Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the processes of dealing with horse injuries and emergencies when they occur and defines the standard required to: handle horses in a calm and professional manner; check horses for signs of lameness or soreness and report problems; carry out emergency procedures calmly and efficiently; identify symptoms of ill health or injury and treat minor injuries; apply hoof care treatment as instructed.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to providing support to professional health practitioners. The work in this standard is likely to be carried out under routine supervision within organisation guidelines.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Follow procedures for horse health and welfare

1.1. Regular checks are taken to assess horse health and welfare according to the requirements of the organisation.

1.2. Procedures for handling horses calmly and professionally are followed.

2. Carry out horse checks

2.1. All horses are routinely checked for signs of ill health.

2.2. Horses are examined for signs of lameness or soreness and abnormalities reported in the methods prescribed in the organisations work procedures.

2.3. Evidence of heat or swelling in legs is reported to manager or foreman and treated under instruction.

2.4. Hooves cleaned and shoes are examined for wear and damage.

2.5. Faulty, broken or loose shoes removed and farriery assistance is called, when required, in line with the organisations work procedures.

2.6. While handling the horses, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are continually identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.

2.7. Horses are handled safely and all required horse restraints are within the organisations and industry guidelines for animal health and welfare.

3. Deal with horse emergencies

3.1. Common signs of injury or life threatening conditions are detected and the situation quickly analysed before notification or action is taken.

3.2. Life threatening ailments requiring emergency treatment are notified to the trainer, manager or veterinarian and immediate assistance is called.

3.3. Basic emergency and/or first aid procedures are carried out until professional help arrives.

3.4. Cast horse is calmed and returned to its feet in a safe manner.

3.5. Serious cuts and abrasions are promptly shown to the veterinarian and assistance provided, as required, during professional treatment.

4. Provide veterinary procedure support

4.1. Cuts, abrasions and bruises are treated under instruction from the veterinarian, manager or foreman.

4.2. Horse is examined for signs of distress of soreness after work or mating procedures, and all abnormalities are reported.

4.3. Appropriate hoof care treatment is applied as instructed by the manager or foreman.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• identify hazards and apply safe work practices
• handle horses
• perform duties around horses in a firm but calm, gentle and unhurried manner
• identify signs of ill health or injury, or signs of abnormal or depressed appetite
• observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards
• use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• horses of all classes and horse husbandry
• the range of ailments that may occur or affect horses in the property
• the application of a range of basic treatments under veterinary supervision
• environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise
• the organisations livestock production and management plans
• sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours and debris from the horse operations
• relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare, and OHS.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• handle horses in a calm and professional manner
• check horses for signs of lameness or soreness and report problems
• carry out emergency procedures calmly and efficiently
• identify symptoms of ill health or injury
• treat minor injuries and apply hoof care treatment as instructed.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Horse health and welfare checks may include:

• checking of nasal passages
• vaginal or rectal discharge
• rectal temperature
• coughing
• abnormal coat conditions
• changes to pulse
• respiration changes abnormal behaviour
• vices such as weaving depraved appetite or other boredom conditions that may reflect on the health of stabled horses.

Unit sector 

Horse breeding

Co-requisite units 

Competency field