Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:14 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.

Handle horses safely

Handle horses safely

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMEQU202
State Code
BBE65
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
29/11/2017
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/06/2018
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
20/06/2018
Nominal Hours
90
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify, safely catch, control and handle calm, consistent and obedient horses educated for the relevant activity. It covers knowledge of potential risks working with and around horses and following industry guidelines and procedures to ensure the welfare and safety of the individual, other workers and the horse.The unit applies to individuals who have no experience, limited experience or no recent experience working in the relevant horse industry sector. They undertake defined routine activities under supervision and have limited responsibility for their own work. Working environments may include stables, paddocks, yards, tracks, exercise arenas and public areas.No licensing 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.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. Identify features of horses
  • 1.1 Distinguish horses by their features, and describe using industry terminology
  • 1.2 Identify common horse behaviour and social traits
2. Safely approach, catch, control and lead horses
  • 2.1 Check and clarify supervisor instructions for tasks requiring involving approaching, catching and leading horse
  • 2.2 Select and correctly fit personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • 2.3 Identify, select and prepare appropriate gear for handling horses safely
  • 2.4 Identify and report to supervisor potential safety risks prior to approaching horse
  • 2.5 Identify horse according to instructions and observe horse body language and behaviour before approaching
  • 2.6 Prepare halter and lead in hand prior to approaching the horse
  • 2.7 Approach calmly and catch horse using safe handling techniques under supervision
  • 2.8 Apply safe control when leading and tying up horse and use safe handling practices around tied-up horses
  • 2.9 Use safe handling procedures around other handlers and horses
3. Load and unload horses under supervision
  • 3.1 Check and clarify supervisor instructions for tasks requiring the loading and unloading of horses
  • 3.2 Identify potential safety risks to handler and horse when loading and unloading horses, and discuss with supervisor
  • 3.3 Select and correctly fit PPE for safe loading and/or unloading of horses
  • 3.4 Select gear and equipment for loading horse and check gear for safety
  • 3.5 Fit gear to horse correctly prior to loading under supervision
  • 3.6 Load horses safely according to instructions under supervision
  • 3.7 Position horse according to transport configuration
  • 3.8 Unload horse safely according to instructions under supervision
4. Control horses in exercise environments
  • 4.1 Check and clarify supervisor instructions for tasks requiring the handling of horses in public areas
  • 4.2 Identify potential safety risks to handler and horse when handling horses in public areas, and discuss with supervisor
  • 4.3 Select and correctly fit PPE for safe handling of horses
  • 4.4 Select gear and equipment, including safety check of gear
  • 4.5 Observe and identify horse body language and behaviour prior to handling in exercise environments
  • 4.6 Use safe control when leading and standing with a horse in a public area under supervision
  • 4.7 Use safe control when leading and standing with a horse confined in a stable or yard
No information
No information
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
ODV44 ACMEQU212 Handle horses safely Unit of competency
ODV60 ACMEQU217 Load and unload horses Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
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