Elements and Performance Criteria

Range of Variables
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 and guidelines 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 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 must unbroken horses initially be handled?
Initially by approaching the unbroken horse, fitting halters, fitting neck collars, and use of industry recognised handling strategies.
How must mouthing be performed?
By lunging, long reins, restraints, and other industry/organisation practices.
What is involved in the education and breaking of horses?
It involves grooming, rugging, shoeing, riding in confined and open areas, and stockwork in confined and open areas.
What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise the OHS risk?
Relevant OHS hazards identification, risk assessment and risk control measures:
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.
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.
What are some common ailments of stockhorses?
Lower limb injury, respiratory diseases, infectious skin diseases, eye injuries, tendon and ligament injuries, lacerations and abrasions, viral, fungal or bacterial infections, internal or external parasites, nutritional disorders, and colic.
What does working gear include?
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.
For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment refer to the Sector Booklet.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in performing advanced level horsemanship activities requires evidence of the ability to prepare horses for handling operations using equipment with calm and humane methods to minimise undue stress and risk to horses or handlers. It requires the ability to prepare and break in horses for riding and monitor health, together with maintenance of saddlery and horse equipment. Evidence must also be demonstrated in the advanced employment of safe workplace and positive environmental practices.
The skills and knowledge required must be transferable to another rural environment. For example, across a range of horse temperaments and stages of breaking and training.


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:
assessing horse confirmation and work capabilities
basic anatomy and physiology of a horse
anatomy of the lower limbs of horses
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the organisation
the organisations livestock production and management plans - sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours and debris from the livestock operations
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.


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:
identify common horse ailments
quickly develop an empathy with the horse or horses in their care
handle horses for routine procedures
effectively assess horse needs and capabilities
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards
measure quantities required for feed.




What processes should be applied to this competency standard?
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.
1. How can communication of ideas and information (1) be applied?
When interpreting the specific work that is required, and when dealing with colleagues and clients.
2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (2)?
When determining the health needs and breaking requirements of the horse.
3. How are activities planned and organised (2)?
In setting up the regimes for breaking the horses.
4. How can team work (3) be applied?
When working alongside others to achieve a common workplace outcome.
5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (2) be applied?
In calculating quantities and volumes of feed and additives.
6. How can problem-solving skills (2) be applied?
When dealing with difficult or fractious horses.
7. How can the use of technology (2) be applied?
When measuring, communicating and calculating.




Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed, in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines. Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet.