Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
21/07/2026 11:16 PM AWST

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Apply anatomy and physiology to equine performance

Apply anatomy and physiology to equine performance

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOEQO418
State Code
WI690
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
14/12/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/01/2014
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
29/01/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply an understanding of the basic anatomical systems of horses and their conformation to their soundness and implications for performance.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine the impacts of conformation on horse soundness and performance.
  • 1.1. Identify the equine requirements for specific equine programs.
  • 1.2. Identify functions of the internal systems of a horse.
  • 1.3. Identify the common points of a horse to enable clear description of any performance-related problems.
  • 1.4. Explain the connection between conformation and performance of a horse.
  • 1.5. Use techniques to determine conformation faults that result in unsoundness and impact on the performance of a horse.
2. Assess horse for suitability for use in different programs
  • 2.1. Assess the health of individual horses in relation to anatomical systems
  • 2.2. Assess the suitability of individual horses for different uses in relation to their conformation
  • 2.3. Report findings to relevant parties.
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.
Internal systems must include:
respiratory system.
skeletal system
circulatory system
digestive system
reproductive system
nervous system
Techniques may include:
flexion test
trotting up the horse
lunging
using a plumb line to check straightness of limbs
measuring the cannon bone, heart girth
checking teeth alignment.
Conformation faults may include:
base wide
base narrow
calf knee
club foot
cow hocks
ewe neck
offset cannons
overshot and undershot mouth
roach back
sickle hocks
sway back
upright pastern
upright shoulder.
Unsoundness may include:
chronic lameness
deformities
weaknesses
poor structures.
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 ability to:
apply knowledge of internal systems of a horse to determine soundness of a horse
use techniques to analyse and report on conformation faults and physiological capacities of a variety of horses and link these to their suitability for use in different equine programs
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a private or commercial establishment with a variety of tack to meet the needs of different horses, and arenas or yards for riding and safe handling of horses.
multiple horses with a variety of conformation faults.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
oral and written questioning to identify conformation faults in a variety of horses and to describe how these relate to the soundness and performance of each horse
case studies requiring the analysis of performance problems of particular horses and the links to conformation faults
oral or written questioning to determine knowledge of the major internal systems of horses and their relationship to horse health and performance
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the individual.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BBF43 SISOEQU012 Assess horses for sport or recreational performance Unit of competency