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.

Where might organisation work procedures be found for the work to be undertaken?
Work procedures will be based on sound agricultural principles and practices, and may include supervisors oral or written instructions, organisation standard operating procedures, specifications, work notes, waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines, and OHS procedures.

What tools and equipment might be required?
It includes saddles, breastplates, martingales, bridles, cruppers, saddle bags, headstalls, saddle cloths, feeders and rugs, and restraining devices such as rearing bit, war bridle, blindfold, twitch, neck skin hold, leg strap, hobbles and sidelines. Brushes and combs, clippers, bot knife, scrapers and soap will be used.

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).

How might stallions be exercised?
They will be exercised by lunging and/or riding.

What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise the OHS risk?
Relevant OHS hazards identification, risk assessment and risk control measures:
calm and positive actions at all times when handling horses, thus minimising the risk of kicks or bites from frightened or escaping animals
manual handling codes of practice should be strictly observed
awareness of the constant workplace hazard of kicks, bites and crushing from horses
safe working practices, including the need to communicate proposed actions with horses to all personnel in close proximity to avoid accidents
all procedures must be carried out in compliance with the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Acts, their regulations and the relevant codes of practice.

What horse health routines will be maintained?
Annual vaccination for bacterial disease, internal and external parasite prophylaxis, and hoof and limb injury treatment and maintenance.

How might stallions be identified?
Through freeze brands (on neck or shoulder), hot iron brands, lip tattoo, or hoof tattoos.

What restraints might be used?
Devices such as rearing bit, war bridle, blindfold, twitch, neck skin hold, leg strap, hobbles and sidelines.

How might hand mating be conducted?
It will occur in a stabled environment and involve tethering and serving hobbles on mares, twitches, sidelines, and fitting of serving boots and neck protection on mares.

What would organisation hygiene practice include?
It would include washing and grooming, preparation and washing of prepuce, vulva and other reproductive organs of stallion and mare, and disinfection of premises.

What will organisation mating or semen collection standards dictate?
They will cover specifications for limiting mating numbers for individual stallions, mating intervals, the use of specialist equipment, and seasonal routines.

What do post-mating procedures include?
They include washing, grooming, feeding, and rugging.

What information might be recorded and reported and what form might this take?
Dates, times and periods of work conducted, chemicals and other substances used including quantities and methods, and readings from temperature gauges.
Record keeping systems used may be either paper-based or digital, and information will be recorded into logbooks or other records.

Where might organisation work procedures be found for the work to be undertaken?
Work procedures will be based on sound agricultural principles and practices, and may include supervisors oral or written instructions, organisation standard operating procedures, specifications, work notes, waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines, and OHS procedures.

What tools and equipment might be required?
It includes saddles, breastplates, martingales, bridles, cruppers, saddle bags, headstalls, saddle cloths, feeders and rugs, and restraining devices such as rearing bit, war bridle, blindfold, twitch, neck skin hold, leg strap, hobbles and sidelines. Brushes and combs, clippers, bot knife, scrapers and soap will be used.

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).

How might stallions be exercised?
They will be exercised by lunging and/or riding.

What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise the OHS risk?
Relevant OHS hazards identification, risk assessment and risk control measures:
calm and positive actions at all times when handling horses, thus minimising the risk of kicks or bites from frightened or escaping animals
manual handling codes of practice should be strictly observed
awareness of the constant workplace hazard of kicks, bites and crushing from horses
safe working practices, including the need to communicate proposed actions with horses to all personnel in close proximity to avoid accidents
all procedures must be carried out in compliance with the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Acts, their regulations and the relevant codes of practice.

What horse health routines will be maintained?
Annual vaccination for bacterial disease, internal and external parasite prophylaxis, and hoof and limb injury treatment and maintenance.

How might stallions be identified?
Through freeze brands (on neck or shoulder), hot iron brands, lip tattoo, or hoof tattoos.

What restraints might be used?
Devices such as rearing bit, war bridle, blindfold, twitch, neck skin hold, leg strap, hobbles and sidelines.

How might hand mating be conducted?
It will occur in a stabled environment and involve tethering and serving hobbles on mares, twitches, sidelines, and fitting of serving boots and neck protection on mares.

What would organisation hygiene practice include?
It would include washing and grooming, preparation and washing of prepuce, vulva and other reproductive organs of stallion and mare, and disinfection of premises.

What will organisation mating or semen collection standards dictate?
They will cover specifications for limiting mating numbers for individual stallions, mating intervals, the use of specialist equipment, and seasonal routines.

What do post-mating procedures include?
They include washing, grooming, feeding, and rugging.

What information might be recorded and reported and what form might this take?
Dates, times and periods of work conducted, chemicals and other substances used including quantities and methods, and readings from temperature gauges.
Record keeping systems used may be either paper-based or digital, and information will be recorded into logbooks or other records.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in handling and caring for stallions requires evidence that stallions are kept in a healthy condition, and mating is conducted hygienically and according to animal codes of practice.
The skills and knowledge required to handle and care for stallions must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, across a range of those breeds and for both natural and hand mating procedures.
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:

the need for accurate identification and recording in the mating process
common equine injury and disease that affects breeding horses
relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare, and employment of staff and contractors
relevant OHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice
appropriate legislative requirements, manufacturers instructions and organisation procedures/instructions
organisation recording and reporting procedures.

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:

recognise disease, ill health or injury
humanely and safely handle stallions and mares
provide support to veterinarian for a range of procedures
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards
communicate with work team and supervisor, and record and report workplace hazards and accidents.

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:

the need for accurate identification and recording in the mating process
common equine injury and disease that affects breeding horses
relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare, and employment of staff and contractors
relevant OHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice
appropriate legislative requirements, manufacturers instructions and organisation procedures/instructions
organisation recording and reporting procedures.

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:

recognise disease, ill health or injury
humanely and safely handle stallions and mares
provide support to veterinarian for a range of procedures
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards
communicate with work team and supervisor, and record and report workplace hazards and accidents.

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 communicating with the stud network and veterinarians as required. (2)

Communicating ideas and information
In communicating with the stud network and veterinarians as required. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By collecting, analysing and organising information on stallion performance and mare broodiness. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By collecting, analysing and organising information on stallion performance and mare broodiness. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Through servicing procedures. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Through servicing procedures. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Working with others to facilitate smooth mating operations. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Working with others to facilitate smooth mating operations. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In calculating volume and breeding cycles. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In calculating volume and breeding cycles. (2)

Solving problems
When dealing with poor conception or difficult matings. (3)

Solving problems
When dealing with poor conception or difficult matings. (3)

Using technology
When communicating and completing laboratory measures. (2)

Using technology
When communicating and completing laboratory measures. (2)