Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:58 PM AWST

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Manage fitness in horses

Manage fitness in horses

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMEQU505
State Code
ODV33
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
45
Description
This unit of competency covers the knowledge and skills required to assess options, design strategies and manage fitness and conditioning programs for horses. It includes monitoring horse responses to conditioning and fitness schedules, responding to problems, and managing spelling and return-to-work periods.This unit applies to individuals who have responsibility for managing horse fitness, conditioning and exercise programs for a range of purposes. They have extensive knowledge of horses, analyse information, solve routine and at times complex problems, and convey information and skills to others. They may have responsibility for highly valuable animals.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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assess physiological and structural adaptations of horse musculoskeletal system to conditioning
  • 1.1 Identify anatomical and physiological effect of conditioning program on adaptations in major body systems of horses
  • 1.2 Assess structural differences in physical appearance and muscling between conditioned and unconditioned horses
  • 1.3 Determine strategies and techniques to use for conditioning horses
2. Assess changes to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in response to conditioning
  • 2.1 Arrange for blood tests to be taken and analysed for indicators of fitness and response to training, in consultation with veterinary experts
  • 2.2 Use heart rate monitors or stethoscopes, using safe, low stress horse handling techniques, to evaluate horse fitness and response to training
  • 2.3 Monitor and record heart rate pre-exercise and post-exercise to determine impact of exercise and competition and to track changes in fitness
  • 2.4 Measure and record respiratory rates following exercise to evaluate impact of exercise and track changes in fitness
  • 2.5 Investigate training and conditioning techniques to improve lung function and gas exchange efficiency, and apply where appropriate
3. Monitor and evaluate physiological outcomes of conditioning and exercise programs
  • 3.1 Determine and document conditioning and fitness goals
  • 3.2 Monitor and adapt program on a regular basis to ensure short-term and long-term goals are achieved
  • 3.3 Develop and implement a training and conditioning program to achieve required physiological adaptations
  • 3.4 Identify and manage exercise-related illness and injury
4. Evaluate contribution of feed sources on energy production in exercising horses
  • 4.1 Evaluate nutrient sources for their potential contribution to horse energy needs relative to exercise program, intensity and duration
  • 4.2 Evaluate nutritional supplements suitable for inclusion in diets of horses undergoing a fitness program
5. Manage fatigue in horses
  • 5.1 Identify causes of fatigue in exercising horses and develop measures to prevent or manage fatigue during training and competition
  • 5.2 Identify signs and effects of fatigue, and develop measures to minimise harm to the horse
6. Monitor and manage thermoregulation efficiency in exercising horses
  • 6.1 Develop and implement strategies to prevent over-heating during training and competition schedule
  • 6.2 Identify signs of over-heating in horses and take appropriate and rapid measures to provide relief
  • 6.3 Ensure that horses are kept appropriately hydrated during exercise, travel and competition
  • 6.4 Identify signs of dehydration in horses and take appropriate and rapid measures to provide relief
7. Manage spelling and resumption of work in horses
  • 7.1 Incorporate planned periods of rest into design of training and competition schedules
  • 7.2 Arrange rest or spelling periods to minimise loss of fitness
  • 7.3 Develop and implement strategies to manage transition from work to spelling
  • 7.4 Monitor health and welfare of horses being spelled
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBF18 ACMPHR505 Manage fitness in performance horses Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BHN4 ACM50521 Diploma of Equine Allied Health Qualification
CDY1 ACM40921 Certificate IV in Equine Care Qualification
BHN6 ACM50421 Diploma of Equine Management Qualification