Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:57 AM 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.

Handle horses

Handle horses

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOEQO201A
State Code
D6248
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/10/2013
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
22/10/2013
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to handle horses safely. This unit focuses on the identification and safe catching, management and handling of horses for the purposes of transporting, training and racing or recreational use.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify and catch, control and lead a horse.
  • 1.1. Use features to correctly identify horses within a working environment.
  • 1.2. Consider behaviour and level of training of horse prior to handling.
  • 1.3. Identify and adjust to influencing factors which affect the senses, communication traits and behaviour patterns of horses.
  • 1.4. Approach and catch selected horse using appropriate gear, and handle, lead and control in a safe manner.
2. Assist with the transportation of horses.
  • 2.1. Check towing vehicle and float for safety, suitability and compliance with road transport regulations.
  • 2.2. Correctly position vehicle and float for loading and unloading.
  • 2.3. Prepare horses for transport and apply protective equipment.
  • 2.4. Load or unload horses in a calm and humane manner, in accordance with instructions.
  • 2.5. Apply correct procedures, under supervision, for dealing with difficult situations in loading and unloading, including procedures for securing and restraining horses.
  • 2.6. Correctly report incidents, equipment defects, procedural problems and animal behaviour during transportation.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Features may include:
colour
markings
brands
sex
size.
Working environment may include:
wash bays
day yards
paddocks
round yards
exercise areas
stables
crushes
stripping stalls
sand rolls
restraining areas
swimming pools
beaches
rivers and dams
stalls
race tracks
training areas.
Behaviour and level of training may include:
good behaviour traits and vices
level of training required for safe handling and controlling
assessment of appropriate behaviour for handling.
Influencing factors may include:
wind and noise
physical environment
weather
other animals
vehicles
fences
equipment.
Appropriate gear may include:
halters
appropriate leads
lunging whip
floating boots
bandages
twitches
anti rearing bits
muzzles
leg ropes
hobbles.
Transport may include:
floats
trucks
air transport.
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
Evidence of the following is essential:
applies relevant process to select and use appropriate gear to handle, lead and control horses in a safe manner
takes measures to identify different horses and develop trusting relationships with them through the use of horse psychology, consistent positive body language and verbal instructions
follows written and verbal instructions from the instructor to assist in catching, leading and transporting horses safely
modifies technique to deal with a range of reasonably tractable horse handling situations and correctly reports incidents, equipment defects, procedural problems and animal behaviour.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure conduct of multiple horse handling activities to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources, such as information on horse features and behaviours
a suitable location, such as stables
a variety of quiet and reasonably tractable horses of different temperaments and behaviours, and at different stages of training
equipment such as leg ropes, muzzles, leads, horse float and a suitable vehicle for towing
a supervisor or manager.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of equipment selection and preparation to ensure proper fit and usage
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of individual horse information, previous training, handling and behaviour
observation of safe participation and demonstration of correct horse handling techniques when identifying, catching, leading and transporting a horse
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing work performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
RTE2121A Provide daily care for horses
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C6169 SROEQO001A Handle horses safely Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BBF47 SISOEQU001 Handle horses Unit of competency