Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:36 AM AWST

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Train, care for and ride horses for stock work

Train, care for and ride horses for stock work

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCLSK372
State Code
OFF04
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
11/02/2025
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/08/2025
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
11/08/2025
Nominal Hours
90
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to train, handle and ride horses to muster, move and separate livestock. It covers caring for horses and equipment, and addresses the potential risks associated with working with and around horses and livestock.The unit applies to individuals who have experience working in the livestock industry and in riding educated, compliant and manageable horses to muster and check stock on grazing properties. They work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace, and animal welfare legislation, regulations, standards and guidelines, and sustainability and biosecurity practices.In addition to legal responsibilities, all units of competency dealing with animals in the AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package have the requirements for animals to be handled humanely to minimise stress and discomfort.No licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare horses for work
  • 1.1 Identify hazards and risks and implement safe working practices to manage risks
  • 1.2 Select, fit, use and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) applicable to the task
  • 1.3 Select, muster, or bring from paddock, and assess the suitability of the horse for the task
  • 1.4 Catch and handle horse safely and humanely according to animal welfare practices
  • 1.5 Assess horse for health, injury, soundness and fitness level to ensure it is capable to complete required work
  • 1.6 Groom horse prior to exercise or work
  • 1.7 Select, check, and maintain working equipment, according to work instructions
  • 1.8 Fit working gear to individual horse
  • 1.9 Check and report faulty or unsafe equipment or PPE to supervisor
2. Train horses for stock work
  • 2.1 Assess current level of education of the horse
  • 2.2 Train horse to calmly carry out required movements for working stock, including stops, turns and rollbacks
  • 2.3 Train horse to work and control a mob of livestock as a whole
  • 2.4 Train horse to safely handle a single animal and to return it to the mob safely according to industry practices
  • 2.5 Train horse to separate an animal from a mob as instructed and according to industry and animal welfare practices
  • 2.6 Train horse to calmly accept a stock whip being used by the rider, if required by the workplace, according to industry and animal welfare practices
  • 2.7 Train horse to work with working dogs where required by workplace
  • 2.8 Utilise agreed emergency procedures when training horses in required safety movements
3. Ride horses to carry out stock work
  • 3.1 Interpret work program to determine work to be undertaken, and confirm with supervisor
  • 3.2 Select horses for the task, taking into consideration task requirements and own skill level
  • 3.3 Catch and handle horses safely and humanely according to animal welfare practices
  • 3.4 Practise and reinforce training of horse while carrying out routine stock work
  • 3.5 Take corrective action to re-train horse where necessary
4. Provide post-ride care and maintain saddlery and equipment
  • 4.1 Remove gear, and groom, wash or clean horse according to workplace procedures
  • 4.2 Assess horse for health, injury and soundness, and administer prescribed equine vaccinations and treatments for common ailments, under supervision of the veterinarian or supervisor
  • 4.3 Water and feed horse according to workplace procedures
  • 4.4 Release horse safely to enclosure, paddock or yard
  • 4.5 Clean and maintain working gear and riding PPE, and store according to workplace procedures
  • 4.6 Repair working gear according to industry practices and workplace procedures
  • 4.7 Apply workplace sustainability and biosecurity practices
5. Maintain horse health and condition
  • 5.1 Monitor horses as a part of daily routines to identify signs of ill health, injury and poor condition
  • 5.2 Muster or catch horses in need of attention, and report and record condition according to workplace procedures
  • 5.3 Administer prescribed treatments for common ailments, under supervision of the veterinarian or supervisor
  • 5.4 Safely check horse legs and feet, clean out feet, and identify lameness and its potential causes
  • 5.5 Organise shoeing according to workplace procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBF05 AHCLSK337 Train, care for and ride horses for stock work Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BJB3 AHC30122 Certificate III in Agriculture Qualification
BKE1 AHC33325 Certificate III in Feedlot Operations Qualification