bays, yards and stables, which may also be at competition, event and sales venues.Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety and animal welfare legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to interacting with horses apply to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and jurisdictions.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, except for the racing industry, where requirements vary between states and territories. Users working in the racing industry are advised to contact the relevant Principal Racing Authority for advice on current requirements.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan presentation requirements
  • 1.1 Confirm the event or activity, horse required and specific presentation requirements and/or standards
  • 1.2 Check horse is fit for event, and respond to any abnormalities
  • 1.3 Confirm event location and specific timings, and develop action plan to complete grooming tasks and final preparation of horse
  • 1.4 Identify hazards and assess and control risks related to general horse and equipment preparation
  • 1.5 Select and correctly fit personal protective equipment (PPE) required for horse handling and horse gear and equipment preparation
  • 1.6 Select, check and clean horse gear and equipment required
  • 1.7 Fit and adjust gear to horse prior to event
  • 1.8 Prepare event grooming tools, equipment and products
2. Wash horse
  • 2.1 Select and correctly fit PPE required for horse washing
  • 2.2 Identify hazards and assess and control risks related to leading, restraining and washing horse in wash bay
  • 2.3 Secure horse in wash bay and safely wash according to requirements, taking care around horse head and ears
  • 2.4 Dry horse using appropriate scraping and drying tools
  • 2.5 Safely remove horse from wash bay
3. Groom horse to presentation standard
  • 3.1 Identify hazards, and assess and control risks relating to restraining and grooming horse
  • 3.2 Select and correctly fit PPE required for grooming
  • 3.3 Select and prepare required grooming equipment according to competition or horse breed standard requirements
  • 3.4 Position, secure and groom horse using safe and low stress techniques
  • 3.5 Groom to remove loose hair and encourage the coat to lay flat, and detangle mane and tail
  • 3.6 Identify signs of horse illness, injury or abnormal behaviour during grooming, and action as required
  • 3.7 Clean, store and maintain grooming tools and PPE
4. Trim horse to maintain established presentation style
  • 4.1 Confirm trimming requirements according to breed standard, competition rules and horse welfare requirements
  • 4.2 Identify hazards and assess and control risks related to restraining and trimming horse
  • 4.3 Select and correctly fit PPE required for coat trimming
  • 4.4 Select and use appropriate horse trimming tools safely to trim horse to required style and standards
  • 4.5 Apply safe handling and positioning techniques when using scissors and blades around horse
  • 4.6 Complete trim, and clean and maintain trimming tools
5. Plait mane and tail using low stress practices
  • 5.1 Confirm style of plaiting and number of plaits to be created
  • 5.2 Identify hazards and assess and control the risks related to restraining and plaiting horse
  • 5.3 Select and correctly fit PPE required for plaiting
  • 5.4 Select and use appropriate horse plaiting tools to safely plait horse according to required style, standards and horse welfare requirements
  • 5.5 Apply safe handling and positioning techniques when using scissors, needles and other blades around horses
  • 5.6 Divide mane and plait down to produce plaits of even thickness
  • 5.7 Run up plaits and forelock in required style, and secure
  • 5.8 Use grooming techniques and products to encourage mane and tail hair to lay flat
  • 5.9 Groom and braid tail as required to meet presentation standard
6. Complete final grooming and fit horse gear
  • 6.1 Apply grooming products to highlight coat and other horse features as required
  • 6.2 Dress hooves to comply with event requirements
  • 6.3 Fit gear to horse required for event, and present horse to handler, rider and/or driver
  • 6.4 Complete final check and wipe over
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBE75 ACMEQU211 Prepare horses for competition, presentation or sale Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BHN7 ACM30821 Certificate III in Horse Care Qualification
BHN3 ACM20221 Certificate II in Horse Care Qualification