Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:00 PM AWST

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Provide equine massage therapy services

Provide equine massage therapy services

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMEQU510
State Code
ODV52
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 prepare and massage horses using techniques to relieve and/or prevent muscular and/or related abnormal physical conditions.The unit applies to individuals who perform equine massage services for clients and carers. They work autonomously, take responsibility for their own work and apply technical massage knowledge and skills to provide and communicate solutions for predictable and unpredictable problems.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. Current state/territory veterinary practice legislation and restricted acts of veterinary science limit the activities that may be carried out by non-registered veterinarians. Requirements vary between jurisdictions. All activities should be carried out within the constraints of the current, relevant legislation.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to massage horse
  • 1.1 Review information from initial assessment and client information
  • 1.2 Determine or confirm massage requirements, including body area/s, sequence, and degree of pressure
  • 1.3 Outline massage therapy approach to client or carer and obtain consent to proceed
2. Prepare horse for massage therapy
  • 2.1 Assess and control risks associated with interacting with horses in close proximity
  • 2.2 Prepare a safe and controlled area for conducting horse massage therapy, and introduce horse to environment
  • 2.3 Complete required pre-massage preparation and remove rugs and gear, as required
  • 2.4 Approach and interact with horse using safe, low stress handling techniques, and secure as required
3. Massage horse using appropriate techniques
  • 3.1 Work within equine safe zones and position own body and hands to reassure horse and detect potential movement or reactions during massage
  • 3.2 Provide massage therapy using appropriate technique, sequence, and degree of pressure suitable for body area and to meet horse requirements
  • 3.3 Monitor horse response and progress throughout massage therapy
  • 3.4 Adapt handling and adjust massage techniques and pressure control in response to horse reactions and behaviour
  • 3.5 Monitor horse for signs of pain, distress or alarm and recognise when behaviour indicates activity should be discontinued
  • 3.6 Recognise when environmental activity interferes with horse and therapy, and take appropriate action
  • 3.7 Recognise conditions that require referral to a veterinarian or other equine service practitioner
  • 3.8 Maintain efficient and effective use of own body position and movements to ensure personal health and safety
4. Finalise massage therapy service
  • 4.1 Complete post-therapy procedures and check horse is in suitable condition to return to client or carer
  • 4.2 Evaluate and review effectiveness of massage therapy
  • 4.3 Explain horse progress and response to massage therapy to client or carer, and to other equine practitioners as required
  • 4.4 Offer advice to client or carer on care of horse following massage therapy, and explain follow-up actions
  • 4.5 Finalise invoice, transaction or service arrangements
  • 4.6 Complete, update and store records as required according to workplace practices
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State Code National Code Title Type
BHN4 ACM50521 Diploma of Equine Allied Health Qualification