Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What organisation procedures may apply to this standard?
Work procedures will be based on sound agricultural principles and practices and may include supervisors oral or written instructions, livestock production program, organisation standard operating procedures, specifications, routine maintenance schedules, work notes, product labels and Material Safety Data Sheets, manufacturers service specifications and operators manuals, waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines, and OHS procedures.

What would the administrative or recordkeeping requirements entail and how might it be documented?
Requirements may relate to the tracking of animals or batches, legislative requirements for quarantine, or animal health requirements. They might also be for industrial or regulatory purposes.
Record keeping systems used may be either paper-based or digital, and information will be recorded into logbooks or other records.

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?
This may include boots, helmet, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or face mask, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

What will estimations of horse health and condition need to include?
Lameness, sore eyes, sore mouth, girth galls, back conditions, mud, caked sweat or vegetable matter, damaged feet or lower limbs, and localised or systemic infections.

What are some of the factors that affect stockhorse nutrition and feeding programs?
Some factors include paddock conditions, the presence of native and introduced species of grasses and legumes, feeding/mastication/teeth problems, hierarchical structures in the mob, the differing demands of age, sex, work, growth and pregnancy, mineral requirements, and availability of roughage, grains, supplements and greenfeed.

What is involved in breaking of horses and who will do it?
Grooming, rugging, shoeing, and riding in confined and open areas, and stock work in confined and open areas.
Horse breaking will generally be carried out by specialist breakers.

What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise the OHS risk?
All working routines for horses must be carried out in line with the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Acts and relevant animal codes of welfare
relevant
safe operating procedures
safe manual handling systems and procedures
safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation
selection, use and maintenance of relevant personal protective equipment.
Safety in horse handling depends on the following factors:
stock (age, sex, breed, weight, presence of foals at foot, stress, training, temperament of the horse)
the facilities and conditions (state of repair, size and design of yards, and facilities and restraint used)
the activity being performed
alertness, clothing, headgear and riding equipment
planning work procedure sequences
the competence of the rider/handler.

What organisation procedures may apply to this standard?
Work procedures will be based on sound agricultural principles and practices and may include supervisors oral or written instructions, livestock production program, organisation standard operating procedures, specifications, routine maintenance schedules, work notes, product labels and Material Safety Data Sheets, manufacturers service specifications and operators manuals, waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines, and OHS procedures.

What would the administrative or recordkeeping requirements entail and how might it be documented?
Requirements may relate to the tracking of animals or batches, legislative requirements for quarantine, or animal health requirements. They might also be for industrial or regulatory purposes.
Record keeping systems used may be either paper-based or digital, and information will be recorded into logbooks or other records.

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?
This may include boots, helmet, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or face mask, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

What will estimations of horse health and condition need to include?
Lameness, sore eyes, sore mouth, girth galls, back conditions, mud, caked sweat or vegetable matter, damaged feet or lower limbs, and localised or systemic infections.

What are some of the factors that affect stockhorse nutrition and feeding programs?
Some factors include paddock conditions, the presence of native and introduced species of grasses and legumes, feeding/mastication/teeth problems, hierarchical structures in the mob, the differing demands of age, sex, work, growth and pregnancy, mineral requirements, and availability of roughage, grains, supplements and greenfeed.

What is involved in breaking of horses and who will do it?
Grooming, rugging, shoeing, and riding in confined and open areas, and stock work in confined and open areas.
Horse breaking will generally be carried out by specialist breakers.

What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise the OHS risk?
All working routines for horses must be carried out in line with the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Acts and relevant animal codes of welfare
relevant
safe operating procedures
safe manual handling systems and procedures
safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation
selection, use and maintenance of relevant personal protective equipment.
Safety in horse handling depends on the following factors:
stock (age, sex, breed, weight, presence of foals at foot, stress, training, temperament of the horse)
the facilities and conditions (state of repair, size and design of yards, and facilities and restraint used)
the activity being performed
alertness, clothing, headgear and riding equipment
planning work procedure sequences
the competence of the rider/handler.

Competence in managing horses for stockwork requires evidence of the ability to develop operational procedures to maintain health of livestock, identify ill horses and consult with veterinarians, manage nutritional requirements of horses, and supervise the horse work of other property personnel such as the breaking in by contractors.
The skills and knowledge required to manage natural mating must be transferable to another rural workplace. For example, across a range of terrains and conditions, and where the operators are either employees or contractors.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

care and maintenance of hooves and the lower limb
relevant legislation and regulations relating to OHS, contractor engagement, chemical use and application, and vehicle and plant use
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the business and to the seeding operations
sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours, and debris.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

handle and ride horses safely
complete basic hoof care procedures
groom horses
care for saddlery and equipment
co-ordinate operations with a number of people
explain, and deliver instructions about the plans and scheduling of the operations to both staff and contractors
recognise poor growth and lack of vigour caused by nutrient deficiency
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

care and maintenance of hooves and the lower limb
relevant legislation and regulations relating to OHS, contractor engagement, chemical use and application, and vehicle and plant use
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the business and to the seeding operations
sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours, and debris.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

handle and ride horses safely
complete basic hoof care procedures
groom horses
care for saddlery and equipment
co-ordinate operations with a number of people
explain, and deliver instructions about the plans and scheduling of the operations to both staff and contractors
recognise poor growth and lack of vigour caused by nutrient deficiency
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
In explaining the work requirements and the OHS hazards to staff and contractors. (2)

Communicating ideas and information
In explaining the work requirements and the OHS hazards to staff and contractors. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In judging and assessing horse health and nutritional requirements for each horse. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In judging and assessing horse health and nutritional requirements for each horse. (3)

Planning and organising activities
By arranging a variety of activities for a range of people within a given timeframe. (3)

Planning and organising activities
By arranging a variety of activities for a range of people within a given timeframe. (3)

Working with others and in teams
In working with others to ensure the continued healthy condition and sound training of horses. (2)

Working with others and in teams
In working with others to ensure the continued healthy condition and sound training of horses. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In calculating supplementary feed for horses, and in assessing improvements in horse health and training. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In calculating supplementary feed for horses, and in assessing improvements in horse health and training. (2)

Solving problems
When dealing with difficult or fractious horses. (3)

Solving problems
When dealing with difficult or fractious horses. (3)

Using technology
When measuring, communicating and calculating. (1)

Using technology
When measuring, communicating and calculating. (1)