Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:32 PM AWST

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Relate musculoskeletal system to horse conformation and movement

Relate musculoskeletal system to horse conformation and movement

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMEQU415
State Code
ODV43
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
110
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assess and evaluate the physical condition, conformation and movement of horses and/or other equines. It covers the implications of conformation on performance, development of corrective measures and recommendations for horses in relation to their intended purpose.The unit applies to individuals who have experience working with a range of horses in senior roles within a horse establishment or in a specialist technical equine field. They work autonomously, analyse information, recommend solutions to routine and at times complex problems, and convey information to others.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. Determine structural features of horse musculoskeletal system
  • 1.1 Establish a safe area to observe and examine horses, incorporating risk assessment and control measures
  • 1.2 Observe and assess horse skeletal structure, posture and proportions
  • 1.3 Assess size, shape and key features of the head, neck, back and hind quarters
  • 1.4 Examine structural features of fore and hind legs, and hooves
  • 1.5 Identify desirable and undesirable conformation characteristics
  • 1.6 Compare horse conformation to features associated with various work, sport or recreational activities
2. Determine horse muscling and relationship to movement and biomechanics
  • 2.1 Observe horse from different angles and evaluate muscling at key points
  • 2.2 Identify location of joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments of significance to movement
  • 2.3 Relate basic biomechanics to horse balance and movement when static and in motion
3. Assess horse conformation and movement
  • 3.1 Determine the impact of age on horse growth rates and stages of development
  • 3.2 Assess horse conformation and identify structural differences in physical appearance and muscling between conditioned and unconditioned horses
  • 3.3 Observe horse movement in different gaits, and identify any irregularities with and without a saddle and/or associated gear
  • 3.4 Identify effects of overtraining, exercise and injury on musculoskeletal system
  • 3.5 Assess suitability of conformation and anatomy specific to the choice of gear and equipment
  • 3.6 Identify where injury or inhibited movement is attributed to gear and equipment
  • 3.7 Identify issues where referral to an equine service provider is recommended
4. Determine horse suitability for intended purpose or activity
  • 4.1 Identify intended purpose or activity planned for horse, and assess suitability based on evaluation of conformation, movement and physical condition
  • 4.2 Make recommendations to optimise horse condition and movement for intended purpose or activity
  • 4.3 Convey information and recommendations relating to horse conformation, movement and physical condition to relevant personnel
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBE59 ACMPHR503 Evaluate performance horse conformation Unit of competency
BBE39 ACMEQU403 Relate musculoskeletal structure to horse movement Unit of competency