Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:30 PM 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.

Monitor horse health and welfare

Monitor horse health and welfare

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCHBR201A
State Code
D6824
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
14/02/2014
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
14/02/2014
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit covers the processes of dealing with horse injuries and emergencies when they occur and defines the standard required to: handle horses in a calm and professional manner; check horses for signs of lameness or soreness and report problems; carry out emergency procedures calmly and efficiently; identify symptoms of ill health or injury and treat minor injuries; apply hoof care treatment as instructed.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Follow procedures for horse health and welfare
  • 1.1. Regular checks are taken to assess horse health and welfare according to the requirements of the organisation.
  • 1.2. Procedures for handling horses calmly and professionally are followed.
2. Carry out horse checks
  • 2.1. All horses are routinely checked for signs of ill health.
  • 2.2. Horses are examined for signs of lameness or soreness and abnormalities reported in the methods prescribed in the organisations work procedures.
  • 2.3. Evidence of heat or swelling in legs is reported to manager or foreman and treated under instruction.
  • 2.4. Hooves cleaned and shoes are examined for wear and damage.
  • 2.5. Faulty, broken or loose shoes removed and farriery assistance is called, when required, in line with the organisations work procedures.
  • 2.6. While handling the horses, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are continually identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.
  • 2.7. Horses are handled safely and all required horse restraints are within the organisations and industry guidelines for animal health and welfare.
3. Deal with horse emergencies
  • 3.1. Common signs of injury or life threatening conditions are detected and the situation quickly analysed before notification or action is taken.
  • 3.2. Life threatening ailments requiring emergency treatment are notified to the trainer, manager or veterinarian and immediate assistance is called.
  • 3.3. Basic emergency and/or first aid procedures are carried out until professional help arrives.
  • 3.4. Cast horse is calmed and returned to its feet in a safe manner.
  • 3.5. Serious cuts and abrasions are promptly shown to the veterinarian and assistance provided, as required, during professional treatment.
4. Provide veterinary procedure support
  • 4.1. Cuts, abrasions and bruises are treated under instruction from the veterinarian, manager or foreman.
  • 4.2. Horse is examined for signs of distress of soreness after work or mating procedures, and all abnormalities are reported.
  • 4.3. Appropriate hoof care treatment is applied as instructed by the manager or foreman.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Horse health and welfare checks may include:
checking of nasal passages
vaginal or rectal discharge
rectal temperature
coughing
abnormal coat conditions
changes to pulse
respiration changes abnormal behaviour
vices such as weaving depraved appetite or other boredom conditions that may reflect on the health of stabled horses.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
handle horses in a calm and professional manner
check horses for signs of lameness or soreness and report problems
carry out emergency procedures calmly and efficiently
identify symptoms of ill health or injury
treat minor injuries and apply hoof care treatment as instructed.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S3429 RTE2104A Carry out regular horse observation Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BBD83 ACMHBR201 Check and treat horses Unit of competency